Newb: Is pushingTMX100 realistic?

mikeb_z5 · Feb 21, 2004

HI,
Here's my situation. I would like to try some portraits of our 6 mo old with my 4x5 view camera. I only have a readyload holder and use TMX100.

With available light for headshots I'm at 2 sec exposures and theres no way he'll stay still for that long. So my question is:

Can I push the TMX100 2 stops to 400 with acceptable results?

Has anyone tried this? Are there any examples on the web that I can see?

I have searched and can find nothing.

Thanks for your expertise!

Mike

bmac · Feb 21, 2004

May I ask why you would want to use 4x5 for a child's portrait? I remember when my daughter was ^mo, there was no way to keep her still while taking photos. I used the 35mm w/ motor drive and shot several rolls in order to get a couple "keepers"

mikeb_z5 · Feb 21, 2004

ty for your responses.

bmac, just thought I would give it a try

mike

Doug Bennett · Feb 21, 2004

What is the available light situation that forces you to shoot at 2 seconds? If you got next to a window with a good amount of light coming in, I'd think you would be able to get at least F5.6 at 1/60 at ISO 100.

As to pushing film, I've never done it and don't understand why so many people go in that direction. It's an easy way to get ugly highlights and poor shadow detail. I almost always pull film and reduce development, but that's just me.

How about flash? You can do amazing things with flash by getting creative with lighting controls. I've got a cheap piece of translucent white fabric from a fabric shop. Stretch it between the subject and the flash and with a little practice, you can approximate a softbox. Throw in a junk store flash on a $15.00 slave and you've got backlight. I use a (gulp!) digital camera for lighting tests.

bmac · Feb 21, 2004

mikeb_z5 said:
ty for your responses.

bmac, just thought I would give it a try

mike

Sonds good to me

mikeb_z5 · Feb 21, 2004

Doug,
I guess I should have said my cheap homemade lighting system in the basement!

1-90w flood w/ homemade diffuser as main light
1-4'x4' matboard reflector
1-250 halogen aimed at white background(bedsheet)

also, with a 210mm f6.3 lens at 4ft from subject DOF would be miniscule if I shot wide open. I was thinking in the f22 range which would give me approx 3-4 inches DOF.

I took some polaroids of myself last night and was somewhat pleased with the results. Not with the subject(me), but the lighting.

I'll try to scan and post a pic later.

It got me thinking that maybe I'd try it with a more pleasing subject. The little guy!

Mike

p.s. My wife is still recovering from the surprise 4x5 purchase. Adequate studio lighting will have to wait until the dust settles!

bmac · Feb 21, 2004

Mike, speaking from experience here. You've gotta strike while the fire is hot! http://www.alienbees.com/ hehe Tell her they came with the camera

mikeb_z5 · Feb 21, 2004

LOL,

She may strike me with a hot iron instead!

Mike

Doug Bennett · Feb 21, 2004

Brian,

I like the look of those Alien Bee lights. Do you use them? If so, is the quality decent?

Mike,

My "studio lighting" consists of a Vivitar 285, an umbrella, and a thrift store flash on a slave. I can't get fancy, but I can have some fun. Around $150.00 is all, but if you just surprised your wife with a 4x5, then........

I still think natural light might be the way to go. 90 watts may not be enough firepower.[/img]

bmac · Feb 21, 2004

I have White Lightning's, they're made by the same company. I find the color temp a little cold, but nothing an 812 filter on the lens can't cure.

Newb: Is pushingTMX100 realistic?

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