It's like learning to walk again

[JeffR]

Greetings,

So, I've decided take the plunge. As many before me, I have long admired the photographs from LF cameras and now wish to test the waters myself. I have no idea how to start.

Can you recommend an easy to follow, step by step guide to getting started with large format.

I have some darkroom experience as a teen (35 years ago). I plan to shoot B&W only and use all chemical darkroom process.

I would need reminders on how to set up a darkroom, how to load large format film, how to use a view camera, how to develop the film and how to create photo's in the darkroom.

Believe me, I would rather take a class. Unfortunately, the offerings in my town are almost non-existant.

Any help getting started is greatly appreciated.

Jeff R.

[keith english]

See thread below about Bruce Barlow's "Finely Focused" book on CD for using the camera. It is a great fun read and lots of info.

[John T]

If you mention where you live, you might find someone here who lives nearby and can help you.

[JeffR]

I ordered Bruce's CD book. It looks great and the reviews are the same. Appreciate the reference, Keith.

I am located in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Thanks guys-

Jeff R.

[Sean Galbraith]

I recently got into large format as well. I bought a Crown Graphic cameras my first. It is more limited in its flexibility compared to most other ones, but it was very affordable (including the lens) and gets my feet wet. Might be something you might want to consider as well. (of course, if you have a camera already, never mind. :-) ).

[JeffR]

Sean, tell me about your camera. Specifically, what size and why this one? What do you like about it and how are you limited in flexibility? I do not yet have a camera. How much should I expect to pay and where does one go to get one?

Thanks,
Jeff

[Toyon]

Steve Simmons' book "Using the View Camera" is very good. It covers the basics, then adds information on lenses, film, and movements. Best of all - it does not encourage the low road - digital hybridization.

[Jon Shiu]

Henry Horenstein's books, Black and White Photography, and Beyond Basic Photography are excellent. The section on view cameras in Beyond Basic Photography is about the best at explaining the essentials of large format photography that I have seen.

Jon

[William McEwen]

I ordered Bruce's CD book. It looks great and the reviews are the same. Appreciate the reference, Keith.

I am located in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Thanks guys-

Jeff R.

Jeff!

I love GR. Nice museum there. Do they still show photography? They have two prints of mine (4x5 contact prints) in their collection. Unless they burned them to make room for a plant or something.

You'll find lots of videos on Youtube that explain some of the LF basics.

Also -- these four books are terrific:

Ansel Adams - The Camera
Ansel Adams - The Negative
Ansel Adams - The Print
Fred Picker - The Zone VI Workshop

Stay warm, and for god's sake, STAY OFF THE S CURVE!



William

[Gem Singer]

Jeff,

Look at the the tool blue bar above.

Click on "LF Home Page" and read the articles written there.

They will enable you to start on your journey into the world of LF photography.