New to LF, need some help.

[wbryant]

Hello, I am new to LF and just got my calumet 4x5 in the mail. there was no manual, so is there a good book or other source where I can find out how to get this thing going?? Also the ground glass popped off the back and I can't figure out how to get it back on with the two clips. Thanks, any suggestions will be appreciated.

Will.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Steve Simmons' _Using the View Camera_ is a good book for getting started (once you've figured it out, you might look at Stroebel as well).

Also read the articles at lfphoto.info.

 

[rbarker]

There are several good books that discuss general view camera technique. In addition to those David mentioned, the Kodak booklet, "Large Format Photography" (cat #E152 7895) provides a good intro.

The full link for the Large Format Photography Info site is:

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/

Sorry I can't help you with the ground glass problem. Perhaps someone else is familiar with the specifics of that camera.

 

[papagene]

which calumet model do you have? And does it appear that the ground glass is too small?
The two clips can be unscrewed to be taken out and the ground glass put back in place. They may have been loose. Give calumet a call, they are usually very helpful.

gene

 

[wbryant]

ok, I got the ground glass back on, thanks for the info on books...

 

[steve simmons]

There are three books that I recommend

Use's Guide to the View Camera by Jim Stone

Large Format Nature Photography by Jack Dykinga

or

Using the View Camera that I wrote

any/all should be available from Amazon.com

steve simmons
www.viewcamera.com

 

[jss]

it also helps to say where you're located, in case there are locals willing to show you hands-on.

 

[wbryant]

it also helps to say where you're located, in case there are locals willing to show you hands-on.

I am in Hoboken, NJ. across the river from NYC. Thanks for all the info.

 

[NikoSperi]

Leslie Strobel, View Camera Technique is IMO all you'll ever need and more.

 

[steve simmons]

The Stroebel book, IMHO, is something of a tome and not user friendly at all. It does make a good longterm reference book but not a good intro.


steve simmons

 

[wbryant]

The Stroebel book, IMHO, is something of a tome and not user friendly at all. It does make a good longterm reference book but not a good intro.


steve simmons

Steve, thanks so much, I am reading your book right now. no amazon needed, they had it at my local Borders...

 

[NikoSperi]

Ok, I'll be outspoken...

The Stroebel book, IMHO, is something of a tome and not user friendly at all. It does make a good longterm reference book but not a good intro.


steve simmons

Steve,
Please take this the right way... I for one have your book, which I picked up shortly after buying a used 4x5" Sinar with no manual.

As you say, Strobel is pedantic, dry, technical, reference book. It won't entertain anyone except some really hard-core techies. But, it is a reference book which can be returned to nearly indefinitely.

My humble review of your book, if I may, is that it is very well presented and a good introduction to view cameras, but thin on the ground in terms of what is proper to the view camera, while touching on other unrelated subjects such as lighting (I'm thinking of Sacramento Cathedral shot) and still life setups which did not relate specifically to a view camera but rather any camera could have been used for the shot (electronics gear in space shot).

Basically you are correct,; I found Using the View Camera an enjoyable intro, and as such would fit the OP's requirement. But Strobel proved more valuable to me over time... in my terribly humble opinion.

 

[Ole]

I partly agree with Niko here...

Steve Simmon's book is the one to start with. Quick and easy introduction, no heavy theory, just get straight to taking pictures.

And Stroebel's is heavy on the theory, heavy enough to scare a beginner away. But that's the book I'll be looking in when I want deeper knowledge.

So my advice is to get both: Start with Steve's, take lots of pictures, then read Stroebel.

 

[carsten]

Me I am quite a traditionalist and I suggest the Ansel Adams book "The Camera"...