First go at 4x5

Joel_L · Dec 25, 2018

I have been doing 35mm since the late 60s. Got into MF about 15 years ago with a MAT 124G, then about 10 years ago, an RZ67. So I decided to give LF a try. Picked up a Cambo SC2, a Nikkor 180mm lens, and a few boxes of film, 2 FP4+ ( my goto in 35mm B&W ) and a box of Provia 100.

I wasn't sure how the film would be to handle, but found the thick base very easy to load into the holder and into the reel. I got lucky and was able to figure out all I would need to process is the reel. I have an old Jobo CPE2+. The lower section of my 2840 paper tank is the same as the 2520 film tank and the center core of my 1520 film tank is the same size as the 2520 core, so I bought the 2509N reel and was good to go.

I did my first two shots today and already learned what not to do. Just to figure this stuff out, I took a shot of the back of my house ( exciting......, really ) and one out front showing my view of the mountains. Backyard shot went fine. Composed the front, inserted the film holder, pulled the side, went to go click and nothing happened. Went to cock the shutter and it was already done ( as I expected ). Found I had not moved the shutter/aperture lever back to close the lens, oh well, good thing I'm starting off with the B&W film.

I'm also using an exposure meter app on my phone. I first adjusted the reading comparing to a 35mm camera I trust the meter on, then used it to set the 4x5. I processed the film and the exposure on the sheet I did not screw up looked good.

I think I am going to have fun with my casual use of this camera.

dxqcanada · Dec 25, 2018

... and it is really fun hiding under the cover in public

BrianShaw · Dec 25, 2018

Enjoy the experience!

winger · Dec 25, 2018

Joel_L said:
Found I had not moved the shutter/aperture lever back to close the lens, oh well, good thing I'm starting off with the B&W film.

Yup, I did that once, too. Only once (knock on wood). LF is great, though. I hope you enjoy it!

Two23 · Dec 25, 2018

I suggest writing down a small checklist of all the steps and following it like a recipe for your first month or two. That will help you a lot.

Kent in SD

Mick Fagan · Dec 25, 2018

Kent's advice is good, something I did until I got into the habit of doing things step by step. Somehow though I still sometimes make mistakes like that, as I think anyone who works sheet film does.

Have you got the film loader for the 2509 reels? It certainly works well and in my own case, minimised film handling.

https://www.google.com/search?q=job...8KHWxcBhcQ9QEwD3oECAQQBg#imgrc=oUr8TejuregZAM:

Mick.

Joel_L · Dec 25, 2018

I do not have the loader but have no issues loading the film into the reel. I just suspend the film by the edges ( fingers are not on the emulsion or backside, lightly held by the outside edges ). I get it started and then just push it in from the end. So far with my experience of five sheets, no problems. I did look at that loader and thought it would be a consideration if I had issues.

Joel

Mick Fagan · Dec 26, 2018

It is a very handy tool for loading the 2509 reels when you have two or three reels to load, not necessary, but very nice to have.

Mick.

Joel_L · Dec 26, 2018

I can very much see it as being one of those things where I finally get one and think, I should have got this a long time ago....

But for now, I will see where LF takes me.

jim10219 · Dec 26, 2018

Two23 said:
I suggest writing down a small checklist of all the steps and following it like a recipe for your first month or two. That will help you a lot.

Kent in SD

That's a good idea. It's real easy to forget something important and not realize it at the time. Especially if you're ever in a hurry. After a while, you get used to all of the steps involved, and it all comes second nature. But especially in the beginning, it can help to a checklist to not only make sure you don't forget something, but to keep your mind focused on things like composition and exposure rather than thinking about what step you're on and what comes next. In fact, I keep a tiny notebook in my lens bag for all kinds of helpful notes. Inside it is where I keep charts for filter factors, bellows extension compensation, reciprocity failure compensation for various films, measured shutter speeds (for my older shutters that aren't very accurate), and anything else I might find helpful in the field.

Jim Jones · Dec 26, 2018

When I outgrew an ancient folding Kodak and started using Kodachrome (ASA 12) in 1952, I recorded the camera setting for each exposure for many rolls of film. Kodachrome did not forgive sloppy exposure, and using it was educational.

mark · Dec 27, 2018

Joel_L said:
Composed the front, inserted the film holder, pulled the side, went to go click and nothing happened. Went to cock the shutter and it was already done ( as I expected ). Found I had not moved the shutter/aperture lever back to close the lens, oh well, good thing I'm starting off with the B&W film.

/QUOTE]

I did this a couple weekends ago...twice. Sometimes the brain wonders.

John Koehrer · Dec 27, 2018

There was a thread on either Large format or APUG about mistakes made on LF.
If it can happen, it will no matter how unlikely it seems.

jim10219 · Dec 27, 2018

John Koehrer said:
There was a thread on either Large format or APUG about mistakes made on LF.
If it can happen, it will no matter how unlikely it seems.

Yes. One time I pulled the dark slide to see if I had already exposed a sheet of film. I was in a hurry and my brain thought that would be a good idea.

John Earley · Dec 29, 2018

My most common mistake even after many years of LF is forgetting to reverse the dark slide after exposure. Then with two sides showing white I can't tell which side I exposed. Most often happens when it's windy and I'm fighting the darkcloth.

jwd722 · Dec 29, 2018

I started in 35mm about 40 years ago and went to 4x5 about 25 years ago and now mostly MF but still have 4x5, 5x7 and 8x10...a bit of overkill on my part. I found at the time that a book by Steve Simmons titled "How to use the View Camera" to be very helpful. It can still be purchased (used) at Abe's Books for $4.04.
Have fun with your new endeavor.

Joel_L · Dec 31, 2018

I've been looking at how the various tweaks you can do with these cameras can be used. Will be interesting to put some in play.

Did my first short outing with the camera. I found it quite easy to carry mounted on the tripod and resting on my shoulder. Probably good for a few miles like that. Anything more and I would probably break it down and put it in a backpack.

This was taken at an open space near my house. Using my cell phone as an exposure meter has not been too bad.
It was an overcast gray day.

FP4+ in XTOL

BrianShaw · Dec 31, 2018

Congratulations on your initial success. I hope you enjoyed the process and the experience.

One word of warning, though... be very cautious when carrying camera on tripod. Make sure everything is locked down. One tine I did that the lensboard had loosened and when I picked up the rig it went flying. Needless to say... it all happening slow motion yet I was helpless to do anything about it before the lens hit the dirt. I still have no idea how the lensboard unlocked itself.

First go at 4x5

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency