Newcomer

[kingfisher]

Hi everyone,
I'm not only new to this forum but I'm also new to Large Format Photography. So new, that I don't even own a camera yet. I've been working with digital equipment for the past 5 years and will be taking the plunge into the world of LFP very soon. I'm here to find as much information as I can before I buy and hopefully I'll be able to make a more informed purchase. It all seems a little daunting at the moment.:confused:

[MIke Sherck]

The learning curve can be long, depending on how you go about it. The more research you do, the less 'learning by buying and regretting' you'll have to endure. Steve Simmons' book "Using the View Camera" is a good place to start, after the articles on this web site. You can order the book through your book seller, or from Steve's web site, www.viewcamera.com. Note that I have no relationship to Mr. Simmons, I just think he's written the best book for beginners to large format photography. Read the articles on the front page of this web site and if you have questions, first try the search features on this site and then don't be afraid to ask questions. Welcome!

Mike

[kingfisher]

Cheers Mike..Many Thanks for the advice and the nice welcome. I'm looking forward to the learning curve and have received some very good advice already from some of the members here..This book looks like a must have too. Thanks again

[Eric Ashcroft]

Hi Kingfisher,Mike's advice re-Simmons View Camera Book is very good,I'd say essential-It got me off to a good start,(Google Amazon:-they have this book,new & clean 2nd hand.@ very competitive prices.)Also seek/find if poss a Camera Club,..where some kind soul will hopefully tell you face to face,just what you need to hear/know,what/how,to get sensibly& wisely started...if your lucky,tag along on a shoot to experience the whole process,straight off the bat....Kind R'grds....Eric.

[Vick Vickery]

Welcome to group therepy! :) As the others have said, a little study before you buy can help tremendously in cutting down on the confusion. The Simmons book is indeed excellent and may even be in your local library; Ansel Adams' "Camera and Lens" is one I often recommend for beginners to get info on LF equipment and it is almost sure to be available in your library...don't think I've been in a library in years that didn't have Adams' full set of books! Have fun!

[MIke Sherck]

What country / city are you in? Maybe there are some large format folks nearby who could give you some locally useful advice.

Mike

[kingfisher]

Hi guys, I'm in Ireland. I've been looking for a local camera club or a workshop or course on LFP here but haven't found anything yet. I was considering traveling to the UK later in the year to take a course if necessary although I would avoid this If I could. Thanks again for the advice..
Patrick

[Michael Roberts]

I did the same thing about four years ago. Started with a nice, fully tricked out Crown Graphic with top rangefinder and 135 Schneider. Found it too heavy. Quickly graduated to a used-once Tachihara and added a 150 Scheider, 300 Nikkor M (and later a 90mm Super Angulon). I also happened to win an Ikeda Anba the same week as the Tachi. Sold the CG in favor of the Tachi & Anba. Then stepped up to a vintage 8x10 Kodak 2D (and added a 210 Fuji, 24 inch RD Artar).

I shot with both the Tachi and Ikeda alternately for a year or so. Used the 8x10 sparingly due to higher film costs. Then picked up a stripped beater Crown and refinished it. It's become my favorite 4x5--it's light (3 lbs--a little less than the Tachi; a little more than the Ikeda); I can keep a lens on it, so it sets up super fast; it's tough, inexpensive, (so I don't worry about a scratch here or there), self-contained in its own little box, and lenses are cheap and plentiful.

Welcome to the forum--as you have discovered, there is a wealth of info here and it's a great community.