Thinking about Large Format

[Coyote]

Hello, I'm a hobbyist photographer who's currently shooting with a simple Nikon d40.
After reading about large format cameras in Ansel Adam's The Camera I became interested in Large Format.

I haven't decided whether I'll be getting into it, but wanted to join this forum as a way to live vicariously and ask questions as they come up.

I'm currently working on a photography blog where I want to document my neighbourhood as a way to get out and make pictures of what's around me, instead of trying to find Yosemite in the Ottawa Valley.

http://blackburnbycamera.wordpress.com/

[dsim]

Hi and welcome to the community. There's a wealth of information on the Large Format Home Page as well as experienced users who can answer your questions.

Enjoy.

[David Aimone]

Also welcome to the forum. I have walked the same path over the past year, expanding from a Nikon D40/D90 to a 4x5 view camera. It is quite satisfying, but a lot to learn and a financial commitment, even on the cheap.

[Vick Vickery]

Welcome to group therepy! You'll never really understand LF photography without actually doing it...a press camera Graphic/Busch/etc. is a fairly inexpensive way to get started and experience the wonder found in a BIG negative. Hope you decide to try it out!

[Brian C. Miller]

Welcome! Grab yourself a press camera like Vick said, and have fun. My first LF camera was/is a Graflex Super Graphic. Very easy to use, and very convenient. Well, as convenient as a view camera can be. Feel free to experiment and make mistakes.


They said, "You have a blue guitar,
You do not play things as they are."

The man replied, "Things as they are
Are changed upon the blue guitar."

[williamtheis]

check out

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/

especially the equipment reveiws. you might just start with a Calumet or graphic view II for almost next to nothing to see if you are suited for it

[Ron Marshall]

A simple one lens set-up can be purchased cheap from a used dealer, such as KEH Camera Brokers, then use trays for development; to see if it is for you. If not you can resell for a small loss.

[Coyote]

That's what the current plan is, if I decide to take the plunge.

[Heroique]

That's what the current plan is, if I decide to take the plunge.

I hope you will, and BTW, I still think you should explore the Ottawa valley. ;)

But wherever you take your first LF photos, we’re looking forward to seeing your work, and hearing more about it.

Good luck with your purchase & welcome…

[jim kitchen]

Dear Coyote,

Welcome, and as a side note, your name suggests that you live in Alberta... :)

Beg, borrow, or steal a used large format camera for a day, or two, or a week, and you will probably find out very quickly whether you want to continue along this path. It is a fun path, and a path that can lead you to many rewarding moments, especially when you gather success, as you use the equipment more frequently. To ease your transition, you might find that a few large format users are within your immediate area, where they might be able to introduce you to a large format camera's mechanics quickly. The Ottawa Valley has many, many interesting features, and if you use a large format camera, the change in format, combined with its inherent time requirement, might introduce you to a totally new photographic perspective within the valley. Change is good...

Again, welcome to the group and ask your questions freely, since there are many helpful, and well-qualified folks within this forum that can answer your questions with great effect.

jim k

[Andrew O'Neill]

After reading about large format cameras in Ansel Adam's The Camera I became interested in Large Format.

This happens to most people.

Once you get going in LF, you'll ditch the dslr... if not, at least it will make you a better photographer. Welcome aboard!

[Coyote]

I did a few quick searches for Ottawa in the forum but haven't come up with much. Exploring my local environment and taking the pictures that exist here is my current plan, whether with an LF or my current camera.

Do I need to be developing my own film and making my own prints to start, or can one just get a camera and lens and start making pictures?

[David Aimone]

I can verify that LF will make you a better photographer with your DSLR. I'm keeping mine, though. I find using both is creating a nice balance and synergy for me...

Good luck and welcome!



Once you get going in LF, you'll ditch the dslr... if not, at least it will make you a better photographer. Welcome aboard!

[Vaughn]

...Do I need to be developing my own film and making my own prints to start, or can one just get a camera and lens and start making pictures?

When there was still Polaroid instant film, this was possible. You can use transparency film (aka, slide film) and send it out to be developed. But not cheap and there is a need to be more exact on your exposures than with B&W film.

Large format and a darkroom do go hand-in-hand.

But if you get your hands on a LF camera, take it out and set it up (in your back yard or at the park while your daughter plays) -- without even bothering with film holders. This will get you use to handling it and how one composes and focuses on the ground glass. Since what you see on the GG is what you will get on the film, it is good practice. You can see the depth of field increase as you close the aperture down, can see the perspective shifts as on tilts the back standard, etc. No reason to burn film right away.

Vaughn

[David Aimone]

Ain't that the truth! After 4 months of LF-ing, I've decided I need to put a dark room together to really make any significant work. I've been patiently seeking out used bargains on equipment, but in the meantime have been using a local darkroom on a rental basis...




Large format and a darkroom do go hand-in-hand.

Vaughn