Intro to Large Format Advice

[ChuckP]

If you are a visual learner don't forget to poke around on YouTube for large format information.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I checked out the Yankee tank and it was too prone to spill chemicals over the top. I tried some others and settled on the Jobo 3010 Expert Drum which can handle up to ten sheets. Yes it cost more, but I get good consistent results every time. The cost will be recouped by not messing up the development. Also get the top release pump for it.

 

[JADoss23]

I watched some various YouTube videos and was reading the gralflex manual. Ordered some Arista sheets to try and learn on. Does anyone that owns a speed graphic have any advice on procedures or steps to take a good photo and not mess up! Ha. Still trying to figure out how to use the two different shutters.
Also anyone recommend any specific film holders. Have two vintage gralflex ones but wanted to get a few more. Thanks again. This has been extremely informational and helpful.

 

[GregW]

Hi, I use a Speed Graphic, usually with the focal Plane shutter as I have it set up with a barrel lens (no shutter) That's one of the great advantages of a Speed Graphic. That said, I'd concentrate on the KISS route. Use the lens shutter, there's a switch to use the shutter trigger on the body. When on a tripod use a cable release. Taping a little card on the back with the steps; Focus/compose, CLOSE LENS, insert holder, pull slide, expose, INSERT SLIDE, FLIP HOLDER....You can guess which steps I've skipped in the past and will probably again in the future.
Keep your holders clean, look for holders that look mint if you're buying used. Get nutty about keeping them protected from dust.
I recently got a SP-445 from Stearman Press, I love it. I can't recommend it enough. Holds 4 sheets, you have 2 holders, seems like a good match.
Have fun
G

I watched some various YouTube videos and was reading the gralflex manual. Ordered some Arista sheets to try and learn on. Does anyone that owns a speed graphic have any advice on procedures or steps to take a good photo and not mess up! Ha. Still trying to figure out how to use the two different shutters.
Also anyone recommend any specific film holders. Have two vintage gralflex ones but wanted to get a few more. Thanks again. This has been extremely informational and helpful.

 

[Alan Gales]

I tried some others and settled on the Jobo 3010 Expert Drum which can handle up to ten sheets. Yes it cost more, but I get good consistent results every time. The cost will be recouped by not messing up the development. Also get the top release pump for it.

+1 on the the Jobo top release pump. It makes life a lot easier.

 

[Alan Gales]

Jobo processors are said to be really nice but a bit pricey. You don't have to have one for an Expert drum. You can use a motorized Beseler roller base. Check out the link below.

Beseler roller base