Common Large Format Mistakes

[fotopfw]

That's why I would love film to be packaged in an even number of sheets. I write the number of sheets removed on the box after each loading session so I know if I need to set up a new box as well. No, it is not always (this) fool proof!

If have enough film holders to empty the pack of film completely. On a labelprinter I print film type, speed en exp, date, and stick that on each film holder.

[Roger Beck]

thinking mistakes are mistakes

double exposure - ooh thats nice
under exposure - ooh thats nice
over exposure - that looks kinda nice
no film in the holder - didnt need it anyway
that I need a big heavy tripod - works fine with a smaller one
that I need a shutter release cable - finger release works
getting the darkslide/sun shade in the shot - cropping is your BFF
forgetting to block the lens from the sun - still seems to work ok
not getting up early enough - its better with more light
not using a long enough lens - cropping is your BFF
wrong film in the holder - looks OK!
holder leaks light - yeah that's bad but a good test
using holders with dark slides that pull out with the slightest touch - don't use them
using the loupe backwards and saying hey this lens doesn't even come in to focus - back to the drawing board

[sharktooth]

Telling the wife you just bought another large format camera.

[Graham Patterson]

NOT telling the wife/husband/partner you just bought another large format camera!

(it's all about risk assessment...)

[LabRat]

Thinking you bought a vintage camera that turned out to be an accordion... :-(

Steve K

[sharktooth]

NOT telling the wife/husband/partner you just bought another large format camera!

(it's all about risk assessment...)

Sadly, masochism is an inherent trait of we practitioners.

[Drew Bedo]

NOT telling the wife/husband/partner you just bought another large format camera!

(it's all about risk assessment...)

My wife once asked me why I never came back from a camerta show with more money than gear. I had to think a bit, but finally it dawned on me that if i had more gear it was just more gear. But if I brought home cash . . .it was commuity property.

[Heroique]

Driving away without your tripod, because when you returned to the car, you placed it next to the car on the passenger side, where you can't see it when you get in on the driver's side.

[fotopfw]

Going out on a shoot with a Sinar and DB lenses, then on location, you notice that you left the shutter on the other Sinar at home.

[Doremus Scudder]

Driving away without your tripod, because when you returned to the car, you placed it next to the car on the passenger side, where you can't see it when you get in on the driver's side.

Ouch!! I've done that once as well (only once, thank goodness...). Same scenario: packing up after a long hike in Death Valley, placed the tripod on the passenger's side of the rig, packed everything else into the car and then drove away and forgot it. I didn't discover it till the next day. I returned to the location (rather remote too), but the tripod was gone... I had to drive into Las Vegas for a new one (actually a used Bogen that I still have and use).

While on the topic: I once hiked several hours down into a canyon to photograph only to discover that all my film holders contained exposed film; I'd neglected to change them out for new ones after the last day's shooting. Only made that mistake once too, though.

I number and notch my film holders, so I don't have so many problems with mix-ups there, but I do double expose the occasional sheet, usually just from not being careful enough. Haven't done that in a few years now though (knocking on wood).

Best,

Doremus