......and there's also the possibility of cropping to whole plate size plus down to 4x10 too
andrew
Printable View
Hi Tim
I have decided to sell the Gandolfi 8x10, my Ebony 4x5 and 8x10 Toyo studio. I will though maintain 2 7x5 cameras ( Gandolfi and Canham ). One will be for me and one will be for my son. It will just be easier to carry around and simpler to rationalise equipment.
I am selling only 3 out of 5 large format cameras. But the Gandolfi is the one with the most history and heritage and the loss I will feel the most.
But why am I justifying myself?
Hell Weston and Adams shot 6x6 when they were older!!
Get a life man :-)
Geoff
ps I have a girlfriend too :-)
Or you could do it the other way - get a 5x7" back for the Gandolfi!
The 10x8" isn't that much larger than the 7x5" - I know, I have both. I also have 5x7" and 4x5" backs for the 10x8" camera. Great with a bit of extra size when I pop the 360mm Symmar on - besides, not many smaller cameras have lensboards large enough for a #5 Compound shutter!
Sal, I named the cameras by their given names, and the backs by their nominal film size.
To me, they would be 20x25cm, 13x18cm and 10x12.5cm...
This is bizarre and is like men comparing their xxxx sizes.
There are other practical advantages to downsizing too. Film costs will be halved, paper and chemical costs will be less, framing costs will be less, costs of platinum and palladium learning will be less, taking a large format camera abroad will be easier, carrying it up mountains will be a possibility, using it on inclement days will be more possible.
Aesthetically the 5x7 size contact print is pleasing and if I want to enlarge the 5x7 enlarger will be smaller than the 8x10, giving more space to a currently overcrowded darkroom. Lenses are smaller and cheaper and plentiful. Changing slides in a changing bag is easier. Downsides are less film choices and darkslides are harder to come by. I have only used llford and Efke film and these remain available.
No the loss will be primarily emotional backed up by overwhelming practical advantages.
For a long time though I longed for an ULF camera but not now.
And as for chasing ones art, that is another matter independent of film and camera type and size. Chasing it is the dream, labouring for it is the nightmare. I am chasing it plenty currently shooting FF digital and exploring the joys of colour after a lifetime of monochrome. Life is very good.....
PS Thank you Gandolfi for your comment. And I do deeply admire your art.
Geoff: try Fomapan! get some 13x18 cassettes (easy on #bay - especially the german one), and use FOMA(100 iso).
Fine film! and much cheaper than Ilford.
I always use FOMA! 9x12 - 4x5" - 13x18 - 18x24 and 8x10"... saves a lot!!
"Life is very good....." - so true!
Hi Everybody
Thank you all for your kind and considered input. I am not wholly surprised at the passion and interest generated; out of all my 'old' and randomly acquired kit it is this camera that provides me with something intangible which is close to what I perceive to be the true spirit of photography. Making a decision to sell it has been akin to Bilbo Baggins deciding to give up his ring; something that tears at the very fabric of the soul.
That a camera can have this impact is refreshing in an age where most things have a built in obsolescence and affiliations are often shallow and fleeting.
It is now on ebay at a reasonable price. It is a shame I will never get to experience Ole's 5 compound shutter, Andrew's suggestion of trying 4x10, and Tim's frenetic lifestyle is surely too much for me. I am sorry I upset John and it was great to hear of James' studies at Exeter university, just an hours drive from me. And Chris I really would recommend spending time with Tilman in Orkey, he is a great teacher and Orkney is stunning. Great to bring so many disparate people together. Lastly thanks to Gandolf who did really grasp what I was saying and I will try that film.
Lets now hope it sells; going through this again will be too much!!