Twenty+ Years of Architecture and Large Format HABS/HAER Photography taught me this:

[schafphoto]

To each their own. Interesting stuff, but the Monty Python's King Author in me says, "Run away!"

Aw cummon Vaughn, I'm sure there's something old in Humboldt County that needs to be documented in Black and white Large Format. !!!

[Vaughn]

Aw cummon Vaughn, I'm sure there's something old in Humboldt County that needs to be documented in Black and white Large Format. !!!

Yes, but I'd rather not have my picture taken, thank you.

[Kirk Gittings]

Anyone have any excellent sunscreen that's not too oily?
-Schaf

Highest rated by independent test labs is Trader Joes.

[schafphoto]

A few photos and updates of my current HABS/HAER LF kit in Dec 2024.

• Re-imagined my hybrid 4x5-5x7 Cambo camera with a new Stabila bubble-level and old-style offset front standard after wind tipped over my tripod at Hangar 3 and bent my last Cambo hybrid.
• I built a fixed 135mm aerial camera for 4x5 shots out of a helicopter with left-side loading.
• I now have a separate stock Cambo SC with a long rail and long bellows for the 300mm and 450mm stuff (Hardly ever gets used).
• As a Travel camera, I bought a Toyo 45CF but it just couldn't do the movements I needed so I sold it (Nice camera though).
• As a Travel camera, I bought a Wista 45VX (because I didn't learn) but it just can't do the movements I need so, going to sell it (Nice camera though).
• Bought a Toyo VX off the LF forum here and a new-old-stock bag Toyo bag bellows from Kumar as a travel camera (Love it).
• Switched to the Benro metal 100mm filter holder b/c it is large enough to screw to the 72mm Schneider.
• Switched to a Benro Carbon Fiber tripod (fits in suitcase without the head, but not as tall as the SLIK 9' aluminum)
• Using same lens focal lengths, 55, 65, 72, 90, 120, 135, 180, 240, 300, 450. Upgraded to the Rodenstock 90mm F4.5 (in Caltar II N paint) in the Copal 1 shutter, and the 180 APO Sironar-S f5.6, both are just spectacular.
• Added a camera hanger and 8" sona-tube to the back of my 2011 Nissan Pathfinder for quick camera-hanging and tripod-stowing between driving from shot to shot on large projects (like Market St).
• Modified a big yellow tool cart from Harbor Freight into a photo cart (with soft tires) for my 2.5-mile HALS documentation of Market St in San Francisco (for the times when we couldn't just park on the sidewalk).
• Bought a few 4x5 Bosscreen (wax/glass) groundglasses on Ebay for the Cambo (& Toyo) backs and calibrated them all with tiny shims.
• Tried using Fuji for digiroiding (metering) camera, after the XH-1 I gave up and sold it.
• Now using my Canon R5 as the Digiroiding camera, with GPS receiver and the in-adapter (EF to RF) polarizing filter. (it's a little big/heavy for my needs but the rAW files are beautiful.
• Only using HP5 Ilford at 100ASA.
• Using Clayton C-76 in Refrema Dip&Dunk at Specialty Color Services Lab in Santa Barbara at 8on-8off nitrogen burst agitation at 7 ~ 8 minutes.\
• Had most of my Copals rebuilt by Flutot's.
• Using Viewfinder Preview App (By Adam Fowler) for all composition on my iPhone.
• Using Sunseeker App in 3D view for visualizing sun path on my iPhone.
• Using Photographer's Ephemeris App for visualizing sun direction and site planning on my iPhone.
• Using Bing Maps Birdseye View for oblique aerial views for site scouting on my browser.
• Using Cal Topo for ortho aerial photo and site scouting on my browser.
• Using Taco Bell App for lunch on my iPhone.

I'm sure I'll think of more.
-Schaf

[schafphoto]

Current 4x5-5x7-Stabila-level-Bosscreen-Cambo HABS/HAER/HALS documentation camera:

Front old-style Cambo standard set to allow more rise than fall, two top cold shoes and one at end of rail.

Rear Cambo 4x5 rotating back with Bosscreen GG mounted on Stabila level with no movements.

Rear with 5x7 Cambo 5x7 back.
Dec 2024

[schafphoto]

Lens case.


PACKOUT film case and cooler

[schafphoto]

Rolling Market Street HALS tool cart with camera hanging drawer.

[schafphoto]

Hybrid Cambo 4x5-5x7 with nail pouch and film holder and Flare Dinkum Mini on cold shoe.

[schafphoto]

Viewfinder Preview (set for 3200ASA to have maxed out contrast displayed as film simulation)
This app allows you to put in your focal lengths and switch between 4x5, 5x7 or full frame 35mm etc.


Sunseeker in 3D for sun path.

[schafphoto]

Aerial Camera (Cambo Parts) with left side loading (that's the side my assistant sits on when she hands me holders in the JetRanger0.
135mm Nikkor lens locked at infinity, yellow + UVB filter + Level visible in viewfinder so I can get the horizon straight.
Bottom handle goes between my thighs in between photos so I can use both hands and still have a grip on camera.