Greetings from Austin, Texas

[f2bthere]

I may be the least qualified member of the forum, since the only LF camera I own is a Speed Graphic. I did have an 8x10 once, and still have an 8x10 Polaroid back and Processor for no sensible reason. Most of my photography is now with smaller formats.

I enjoy the level of discussion on this forum, especially the more considered discussions about aesthetics and technical issues for how they serve the ultimate photographic goals.

I like older lens designs and have a strong preference for lenses which draw more like the way my eyes see, such that the transition from in focus to out of focus is smoother and the areas which are not in focus are smooth. In other words, I don't like busy or harsh Bokeh--I believe most would agree--but I also don't like swirlly or otherwise "distorted" Bokeh which many enjoy. I prefer that the areas which are in focus display dimension if the image is sharp.

I am more concerned with rendering or character and less with the incredible levels of sharpness and resolution made possible by computer design.

That isn't to say I don't appreciate modern lenses. Those with good character are great.

I am interested in exploring soft focus. I am also interested in the revival of Pictorialism.

[Pfsor]

I am more concerned with rendering or character and less with the incredible levels of sharpness and resolution made possible by computer design.

That isn't to say I don't appreciate modern lenses. Those with good character are great.

I am interested in exploring soft focus. I am also interested in the revival of Pictorialism.

Yeah, the character of lenses is important. Not to forget the mentality, the identity and the personality of it either. Some lenses are close to have inherent mentality issues and even personality disorders to a degree of achieving identity problems. It is not without a reason that - fortunately - we have Docter Optics.

[dasBlute]

welcome to the forum, I'd say leave qualifications at the door, and share some images; you already have some ideas about where you're going with this, lead on... show us

[Peter Lewin]

Greetings to a new member from the longhorn state! You definitely have a specific direction, and while soft-focus and old lenses aren't my area of expertise, you will find those here who know a lot about both. Speaking as a northern Yankee, Austin is a neat city, in particular because my daughter got her graduate degree from UT, and lives there!

[f2bthere]

It is not without a reason that - fortunately - we have Docter Optics.

"Be careful throwing out your 'Devils' lest ye throw out the best part." -F Nietzsche

welcome to the forum, I'd say leave qualifications at the door, and share some images; you already have some ideas about where you're going with this, lead on... show us

Thanks for the encouragement!

Greetings to a new member from the longhorn state! You definitely have a specific direction, and while soft-focus and old lenses aren't my area of expertise, you will find those here who know a lot about both. Speaking as a northern Yankee, Austin is a neat city, in particular because my daughter got her graduate degree from UT, and lives there!

Like your daughter, we are transplants, not natives. One of our daughters studied fine art at UT. The other is studying government and religion in DC.

What did your daughter study?

[Alan Gales]

Don't knock yourself. There have been countless great images made using a Speed Graphic.

One of the best things about large format is the huge variety of lenses to choose from unlike the smaller formats where usually you are stuck with one brand.

Welcome to the forum. We are glad to have you!

[Andrew O'Neill]

Welcome to the forum!