Jim Chow
12-Sep-1997, 14:22
Hi. I read your homepage on LF photography and have been interested in dabbling in it. I shoot exclusively 6x6 now (Rollei), but really like the look of 4x5 shots w/ velvia. I've been considering gettting a used field camera and one lens, like a 150 or 210 or larger. Okay. There are a number of basic things I still don't quite understand about LF photography. I presume that only a single sheet of film is used w/ one holder. Suppose I can manage to load a sheet of 4x5 into the holder (I've yet to attempt this). I guess one first needs to determine the movements, then extension, and then bellows compensation for the exposure (after it's focused). How does one compensate for tilts/rise,etc. I understand that the compensation for extension is based on the difference between teh extended and infinity focus bellows locations, but how does one account for the radial light fall-off from tilts without resorting to complicated equations? Now suppose I have the shot composed and use a standard loupe on the ground glass back to focus. (does one really need a cloth for this? I have a schneider 6x6 loupe that has a pretty big skirt). Now I guess one then removes the ground glass back,inserts the holder, pulls out the drawslide and takes the exposure. Afterwards, one inserts the drawslide, pulls out the holder, and goes on to the next exposure. How does one get teh film developed. Do you just drop the holders off at the pro-lab and they remove the film , or does one need to remove each individual sheet tat home and then drop off all the exposed film in a light-proof envelope?
Finally, I'm interested in a 4x5 view camera. So far , the horseman FA45 or HD 45 look good, and I can get a used one from $700 to $1500 for the FA45 (the $1500 one, while the HD45 is around $700-800). The Lindhof mastertechnika looks really nice, but the cheapest used one I can find is $2500, and I dont really want to spend too much since I'm not sure how much I'll like LF photography, and plus I have alrady invested $$$ in my Rollei 6008 system, which is my primary camera.
Do you have any experience w/ the Horseman or Lindhof field cameras? Any other brands that you'd recommend?
Finally, I'm interested in a 4x5 view camera. So far , the horseman FA45 or HD 45 look good, and I can get a used one from $700 to $1500 for the FA45 (the $1500 one, while the HD45 is around $700-800). The Lindhof mastertechnika looks really nice, but the cheapest used one I can find is $2500, and I dont really want to spend too much since I'm not sure how much I'll like LF photography, and plus I have alrady invested $$$ in my Rollei 6008 system, which is my primary camera.
Do you have any experience w/ the Horseman or Lindhof field cameras? Any other brands that you'd recommend?