Originally Posted by
Alan Davenport
None of your "issues" are really about results.
1. It gets easier with experience, but really this is just something most of us have gotten accustomed to having our cameras do for us. LF photography is 100% manual.
2. Yes, but that's not a result.
3. True. Once you get a bit more comfortable with the camera, you'll probably find that you have a higher percentage of keepers with LF. Also, the limited output, enforced by the slow, manual nature of the medium, tends to reduce the cost (your items 2 and 6.) My own experience with large format vs. 35mm film, is that I spend a lot less with 4x5 film than with 35mm, because I can't blast through 6 rolls in a day.
4. "Big" deal. That's why it's called "large" format. Again, gets easier with practice and you'll be the one the tourists point at and talk about.
5. Requires a different way of seeing. I find the inverted image on the GG helps to isolate form and texture from the subject matter.
6. See #2.
7. That's called "photography." Just another one of those things we've gotten lazy about because we're used to having other folks, or our cameras, do for us.
8. Drink coffee while waiting. Or beer. Your choice. The limited number of photos in a day (#3) mediates this problem anyhow.
9. Hallelujah! Finally you've hit on a positive note. There's no histogram, either; hooray! Buy some pocket-sized notepads and a pencil; and write down your exposure data. Why expect your camera to do your work for you? (I use a PDA to keep my data.)
10. Well yes, this is one we all struggle with. Try vacuuming your changing bag and all of the holders just before you load them; that helps me a lot. Also make sure your scanning routine is as dust-free as possible.
There is a learning curve with large format, and I'll also admit it's not for everyone. But keep at it and you might just find a slower, more contemplative form of photography has other rewards.
Bookmarks