This is my first post. Sorry for not making an introduction, but I was attracted to this thread because I used to have a Calumet view camera. It got the whole setup for less than $300.00, complete with a lense, tripod and Polaroid back. It also included all the film holders. I used it a couple times to make Fuji Velvia transparencies. Processing was expensive, because I didn't have any idea of how it is done with sheet film. The tanks, and total darkness required in addition to the exact formula temperatures for the E-6 process threw me off. I would still have that camera today, had I known someone who could walk me through the whole routine of processing my own film.
Looking at some of the EBay prices, I may yet get back into large format. I have a cheap digital for routine stuff, but really prefer analog for real creativity. A Calumet like the ones described here are a bargain for someone just getting into the large format hobby. I wish the best to the OP.
MrCoffee
There are a lot of lenses that are good values for 5x7 landscape. What are you after? Galli-esque "bokeh?" Ansel Adams sharpness?
No issues with the tripod, other than the weight. It'll hold ANYTHING you want to put on top of it, probably even my 14x17. As a result, it's a cantankerous pain in the ass to haul around. Easily 12+ lbs. Probably closer to 15. If you want a wood tripod, and that Zone VI is in your budget, go look on the B&H website for a Berlebach. Personally, I think that's a little too much for one of those Zone VI tripods, moneywise, but I haven't been following their market so I don't know. Also bear in mind that that tripod will not be useable indoors - it has permanently attached spiked metal feet. Which will ruin flooring of any kind right quick. And will probably get you asked to move if you try and set up somewhere like the monuments here in Washington DC.
Well, the mounting screw is a 1/4-20 thread screw, so if the Burke & James takes a 1/4-20 thread, you're good to go. If it needs the other standard thread size, 3/8 16, then you can get an adapter bushing to fit it. So short answer, no need to worry.
As to the Jim Galli lens thing, what he uses often are Petzvals. Fresnels are used for focusing spotlights into narrower beams. There are lots of lenses out there that can give you the soft-focus "look" that Jim shoots a lot, without having to necessarily spend the huge cash petzvals and other soft-focus lenses now command. You can get close(r) with a Rapid Rectilinear type lens, especially if you look for one that's about one size too small for your format - it should still fully illuminate the format but only the center will be sharp, especially when shot wide-open. Look around for one of those old Kodak folders that's close to 4x5 in size and cannibalize the lens to try it out and see if you get what you're looking for.
I'm more of a fan of Galli's work than Adams', so I guess I should look for lenses similar to his. Didnt he use Fresnel lenses? From what I've seen on ebay, those are a bit more price than newer used lenses. Any suggestion on what I should be looking for?
I think I'm going to go searching through pawn shops and thrift stores today to see if I'll get lucky and find something. I know I probably wont, but it's worth a shot
I guess this as good a place as any to make an introduction. Welcome to APUG
If you are interested in the camera I linked in the original post, go for it. I've pretty much decided on the 5x7, so it wont bother me any if it sells. Actually, if you'd rather have the 5x7, go for it. It's forst come, first serve, and my money is in bank limbo right now
I checked on the auction and I see the B&J is gone. Do we assume you got it?
As for lenses, Mark Sawyer over on LF did some wonderful Galli-esque work with dollar store magnifying glasses as lenses. I've got one that measures out to around 325mm f3.5, and fitted with black construction paper cutouts, it has apertures down to f42. (I could easily go smaller, but so far I've only tested it that far in terms of 8x10 coverage.) It works great with paper negatives, but is a lot harder to handle with fast film/short exposures. I'm seriously thinking of sticking a Packard shutter on mine for more serious work. For $0.99 and some time experimenting, it is certainly worth giving it a try. (Oh, and the images? Definitely worth at least $0.99.)
Thanks, Existing Light. For now, I have to pass due to budget constraints. However, I am hoping to make Large Format a part of my future when opportunities open up.
MrCoffee
I'm more of a fan of Galli's work than Adams', so I guess I should look for lenses similar to his. Didnt he use Fresnel lenses? From what I've seen on ebay, those are a bit more price than newer used lenses. Any suggestion on what I should be looking for?
I think I'm going to go searching through pawn shops and thrift stores today to see if I'll get lucky and find something. I know I probably wont, but it's worth a shot
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