Accumulating a large format setup

[mhayashi]

Reverb, when you visit Tokyo, let me know.

[Reverb]

I should mention that on checking Kumar's message from a couple of years ago, he said that doesn't sell within Japan.

[Reverb]

Reverb, when you visit Tokyo, let me know.

Will do!

[B.S.Kumar]

I should mention that on checking Kumar's message from a couple of years ago, he said that doesn't sell within Japan.

That was then, mainly due to the consumption tax accounting rules. I now sell within Japan also. Please get in touch if you need anything.

Kumar

[Reverb]

Thanks, Kumar. Glad to hear you're open for business.

[Reverb]

Well I'm moving along, having ordered a camera, a tripod, and narrowing down my choices on a lens (probably 150 mm), just to get things started. I'll be spending a while, and probably quite a long while, on going through the motions with the gear to get a feel for things before feeding any film into a camera. That brings me on to the question of developing. I have the bare essentials for 35 mm and 120 film, using a Paterson tank to develop in. I have next to no experience with developing, as the last time was nearly a year ago. I've only done a couple of medium format rolls. But at the time, the large format idea was germinating, and I think I was planning, if the day ever came, to use a Stearman Press tank for 4x5. So I'd like to hear some opinions on that, as I just found some references by people about problems with streaks caused by the holders. If I'd ever heard that before, I'd already forgotten.

All I need from the process is negatives. With those, for the time being, I will just rephotograph them with my digital camera to get files I can use for printing. I should mention that I'll probably shoot and develop a couple more rolls of 120 before I start developing large format.

[BrianShaw]

So what camera did you choose? A 150 will be a good focal length to start with. Also consider either a 135 or 180, depending on your preferences.

Yes to the Stearman system! If you didn’t know, they’ve added a 6-sheet version. Haven’t read any reviews on the newer product yet but if it performs like the 4-sheet version…

[Reverb]

That's good to know.

The camera is a Toyoview monorail. The model number was not listed, but hunting round for a visual match, it must be the 45S. Maybe from the 1970s? It's mentioned in this thread:

https://www.largeformatphotography.i...35573-Toyo-45S

The tripod is a Gitzo PL5, perhaps of similar vintage. I didn't find much information yesterday and I haven't researched them very closely.

I did indeed buy a 150 mm lens: a Fujinar f6.3 in what looks like reasonable shape. There was a video showing its operation.

I bought all three items from separate sellers at what I consider to be quite cheap prices. It looks as if these sellers are all stores with a physical presence, which I have usually found works out well when I use Yahoo Auction for audio gear.

[BrianShaw]

Congratulations. Sounds like a nice setup. Enjoy!

[Reverb]

Thank you! I'm looking forward to it.