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m1tch
23-Nov-2012, 13:01
Hi everyone,

Im new on here (obviously!) and I am looking to getting into large format over the next year or so, I was first attracted to photography when I saw a video on the world's only tintype portrait gallery as in you go in and they take a photo of you on tintype :D From that moment I wanted to get into photography, I started with a basic box camera with 120 MF film, but then found that it was easier to take many images (rather than just 8) on 35mm so I also have some 35mm cameras as well. I also collect random odd cameras like the Russian Stereographic Sputnik camera (3D film camera made from Bakerlite) and I also have a Zenit Photosniper (300mm 35mm SLR mounted on a gun stock). Anyway, I like to be able to take my time over an image rather than just take loads of pointless photos as you can do on digital which can easily be reproduced and are a bit too clinical.

I therefore decided that im going to get a large format camera at some point, I have been looking around and decided I am going for a collapsable field camera like a Shen and shoot the easier to find 5x4 size which is plenty, I then plan to use the hybrid method of then scanning it in on a photo scanner to invert the image although might want to do contact printing at some point.

I am also REALLY looking at some alternative methods, mainly Cyanotypes and I love the simplicity of the 2 chemicals and the fact you don't need a fancy developer, just water and you get a really nice image at the end of it that is a one off.

I'm not sure if this word exsists but it does not, I plan to do some 'Cyanotography' and use sensitised paper much like liquid emulsion and use it like a paper negative - I am aware of the much much longer exposure time, but like I said, im in no hurry. I have seen it done before using a 35mm SLR on 'B' for hours and it worked out pretty good. I will also shoot the normal sheet films as well, although would then need to sort out development etc (again Cyanotype wins with ease of development and cost!)

Anyway, I thought I would just say hi :D

Andrew O'Neill
23-Nov-2012, 17:28
Welcome aboard! I've done some cyanotypes, a lot of kallitypes, but for the last 3.5 years it's been all carbon transfer printing. I also employ the hybrid approach at times, but still prefer the look of a contact printed film neg in carbon.

m1tch
24-Nov-2012, 02:39
Welcome aboard! I've done some cyanotypes, a lot of kallitypes, but for the last 3.5 years it's been all carbon transfer printing. I also employ the hybrid approach at times, but still prefer the look of a contact printed film neg in carbon.

Thanks for the welcome Andrew, I will look into it, I have been looking at other processes but like the simplicity of just having 2 dilute chemicals in the whole process and not needing to do everything in the dark! I do like the contact prints though so between now and when I do get my LF camera I am sure I would have had some practice with the methods.