Introduction & request for advice

[stefn]

Hi everyone, new to the forum here.

My name is Steffen - I caught 'the bug' about 5 years ago and started off down the digi route, but quickly became interested in film photography, moving from an Olympus 35sp to a Mamiya TLR and now finally an Arax 6x6 modified Kiev 88. While I do enjoy the convenience of digital (I have a couple of the Fuji X cams), working with film provides me with the greatest satisfaction, particularly when printing in the darkroom.

For a long time LF has been beckoning to me and I've ignored the call, but as time goes on I think it's time to make the plunge; hence I'd like a little advice with regards to setting things up. I live in the UK by the way, where it seems the supply of LF gear is not as plentiful as over in the states; perhaps I'm looking in the wrong places.

In terms of shooting, my MF lenses of choice are a 50mm and an 80mm. I've not found the need for a longer (or shorter) lens as yet as my legs have sufficed, while the extreme wide angle doesn't appeal. My subject(s) of choice are landscapes (no architecture for example) I used to live on the south coast but am now in Hampshire where the land is generally flat, with lots of grass- and woodland. Water fascinates me and is usually found in the frame so I look for rivers. Some of my work can be found here: https://plus.google.com/u/0/10391028...9/photos/p/pub

I don't know too much about view camera movements; while I understand the Scheimpflug principle at a basic level I tend to learn things best by doing them. Tilt and shift effects such as those emulated by Instagrammers are not my thing, so presumably I don't need those movements? Maximising depth of field would be important however.

Would someone be able to advise me with regards to the current LF market in the UK: what sort of budget (roughly) would I be looking at for a camera (5x4/4x5), two lenses (50 & 80mm MF-LF equiv) and a suitable enlarger? Where should I be looking? I'm no pro - I don't need an Ebony or 'the best', but something that works and will make my eyes pop out of my skull when I nailed the light. I'd rather steer clear of the Auction Site if possible.

I've been looking at some of the press cameras so far, but the field cameras like Shen Hao etc look great. New equipment would be out of the question financially I think.

I'd be looking to get the camera first and then the enlarger down the line - I work almost entirely in BW so am happy to process and print in my bathroom. The enlargers I've seen are very expensive though, even second hand on dealers' websites..

The weather in the UK obviously tends to be 'unfortunate' - and can be quite windy - would this affect the ability to use a field camera?

[Dan Fromm]

http://www.lf-photo.org.uk/forum/

[Peter Mounier]

Tilt and shift effects such as those emulated by Instagrammers are not my thing, so presumably I don't need those movements? Maximising depth of field would be important however.

Tilt and swing should not be discounted as an effect. In fact, when attempting to get as much in focus as possible, as you suggest by saying maximising depth of field would be important, tilt (and swing) can be most useful and may be critically important. Just thought you should not discount some view camera movements based on uninformed assumptions before you buy, since you may soon realize that those movements are important for landscape photography. For example, since your landscape is generally flat, with lots of grass, you might find that tilt is especially useful. I've found the swing movements to be helpful in woodlands.
I can't suggest a source for cameras in the UK though, being from the U.S.
Weather shouldn't affect your abilities, but it may affect the results.

Peter

[stefn]

Tilt and swing should not be discounted as an effect. In fact, when attempting to get as much in focus as possible, as you suggest by saying maximising depth of field would be important, tilt (and swing) can be most useful and may be critically important. Just thought you should not discount some view camera movements based on uninformed assumptions before you buy, since you may soon realize that those movements are important for landscape photography. For example, since your landscape is generally flat, with lots of grass, you might find that tilt is especially useful. I've found the swing movements to be helpful in woodlands.
I can't suggest a source for cameras in the UK though, being from the U.S.
Weather shouldn't affect your abilities, but it may affect the results.

Peter

You are quite right of course, please excuse my ignorance! Would you therefore recommend a field camera over a press camera? My question regarding the weather was whether (sic) it is still possible to shoot in these conditions without risk of damaging the camera.

[Alan Gales]

Since you are interested in landscapes I would recommend a field camera like a Chamonix, Shen Hao, Tachihara or wooden Wista. If you prefer metal cameras look at Toyo and the metal Wista's.

For lenses you would probably like a 90mm and 150mm. The 90 is a really popular wide focal length for landscapes and a 150 is a "normal" focal length. Look for lenses made by Schneider, Rodenstock, Nikkor, Fujinon or Caltar in modern Copal shutters. All the modern lenses have a similar "look" so let price and condition be your guide as to which to buy.

Welcome to the forum!

[Regular Rod]

Hi everyone, new to the forum here.

My name is Steffen - I caught 'the bug' about 5 years ago and started off down the digi route, but quickly became interested in film photography, moving from an Olympus 35sp to a Mamiya TLR and now finally an Arax 6x6 modified Kiev 88. While I do enjoy the convenience of digital (I have a couple of the Fuji X cams), working with film provides me with the greatest satisfaction, particularly when printing in the darkroom.

