First Foray into large format

[Effectivepixels]

I recently came across several deals on a few 4x5 cameras that I deemed to good to pass up. I had only this past year moved up from years of 35mm use to 6x4.5. I kicked around in my head the possibility of large format but never made a move until now out of a mindset that is was too cumbersome and difficult. After exposing and developing my first 4x5 negatives this past weekend I know now that my apprehensions were dead wrong. The process was slower for sure but not exceedingly and honestly the slower pace really contributes to the process. No more snapping away carelessly as is so easy on small formats and then bringing home lots of throw away negatives. and the feeling of pulling a postcard sized negative out of the development tank instead of postage stamp sized 35mm is great. The detail and smoothness of tone in this format is superb. Here is one scan of a picture from this batch. Its the waterwheel from a old mill near me taken with a Busch Pressman D (very easy to use compact camera by the way).

Water Wheel by Tyler Chapman, on Flickr

One thing I may need to look into though is a better scanning solution. This was scanned from the negative on a Epson V600 in 2 passes then stitched in photoshop. I may just start scanning contact prints reflectively as the scan/stitch processes is somewhat cumbersome and I don't really want to shell out right now for a V750 which is much pricier. Either way I'm gonna be sticking with 4x5 for sure.

 

[Rick A]

Good going! I only scan prints on my all-in-one, printing is the best way to assess the shot.

 

[BrianShaw]

Congratulations.

 

[FoidPoosening]

Congrats! I hope to one day try out large format as soon as I have a permanent address, space for it and feel I've fully blanketed 35mm and 120.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Great composition. Congratulations on your good work. All that smaller format experience will aid in your LF adventures.