14x20 ULF Cameras & Lenses

[TStodPhoto]

Well I’m contemplating going the ULF route for my work! I’m currently looking into a 14x20 camera, lenses and film holders! I have thought about it for quite some time but I have yet to find any solid info online!

So I’m going to be using the only film available which is the Ilford FP4+ but I do wish that Ilford HP5+ was available in that format!

My work is going to be on still life, landscapes and abstracts...

I’m going to be making platinum prints only!

I know about Kenro Izu and his amazing images! I also want to have the ability to shoot 11x14 and maybe 12x20, via extra film backs!

What cameras or camera makers would be a starting point???

What lenses will cover the formats listed above?

I’m assuming that I will not be able to find modern film holders and will have to have them made for my camera except for maybe if I’m lucky enough to find a few fidelity film holders for the 11x14 format?

Tripods and ways of carrying the camera and etc would be nice to hear about as well! I’m assuming that Ries tripods would be my best bet for the camera!

Since I will be using the camera for specific subjects would it be best to have extra long bellows especially for still life’s?

Any info that anyone who uses these cameras or have used them in the past that can share their experiences or even some images they made with these cameras is always welcomed!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year hopefully 2019 will be a better one for everyone!!

Ted

 

[bdial]

Richard Ritter would be a good source for the camera, and I think he can make the holders too. Suitcases with some added padding work well for transporting big cameras. There are also custom makers of shipping cases.

 

[btaylor]

If you haven’t already visited, you should head over to the large format photography forum. I think you will find them helpful and experienced. There is gear for sale too (after a waiting period you can get into the classifieds).

 

[Dan Fromm]

The normal focal length (= the format's diagonal) for 14x20 is ~ 620 mm. There are few lenses with that much coverage. Most are narrow angle process lenses. Wide angle lenses with that much coverage are very uncommon. Before you do more than tinker with camera designs, choose your lenses. Don't invest any money, let alone cut metal or wood, until you know which lenses will suit you and that you can afford them.

I agree completely with btaylor, https://www.largeformatphotography.info is a much better source of the information you need than photrio.com. The forum associated with the site (https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/) has people who've done what you want to do.

The first post in this https://www.largeformatphotography....to-look-for-information-on-LF-(mainly)-lenses discussion contains a link to a list of links on LF lenses in particular and LF gear in general. Use it.

 

[J 3]

Well I’m contemplating going the ULF route for my work! I’m currently looking into a 14x20 camera, lenses and film holders! I have thought about it for quite some time but I have yet to find any solid info online!

So I’m going to be using the only film available which is the Ilford FP4+ but I do wish that Ilford HP5+ was available in that format!

Ted

Have you by chance considered a 14x17" instead? For those extra 3" you can a larger camera selection, more cameras, and the ability to practice with cheap x-ray film. If the images you want to produce require the extra length/size then of course the smaller camera is the wrong choice, but if it's not so particular 14x17 has a lot of advantages.

 

[miha]

Have a look at Lotus Camera:
http://www.lotusviewcamera.at/