Hello from a LF hopeful

[Sunnyguy365]

Hi and thankyou for letting me join the forum. I don't own a LF camera yet however, I love watching the process and for me it feels real! I do use digital, however, I don't get that same feeling... so i am looking forward to purchasing a LF camera in the near future.... Or can I hire one to see which type suits me best? Is there a section on the forum you can signpost me too for some further info and inspiration.

Thanks again for accepting me here.

Chris

[neil poulsen]

Welcome to the forum, Chris. You will enjoy it here.

I learned volumes, when I first stumbled onto the Forum Home Page. That's a good place to begin. (See top.)

Have you thought about what kind of a camera you want? View cameras tend to come in two varieties: metal rail cameras, and wood flatbeds.

What format and film appeals to you? Sheet film or roll film; color or black and white? This forum is almost all about sheet film; but, it's possible to do view camera photography with medium format film.

The two most popular sheet film formats are 4x5 and 8x10, though many members engage in Ultra Large Format photography. ULF: these are sheet films that are larger than 8x10.

As an LF Hopeful, there can be quite a lot to ponder.

[Ulophot]

Welcome. Neil's advice is on the mark. Feel free to ask more questions as you clarify your thoughts.

[mdarnton]

Put your location in your profile and you might pick up some local LF friends.

[jp]

Welcome. After a month you get access to the classified which are informative even to those not shopping.

Figure out the intended use you are pursuing or LF photographers you are inspired by. Portraiture? Grand landscapes? architecture scenes? environmental / press style?

[Sunnyguy365]

Welcome to the forum, Chris. You will enjoy it here.

I learned volumes, when I first stumbled onto the Forum Home Page. That's a good place to begin. (See top.)

Have you thought about what kind of a camera you want? View cameras tend to come in two varieties: metal rail cameras, and wood flatbeds.

What format and film appeals to you? Sheet film or roll film; color or black and white? This forum is almost all about sheet film; but, it's possible to do view camera photography with medium format film.

The two most popular sheet film formats are 4x5 and 8x10, though many members engage in Ultra Large Format photography. ULF: these are sheet films that are larger than 8x10.

As an LF Hopeful, there can be quite a lot to ponder.

Definitely a lot to ponder upon. I think it may be a case of starting slowly and with something relatively inexpensive. I am not sure about folding cameras, I know there is a good entry level model called a Chroma Carbon, which has quite a few movements and could be a good entry level investment and also a handy second camera should I venture down the road of something more established. I do like the look of Shen Hao, however I am here to learn and discover

[Heroique]

It feels real!

Quote of the week.

Welcome to the forum and we're eager to hear about your equipment and see your first images.

[Sunnyguy365]

Put your location in your profile and you might pick up some local LF friends.

I will indeed..... Thanks for the kindly reminder!!

[Sunnyguy365]

Quote of the week.

Welcome to the forum and we're eager to hear about your equipment and see your first images.

Quote of the week... Happy with that!

[Sunnyguy365]

Welcome. After a month you get access to the classified which are informative even to those not shopping.

Figure out the intended use you are pursuing or LF photographers you are inspired by. Portraiture? Grand landscapes? architecture scenes? environmental / press style?

Thanks JP, a good point! I have a friend who is a model so some portraiture would be great and also perhaps a try at landscape... Off to the Isle of Skye Later this year in the autumn (Fall)