Keeping all the steps straight - a whine

Another useful thing, as well as doing stuff in the right order, is to label all your film-holders. Use masking tape or something, with (for example) both a letter for each type of film and a number to keep track of what you have shot, what needs to be changed out etc. etc. Shoot in alphanumeric order and make a quick note, even if there is nothing special to note down, so everything at least 'feels' under control . . .

Almost all my sheet-film experience was working in a lab, but last autumn I made myself a point-and-shoot style 4x5 out of foamboard. Initially it was a pinhole, but then I got myself a Fuji 150mm in a shutter and made a double-sliding-box scale focus variation on the pinhole. No movements of course. I am developing new ways of making mistakes too.

Well, I think I ruined a whole box of BW film a few days ago, when got my first LF camera.

Here's my own list (for use with my Crown Graphic, 4x5)

Define roughly the area to photograph
Set camera up on tripod
Find subject through viewfinders
Open shutter (T setting)
Focus and refine on ground glass
Close shutter!
Insert film, remove dark slide
Check light with light meter (remember film ISO)
Set the lens exposure, compensate for long bellows if needed
Press shutter
Replace dark slide (exposed side)
Remove film holder