i need to be schooled!

hi folks,

first off thank you for taking any time to get me up to speed... i appreciate it in advance.

so, i recently stumbled upon a granview 4x5, point and shoot essentially. i didn't end up getting it but damn now i have been bitten and i want to try one out. now i am on the hunt for all the info possible on 4x5 point and shoot cameras.

i shoot documentary work and want something that is both fast and reasonably easy to handle. although i work on pentax 6x7's a LOT size is a bit of a factor... currently i am shooting a commission (book) that involves being on commercial fishing boats in 12-15 foot seas regularly. being able to handle the set up is a must. a lens in the 24mm (35mm equiv.) neck of the woods would be ideal.

i do have a budget so a used granview or fotoman is where i have been focusing my attention. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

i also spend a lot of time working overseas in less than ideal conditions and was curious about the best process for 4x5 sheet film. is it possible to shoot the film and then store it until i return home or would it be best to develop in the field?

again i am very appreciative of any and all help!

cheers
john

I can't imagine handling a 4x5 of any kind on a fishing boat, especially in nasty weather. A Fuji 69GWIII would give you a big image and a wide 65mm lens, and a tough plastic body that can take some abuse. Load it with fast film and away you go. Superb optics, too.

Fast film and X-rays don't mix. I'd either develop in the field or send film home by FedEx or other international courier so they don't stand as much chance of being ruined by airport security.

Peter Gomena

A Speed Graphic would be ideal. It came through WWII with flying colors, so I'd think you could use one on a fishing boat. I'm not sure you can use anything shorter than a 90mm, but that's a pretty wide lens on 4x5. Add some Grafmatic backs and you've got a bombproof, fast shooting rig. I don't see any issue with carrying or shipping the film home for processing--a b&w latent image is very stable and hand-checked x-ray machines *usually* aren't a problem.

I'd probably go for a speed graphic too for day use. If you ruin it (you probably won't), you're out $100-300. Lots of the wide lenses have big rear elements and you would probably not be able to fold up the camera without removing the lens. I'd like to know what's available for "press" style short lenses to avoid this.

I'd have a DSLR or bright 35mm system for night use. Fishing is far from a 9-5 job.

Focusing won't be a big deal as you'll probably stay put and out of the way of immediate danger photographing the fishing action, and many of the people on deck have particular locations for particular jobs, which are also somewhat repetitive, so you can prefocus and wait for the excitement.

I'd mail/fedex/UPS the film back in batches. Airport carryon Xrays are less problematic in my opinion than the TSA manual inspectors/swabbers. "What's in this 4x5x1 box the photographer really doesn't want opened? Film comes in rolls, not boxes."

If you have to use sheet film, Barry's suggestion of a Speed Graphic is a good idea. They are relatively cheap, so you won't be out much, except for maybe the lens when it gets doused with sea water.
But, 4x5 wouldn't be my first choice for such conditions. A medium format perhaps in a underwater housing might be a better choice. Film handling would be far more convienient, and a good 6x7 or even 6x6 isn't that far off 4x5 in quality.
Carrying the exposed film back shouldn't be a problem. There are numerious long threads on that subject.

I've been thinking for a while on how to respond. Part of me wants to say "this isn't a job for LF or MF, stick with 35mm" but the rest of me wants to say "give it a try, but best to use a Speed Graphic as the others have recommended." Many moons ago I tried LF in a different but equally challenging industrial environment, but with no luck. You might be more successful than I was, however. Good luck!

thanx folks. i have been shooting the past year (same project) on mf. fairly pleased however big negs and new challenges beckon!

While a SG is probably what would work best, for on the move photojournalism in fast paced environments, 35mm is what you need. I know it's not what you asked about, but a Leica is perfect for this environment.

If you're stuck on 4x5, a B&J would run a little less than a Graphic at comparable conditions. Others as well.