Don't Cry For Me, Argentina... 4x5 vs. 8x10

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 14, 2014

You're right, Stone. I do need to try and get out more. I just have a great deal of trouble walking these days.

I sold those lenses because I needed the money. I have zero income right now. Hey, at least I know they went to a good home and I'm thankful for that.

I'll need some sort of cart to transport an 8x10 kit and will certainly need to replace the monster Toyo 810G I currently have with something much smaller and lighter. The truth is I want to shoot 8x10 and giving up that option is really painful.

If I sell the 4x5 and the lenses dedicated for it then maybe I can buy better 8x10 lenses. I currently have no focal lengths for 8x10 in 150mm, 210mm or 600mm. I sold them all to try and stay afloat. I'll probably sell my 110mm SSXL too. I'm thinking of replacing the 110, 150 and 210 with older Grandagons because they're cheaper... or maybe a combination of Grandagons and Nikkor-SW. I can no longer afford the best-of-the-best.

StoneNYC · Nov 14, 2014

But I mean today, today it's nice out (I think even where you are) right now...

You've got an 8x10 kit right now and at least one lens, go out and shoot, log off, get up, and go, take one picture even!

Come home, process it, and see if long term it's doable, if it's not, then you know it's too much for your body, AND you will have shot 8x10 and fulfilled your dream.

Then you can shoot 4x5 comfortably and make good images knowing you have shot 8x10 in the past even if you don't now.

But shoot SOMETHING, today, right now, go!

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 14, 2014

I appreciate the encouragement, Stone. I really do. But I just can't carry that Toyo 810G. I need a carry cart and a lighter camera.

TheFlyingCamera · Nov 14, 2014

ONF- here's what you need - The Worksman Tricycle. They even have electric-powered options for them. Or if you want to kick it really old-school, there's The Double-Eagle or the high-wheel trike.

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 14, 2014

TheFlyingCamera said:
ONF- here's what you need - The Worksman Tricycle. They even have electric-powered options for them. Or if you want to kick it really old-school, there's The Double-Eagle or the high-wheel trike.

That second link ain't gonna' happen 'cause I could never climb that high anymore. That first one looks very promising though, especially the motorized version. The only problem is buying both the motorized trike and a trailer for it. That's gotta' be 'spensive.

TheFlyingCamera · Nov 14, 2014

Old-N-Feeble said:
That second link ain't gonna' happen 'cause I could never climb that high anymore. That first one looks very promising though, especially the motorized version. The only problem is buying both the motorized trike and a trailer for it. That's gotta' be 'spensive.

You can probably fit most of your 8x10 gear in the basket on the back of the trike, and can strap the tripod to the handlebars.

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 14, 2014

TheFlyingCamera said:
You can probably fit most of your 8x10 gear in the basket on the back of the trike, and can strap the tripod to the handlebars.

I'm sure that's right... looks promising if I can just raise the funds. Goodbye 4x5 kit??

TheFlyingCamera · Nov 14, 2014

The 4x5 kit would certainly help pay for the trike... maybe even cover most of it?

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 14, 2014

TheFlyingCamera said:
The 4x5 kit would certainly help pay for the trike... maybe even cover most of it?

Yes, but it probably wouldn't pay for the motorized trike plus replacement 8x10 lenses. Decisions can be obvious... but difficult none-the-less.

frank · Nov 14, 2014

Instead of landscapes that are difficult for you to get to, you could switch to indoor nudes.

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 14, 2014

frank said:
Instead of landscapes that are difficult for you to get to, you could switch to indoor nudes.

I've always wanted to photograph beautiful nude women but am too shy. My face would flush bright red and I'd sweat profusely... not to mention my pants would be too tight. I dunno... now that my brain and body are shutting down maybe I could after all.

TheFlyingCamera · Nov 14, 2014

Old-N-Feeble said:
I've always wanted to photograph beautiful nude women but am too shy. My face would flush bright red and I'd sweat profusely... not to mention my pants would be too tight. I dunno... now that my brain and body are shutting down maybe I could after all.

If you're having a sexual reaction to a nude model (be they male or female) after the first five minutes, you're doing it wrong. There's a certain amount of stepping-out-of-yourself that needs to happen to work with a nude model successfully. If you can switch on the creative/artistic side of the brain and stay there instead of the hormonal side, then you'll make good images. If you want to give it a try some time, I strongly suggest taking a figure photography class at a local community college or art school. It really helps to keep the hormones in check when you have ten other photographers standing around you, waiting impatiently for you to take your shot(s) and get out of the way, and a creative mentor to help guide your interests in the subject.

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 14, 2014

TheFlyingCamera said:
If you're having a sexual reaction to a nude model (be they male or female) after the first five minutes, you're doing it wrong. There's a certain amount of stepping-out-of-yourself that needs to happen to work with a nude model successfully. If you can switch on the creative/artistic side of the brain and stay there instead of the hormonal side, then you'll make good images. If you want to give it a try some time, I strongly suggest taking a figure photography class at a local community college or art school. It really helps to keep the hormones in check when you have ten other photographers standing around you, waiting impatiently for you to take your shot(s) and get out of the way, and a creative mentor to help guide your interests in the subject.

Nope... I like gorgeous ladies far too much. I can't help being an oversexed pervert. I've been that way since I was a little kid. I'd better stick to landscapes to keep things professional.

Alan Gales · Nov 14, 2014

Old-N-Feeble said:
Nope... I like gorgeous ladies far too much. I can't help being an oversexed pervert. I've been that way since I was a little kid. I'd better stick to landscapes to keep things professional.

Go to your local strip joint and drink a couple beers. it will get old pretty quick. I've never shot nudes but I used to draw them when I took figure drawing in college. It's no big deal.

Well, on the good side we know something still works!

BrianShaw · Nov 14, 2014

It gets old even quicker if you don't drink the beer. Sobriety is quite sobering and helps one see clearly more quickly.

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 14, 2014

Nope... seeing young beautiful women never gets old... until they get old. I know that's a two-way street... I don't expect the ladies to find me the least bit attractive.

Alan Gales · Nov 14, 2014

BrianShaw said:
It gets old even quicker if you don't drink the beer. Sobriety is quite sobering and helps one see clearly more quickly.

I had a friend who years ago managed the top strip club just across the river. The dancers were given a paycheck every week. I think it was minimum wage. They made big bucks in tips especially on the weekends. Anyway, my friend said that 2 days after they were paid they would be asking for an advance on the next check because they had blown all their money on coke.

BrianShaw · Nov 14, 2014

Old-N-Feeble said:
Nope... seeing young beautiful women never gets old...

I agree, but I've never seen a beautiful stripper in the few clubs I've ever been to. In fact, they always appeared rather pathetic and desperate to me... and maybe even totally exploited.

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 14, 2014

BrianShaw said:
I agree, but I've never seen a beautiful stripper in the few clubs I've ever been to. In fact, they always appeared rather pathetic and desperate to me... and maybe even totally exploited.

I didn't mention strippers... someone else did. I'm talking about truly beautiful ladies.

As men often do we strayed from a logical subject to naked women. I wonder how that happens.

Anyway, I can barely walk anymore let alone... you know.

Alan Gales · Nov 14, 2014

BrianShaw said:
I agree, but I've never seen a beautiful stripper in the few clubs I've ever been to. In fact, they always appeared rather pathetic and desperate to me... and maybe even totally exploited.

When I was young there was this one beautiful stripper that everyone knew. I heard she made a fortune. Anyway, a friend and I were walking out of Famous Barr one day and she was walking in. We instantly recognized her after only seeing her once because she was so striking. We didn't say a word but she quickly looked down at the ground in embarrassment.

My friend that managed the strip joint said that women who worked there were forever changed and not in a good way.

Alan Gales · Nov 14, 2014

The problem I have always had with nude photography is the stigma that comes with it. I could draw or paint all the beautiful nudes that I wanted and I would be considered a fine artist. You take one topless shot and all of a sudden you are the "nude photographer". I never could understand that.

k_jupiter · Nov 14, 2014

Alan Gales said:
The problem I have always had with nude photography is the stigma that comes with it. I could draw or paint all the beautiful nudes that I wanted and I would be considered a fine artist. You take one topless shot and all of a sudden you are the "nude photographer". I never could understood that.

Buy a piano you have a piano... buy a camera and you are a photographer.

tim in san jose

Alan Gales · Nov 14, 2014

k_jupiter said:
Buy a piano you have a piano... buy a camera and you are a photographer.

tim in san jose

It took me a few years of shooting before I even dared call myself an amateur photographer. Today you buy a cheap DSLR as your first camera and immediately post on Craigslist that you shoot portraits, events and weddings.

barzune · Nov 15, 2014

Old-N-Feeble said:
Nope... I like gorgeous ladies far too much. I can't help being an oversexed pervert. I've been that way since I was a little kid. I'd better stick to landscapes to keep things professional.

You're not alone in that and, at my age, I'm not the least bit ashamed !

rossb · Nov 15, 2014

If you are not travelling far from your car and the 8x10 is not a behemoth, then with the option to contact print, I'd go with the 8x10 and build the system to your heart's content.It's such a joyous format to work with. Keep at it!

Don't Cry For Me, Argentina... 4x5 vs. 8x10

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