Question(s) For 16x20 Users

For those of you lucky enough to own a 16x20, I was hoping you could indulge us by answering a few questions...

1.) Which brand do you own? What is its weight? Approx. cost? Comment on its performance/stability? What is throat(lens board) opening? i.e. can it accommodate the Schneider 550mm Fine Art (125mm rear diameter) lens?

2.) Which lens(es) do you use? Comment on coverage? Which tripod/head?

3.) Any difficulties in film processing?

4.) Do you mainly contact print in silver or in an alternate process?

5.) Can you give us a URL to view some of your work?

6.) Does anyone actually own an Ebony 16x20? How much do they cost?

7.) What technique do you use to fight off admirers in the field?

8.) Anybody over 55 using one of these?


As I get older I'm thinking that maybe being crushed under a collapsed 16x20 may an ironic and not too bad way to go...

Thanks!

Richard K.

I use a home made 16x20 for quite a bit of my work. I am 48 and hope to still be using it when I am 55. I have started "taking better care" of myself with that goal in mind. You can take a look at my design under the Homemade Camera section--look for the posting on BUULF cameras. (Butt Ugly ULF).

As for lenses, I use the Nikon 450 and Fuji 600, both have more than adequate coverage.

I process my big film in Jobo paper tubes with great results. I do, however, use D-76, which is non-staining. I had some problems with lines showing up using different pyro developers. Sandy King has a regement he follows to avoid the lines. He describes it on the Michael Smith Azo site. I am happy with D-76, so I just decided to avoid the problem completely. If I used yro, I would follow Sandy's suggestions.

I use a Reese wooden tripod, which is more than adequate. Sorry, I don't rememer the model number.

I don't know the total weight of my camera, as it breaks down into many peices to be carried. I guess its around 40 pounds.

As for people admiring the camera, I shoot in rural Iowa most of the time and onlookers isn't really a problem. Although I have been accused of shooting for TV or surveying. I actually find I have more of a problem with curious natives when shooting 4x5 or 8x10. I think the 16x20 scares most people away.

I contact print mostly on platinum, but have done a few AZO contact prints. Which ever you do, just make sure your darkroom is set up to handle the big film and paper. Do you have a print and film washer of that size. do you have trays that are adequate? contact priting frame, etc.

My advice is as follows. Going to 16x20 is a lot like moving to 8x10 from 35mm. It takes more time, more effort, a much longer lead time to assemble everything, but it is certainly worth it for certain subjects. Order film early, keep a 6 mo. supply in the freezer and get to know good suppliers--Fred Newman at the View Camera Store and John at J and C.

As for being crushed by the camera as the way to meet the maker, it's probably the second best way to go--first being to get shot by a jealous husband on my 95 birthday. We all have to go some way.

Try the following link
http://www.mamutphoto.com/index.html