Just graduated to 4x5

[ccross]

Hello all,

As the title indicates I have succumbed to my GAS condition and purchased a 4x5 camera setup. A bit unusual for me, but I bought it without really thinking/researching (must be the GAS). It's a Calumet body with a Carl Zeiss Tessar 6.3/210mm lens. Seemed like a good deal at the time.

I did a bit of looking this morning, but since I have very little knowledge of large format (I think I know which way to point it) I am wondering if I can draw on the knowledge here for opinions/advice on the system.

I know this is a bit of an open ended request, but thought I'd ask. After reading a few of the other recent threads I've got an idea of the basic workflow/equipment and book suggestions (Steve Simmons Using the View Camera), but would appreciate any other tips/tutorials/book suggestions, etc.

Thanks everyone,
Craig

 

[Paul Sorensen]

There are some good articles on the Large Format Photography site as well. http://www.largeformatphotography.info

 

[Sirius Glass]

What he said! ^^

 

[Andrew Horodysky]

Ditto... you'll find a lot of good information, there.

Have fun with your new purchase.

 

[ccross]

Thanks guys, there looks like a ton of info on http://www.largeformatphotography.info. I've got some reading to do.

Craig

 

[Christopher Walrath]

That will get you the basics and we can nail down some finer details once you get to the point, Chris.

 

[Bill Burk]

The first time I saw the acronym GAS, it was in the context... "Here comes the GAS". It was a response to a picture of a beatiful sea tortose and close-up showing every barnacle. For the longest time I thought it meant "Here come the Great A** Shots."

 

[mike c]

Stay with one film and the one one lens for a while and explore the swings and tilts the camera has,it will open up a whole new world.

Mike

 

[TareqPhoto]

Congrats!
I am new to Large Format as well, and i have 2 Graphics bodies but i was thinking to start with a new LF than a used one, so i ordered Shen Hao and waiting it anytime this week to give it a shoot.
Post images when you do.

 

[2F/2F]

I think you are good just digesting that book for now, and that at this point learning from a bunch of people online via random tips will just make it worse for you. Too disorganized, and too much disagreement, not to mention a lot of information that is just plain wrong. Just read the book and practice, and maybe the Internet can truly help you after you have the basics under control. Good luck!

 

[A Sabai]

Have fun, it is addicting and good luck.

 

[numnutz]

Have fun, it is addicting and good luck.

...and start saving for Petzval lenses, and a 10 x 8 field camera and a buggy to haul it around...

nn

 

[onnect17]

I think you are good just digesting that book for now, and that at this point learning from a bunch of people online via random tips will just make it worse for you. Too disorganized, and too much disagreement, not to mention a lot of information that is just plain wrong. Just read the book and practice, and maybe the Internet can truly help you after you have the basics under control. Good luck!

Agree 100% with 2F/2F said.
Also Craig, IMHO the ground glass, movements, and the flatness of the sheet film are perhaps new features to you. You will enjoy all the steps of its use. Larger formats than 4x5 will impact more you ego than your pics.

 

[ccross]

Thanks everyone. I finally got the camera in my hands and spent a bit of time playing with all the pieces. It all makes sense, except for the aperture setting. There are shutter speed markers, but no aperture markers. Plus the 'lever' that adjusts the aperture doesn't step, but slides smoothly, so I don't quite understand how to set aperture.

The lens is a Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 6.3/210. I did a quick google search, but didn't really find anything useful. Am I missing something right in front of my face? I'd appreciate any help the APUG world can provide.

Thanks,
Craig

 

[Bill Burk]

Hi Craig,

I suppose someone replaced the shutter or maybe the f/stop scale just fell off. I may be oversimplifying but if you can measure the diameter of the opening, the formula for f/stop is focal length divided by diameter of the aperture. You could make a crude scale of your own with markings for 8, 11, 16, 32, 45, 64.

Good luck.