For a long time LF has been beckoning to me and I've ignored the call, but as time goes on I think it's time to make the plunge; hence I'd like a little advice with regards to setting things up. I live in the UK by the way, where it seems the supply of LF gear is not as plentiful as over in the states; perhaps I'm looking in the wrong places.

In terms of shooting, my MF lenses of choice are a 50mm and an 80mm. I've not found the need for a longer (or shorter) lens as yet as my legs have sufficed, while the extreme wide angle doesn't appeal. My subject(s) of choice are landscapes (no architecture for example) I used to live on the south coast but am now in Hampshire where the land is generally flat, with lots of grass- and woodland. Water fascinates me and is usually found in the frame so I look for rivers. Some of my work can be found here: https://plus.google.com/u/0/10391028...9/photos/p/pub

I don't know too much about view camera movements; while I understand the Scheimpflug principle at a basic level I tend to learn things best by doing them. Tilt and shift effects such as those emulated by Instagrammers are not my thing, so presumably I don't need those movements? Maximising depth of field would be important however.

Would someone be able to advise me with regards to the current LF market in the UK: what sort of budget (roughly) would I be looking at for a camera (5x4/4x5), two lenses (50 & 80mm MF-LF equiv) and a suitable enlarger? Where should I be looking? I'm no pro - I don't need an Ebony or 'the best', but something that works and will make my eyes pop out of my skull when I nailed the light. I'd rather steer clear of the Auction Site if possible.

I've been looking at some of the press cameras so far, but the field cameras like Shen Hao etc look great. New equipment would be out of the question financially I think.

I'd be looking to get the camera first and then the enlarger down the line - I work almost entirely in BW so am happy to process and print in my bathroom. The enlargers I've seen are very expensive though, even second hand on dealers' websites..

The weather in the UK obviously tends to be 'unfortunate' - and can be quite windy - would this affect the ability to use a field camera?

The camera you will find meets all your needs is an MPP Mk VII. Made in England, metal, folds away into itself, tough as old boots (tougher) and it is very stable on the right tripod in a breeze. I use mine on the moorlands and in the river valleys of Derbyshire and it has never let me down.

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...=1#post1159322

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...=1#post1159385

http://www.apug.org/forums/viewpost.php?p=1687676

http://www.apug.org/forums/viewpost.php?p=1687833

RR

[Tim Meisburger]

Also, there is a metal Wista on sale in the forum now, which would be perfect. I would not recommend a press camera to start. It is a specialist camera and if you know what you need they are great, but they lack a lot of movements and if you start with one you will be unsatisfied until you get another. (Maybe the MPP mentioned above has movements. The Speed and crown do not).

[stefn]

The camera you will find meets all your needs is an MPP Mk VII. Made in England, metal, folds away into itself, tough as old boots (tougher) and it is very stable on the right tripod in a breeze. I use mine on the moorlands and in the river valleys of Derbyshire and it has never let me down.

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...=1#post1159322

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...=1#post1159385

http://www.apug.org/forums/viewpost.php?p=1687676

http://www.apug.org/forums/viewpost.php?p=1687833

RR

I'd been wondering about those as I've read that they have most movements that landscape photogs require. I've spotted a Mk VII complete with Schneider Symnar 150mm and Angulon 90mm along with 12 film backs and other minor bits and bobs for £625. Does that sound reasonable in your opinion?

Tim, I'd be interested in looking at that Wista, but I'll have to wait until I've been registered 30 days...

[Regular Rod]

If everything is perfect then that would be a fair price. 90mm Angulons are going for higher prices now, around £170 upwards, probably to do with Travelwide camera sales, or HolgAgon hacking. The 150 Symmar is really 2 lenses in 1 as it is a convertible giving 150mm with both lens elements and 265mm with one element, that has to be worth £100 to £150 if not damaged. The long extending bed and bellows makes using the long lens a doddle. The film holders if in good order are worth at least a tenner each. So if the camera is worth £250 you are £15 in front... These old lenses are not to be underestimated if in good order, they produce very good results. If you are happy with the condition of everything then you would not be getting ripped off.

RR

[stefn]

If everything is perfect then that would be a fair price. 90mm Angulons are going for higher prices now, around £170 upwards, probably to do with Travelwide camera sales, or HolgAgon hacking. The 150 Symmar is really 2 lenses in 1 as it is a convertible giving 150mm with both lens elements and 265mm with one element, that has to be worth £100 to £150 if not damaged. The long extending bed and bellows makes using the long lens a doddle. The film holders if in good order are worth at least a tenner each. So if the camera is worth £250 you are £15 in front... These old lenses are not to be underestimated if in good order, they produce very good results. If you are happy with the condition of everything then you would not be getting ripped off.

RR

Sounds good, thanks! I'll make the necessary checks - looking forward to diving in