Large Format - What should I look into?

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AutumnJazz

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1 4X5 ZONE VI CLASSIC FIELD (BAIL BACK/BRASS FITTINGS) LARGE FORMAT VIEW FOLDING CAMERA
DROP SHIPMENT BGN $569.00 $569.00
2 120 F5.6 APO SYMMAR COPAL BULB, TIME (4X5), LARGE FORMAT VIEW LENS
DROP SHIPMENT EX $546.00 $546.00
3 210 F5.6 APO SYMMAR MC COPAL BULB, TIME (4X5)(42 MOUNT) WITH CAPS, LARGE FORMAT VIEW LENS
DROP SHIPMENT BGN $399.00 $399.00

Total Amount: $1,514.00 (I'd say my budget is a $2,000 max, but as always...the cheaper the better. More money for film.)

So far, that is what I'm planning on. (Also, for now I think I'm going to get LF instead of a 35mm rangefinder...They're just way too expensive for me right now.) Plus a Sekonic L-508. What about lens boards, film holders, etc.? Should I get a loupe? Darkcloth?

I might forgo the 210mm for right now, as I'm just not sure if I'd use it. I'd really only be getting it for portraiture and macro stuff.

(On another note, I already have a very, very nice tripod. Although, I use it with a ball head. Are ball heads hard to use with LF cameras, should I look into a different kind? It isn't really the weight, it is the size. Field cameras are much bigger than my beloved 35mm.)

Am I overlooking anything? Is there anything that hasn't been mentioned that I should take into consideration?

(Also, can the 120mm and 210mm cover 8x10 or 5x7? I'll probably get an 8x10 in 20 years, lol.)

Edit: Is this camera the same as the Zone VI?
 

mmcclellan

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No, the early Zone VI cameras were Wistas and then Wisner made them. Tachiharas are quite fine, though, so don't discount them. I've been using a Zone VI 4x5 for close to 20 years and absolutely love it!
 

David A. Goldfarb

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You can get a gridded groundglass for any LF camera or make one yourself. I usually prefer to put my own lines on the groundglass with a ruler and a pencil anyway.

There used to be a few different grid overlays that you could print out yourself on overhead projector film and use on any groundglass at http://www.satinsnowglass.com/. Dave Parker has closed down his business, but I suspect he would send you the PDFs for his overlays if you sent him an e-mail (link on the website).
 

John Kasaian

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They're lighter. IIRC anodized aluminium was used in place of brass hardward.
 

CBG

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AutumnJazz said:
I'm in a phase of trying to piece together a complete photographic outfit that will hopefully last me for the rest of my life. ...
Click to expand...


Buying for the rest of your life seems unrealistic. I'd urge you to look for a "learning" outfit at minimal cost, then to trade up as needs and opportunities occur. How can you possibly know what you want till you've worked with LF or whatever a while?

C
 
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John Kasaian

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AutumnJazz said:
Now if only to find one. I can't seem to even find an old product page for one, let alone someone selling one. Oh bother.
Click to expand...

So, what's wrong with the "classic" Zone VI? Anybody would be more than happy to have one of these to work with. They are elegant, beautifully designed cameras.
Pick up that kit you've mentioned and if your photos hurl, you'll have no one to blame but yourself
 

Tom Hoskinson

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eric johnson

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There is an excellent article called Getting Started in Large Format on the View Camera site. I am surprised more people don't make reference to this as there is a lot of good information there.

eric
 

Gene Crumly Photo

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Slow down, read some books on LF, breathe, read some more. After that come back and ask some more questions.
I remember what it was like when I first started LF. Now I read, breathe, and take photos.
 

Domenico Foschi

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Reading books is a good thing, but it will also delay the experience.
I am not sure if it has been suggested already, but if you have the possibility to rent LF you should don that.
See if you are comfortable with a specific format: 4x5, 5x7, 8x10.....
Rent whatever you find and see.
From that then you can start formulating your ideal set up.
Remember that photogrphers take years at times to find their ideal tools and many times therse tools are broken down cameras, lenses and strange set ups.
I would avoid spending 2500.00 in a lens.
Good luck in the search.
 

Gene Crumly Photo

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Yes it will delay the experience of rushing out and buying equipment that is not right or to expensive. A $2500 lens is a good example of a newcomer to LF. If you can't tell me why you are buying the item then more research and understanding is needed. Buy when you know what you'r buying is what you need. Also don't worry about the weight of the camera. After you fill a large backpack, and carry tripods with heavy heads 1 or 2 pounds extra for a good 4x5 camera is irrelevant.
 

eric johnson

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So many of these questions about the different Zone VI models, what to consider when buying a camera, etc. hasve all been answered in View Camera. Why debate here when the answers are so easy to obtain?

It is not about what era Zone VI to buy, it is about what features you need in a camera.

It should not be nexcessary to spend 2500 on a 1st lens, or maybe even a last lens. Do some shopping, call people like MidWest Photo, Lens and Repro, etc. and ask for some advice. Get one of the book on lartge format and read through it/them.

A little homework can save a lot of thrashing here.

eric
 
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AutumnJazz

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I'm not going to spend $2500 on a lens. Maybe $600. I've more or less settled on a Gandolfi Variant, but I'm still trying to decide on a lens.

Schneider 120mm or 220mm? I like wide angles, but for what I will use my camera for the longer lens might work better. I want to keep it simple, that is I just want to stick with one lens right now.

I've also been collecting a ton of books, filled with experience or just pictures.

Oh, also, tripod head anyone? Extra points if it is sutible for 35mm also.
 

JBrunner

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People buy my prints. The most I have ever paid for an LF lens is $650. Most of my lenses were around $300. If you are made of money, go for it, and if you are able to spend money a lens is one of the good places to put it. That said, a good user lens, and attending a workshop might get you a lot farther for the same money. You can get a very good set up all the way around for $1500 with some patience.
 

Domenico Foschi

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If you had read my entire post you would have noticed I mention renting equipment.
There is no substitute for first hand experience.
What a book will give you is general knowledge, but first hand experience will show you what works for You
Also, depending on the kind of photography you do, Autumnjazz, weight is important.
When you walk for hours at the time the extra weight you have in your backpack multiplies.
Photographers are very careful at the amount of stuff they put in the back pack.
Gene is probably right that the choice of a camera should be commanded by how comfortable you are with it and by the movements it has that you need and being weight one of the last concerns, provided that you consider how many lenses you will carry and how big they are, how many holders you'll use, and so on...
 
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