Large format - first impressions

[shaman]

Not really a question, but perhaps useful to those contemplating to take the "LF plunge". I got my first LF camera this week, took it out into the field this we ekend and these are my first impressions:

I was surprised how much fun I had and that it seemed much less "work" than what I had anticipated. Can't say at this point that the camera has "merged into the background" - there is a sequence of events between getting the composition rig ht and releasing the shutter and it will take a few more days at least to get th is sequence pat down. For example, I found myself compulsively checking (and re- checking) whether I really had closed the shutter before pulling the dark slide out of my roll film back. Setting the movements was MUCH easier than I had expec ted, but I limited myself to lens tilt for maximum forground/background sharpnes s for landscapes. This was EXTRMELY easy to achieve. I was surprised how little tilt was required (a little less than 5 degrees) and the effect was very easy to see on the groundglass - of course a loupe is a must! My camera has base tilt o nly, so I had to refocus every time I changed the tilt, but that didn't slow me down much. Once I had figured out that I needed about 5 degrees for my tripod he ight, I simply left the tilt at this setting and after that only very minor adju stments from shot to shot were required. The largest "problem" for me is going t o get the composition right. I am used to walking around and watching the waistl evel finder of my Hassie until it looks "perfect". I can't see myself walking ar ound with my view camera while observing the ground glass. I guess, I have to le arn to see "without a camera" ;-)

If I had known how much fun this is, I probably would have bought one sooner!!!

[Charlie Stracl]

Amazing,isn't it?

How many poor fools spend thousands for MF cameras when something much better and easier costs less.

Not that MF doesn't have it's place (I don't want to start a discussion war.)

[Richard C. Trochlil]

Make yourself a framing card, a 8x10 with 4x5 cutout with a cord attached. If you are using 4x5, your eye needs to be the same distance from the cutout as the focal length of the lens. Use a knot on cord to measure the distance from your eye and start framing. This will get you into the ballpark so you don't have to drag your camera all over creation. Once you are close, set up and start scanning the area with your groundglass. You will probably have to adjust your postion, but a matter of inches rather than yards.

[Artie_754]

Well charlie you made the remark & what an anal remark it was. MF has it's uses as well as each other format; but I guess because you have a LF camera you're a real photographer.

Reread sentence #1.

Guess your out there looking for AA tripod holes too.

Each format has a usage and your comment shows your lack of knowledge and obvious lack of experience.

Bear in mind that I'm not attacking you, only you're comment.

[William Marderness]

I understand what Charlie is saying. I spent a lot of money on 35mm and MF equiptment, trying to get the best quality possible. Instead, I should have just bought a cheap LF camera.

[james mickelson]

Now mind you I'm not attacking Artie, just his anal delivery of a stupid attack on someone who is thrilled at something new and exciting. I didn't take Andreas Carl's remark about MF with any offense and I shoot MF when the image benefits from it. If you're looking to whine about simple remarks, then go to the 35mm forum. James

[james mickelson]

I meant Charlie's comment about MF. James

[Artie_754]

James; It's not a simple remark but rather a belief that if it isn't LF "it Isn't".

I shoot 8x10, 4x5, 6x6 and even 35mm. They all have their uses.

The comment I found offensive in only that it hinted that the only real photo is accomlished by LF.

I'm trully sorry if I offended you; not my intention. It was a reaction to the myth only.

My humble appoligies for treading on unstable waters and a future response, if any, will be cognicent of the fact that others are sensitive to the realization of the real world and any reactions to it.

I stand chastised and sincerly apathetic to any real concerns to my original response.

Any Real Pro will admit to the fact that the end justifies the means.

[james mickelson]

I truly concur with your acknowlegement that each format has very distinct advantages, and disadvantages. LF can't hold a candle to what most MF and their smaller cousins can do. the speed of these formats make them imminently suitable for fast breaking events and portraiture. I can have my speed graphic take an image at 1000th/sec but I still can't get it up and focussed as quickly as the smaller formats. They are superb machines capable of extrordinary images. LF does other things equally well. The large neg and chrome size suits it to prints with increadible detail. Detail not achievable with smaller formats. And they are slow which at times elicits a different view of things which most often isn't there in the smaller formats. And they are superb at product photography. Their full perspective control is not equalled by even the MF arc-bodies. So you are absolutely right in your views on all formats being different but I would also add equal. If you know what the hell is going on and have a good command of your technique you can get close to LF with MF and 35mm to MF and so on. I too use pretty much all of the formats. But I have a fondness for 4x5 that is hard to match when I use the other formats. There is something intangible about that whole scene. Good hearing your views on this subject and I hope you stay around. James

[Gary Frost]

Like a duck to water, my first experience with 4X5 was smooth as well. Though I did spend a good many months researching first. For the composition technique, Richards suggestion on the viewing card works well for me. It is essential! You can get the camera right where you want it before even setting it up. You can also estimate shift. You can make one with mat board and I've gone through a couple till I made one from a tupperware lid. It takes the beating and bounces back. Attach the string with knots for your different lenses. I would be lost without mine, ...so I have an extra tucked away.