Recommendations

Travis Nunn · Aug 24, 2005

Can anyone recommend a book(s) on large format photography/cameras? I've never used a large format camera before and I think (since I don't have anyone I know to work with) it would be good for me to do a little reading on it before I buy a camera.

Much appreciated.

Dave Parker · Aug 24, 2005

Using the View Camera, By Steve Simmons, is a good start...

dave

roteague · Aug 24, 2005

Satinsnow said:
Using the View Camera, By Steve Simmons, is a good start...

dave

And, if you ask nicely, the author, who is on this forum occasionally, might answer your questions.

John Kasaian · Aug 24, 2005

Still another recommendation for Steve Simmons' book 'Using the View Camera"

Paul_Baker · Aug 24, 2005

Hey! That's the book I bought! It really is informative and clear.

Paul B.

David A. Goldfarb · Aug 24, 2005

Simmons' book is probably the best introduction, then Stroebel once you've digested Simmons and have a camera in hand.

raucousimages · Aug 24, 2005

Ditto on the above books. Also look at Large Format Nature Photography by Jack Dykinga this book is just a good read with great images. Kodak Book of Large Format Photography second edition. Easy to understand and the ckecklist on Pg. 109 is great for a beginer.

luvmydogs · Aug 24, 2005

I just received my copy of Steve Simmons book and am reading through it. I also highly recommend it. It's extremely clear, with details on the movements of the cameras, etc. etc.

mark · Aug 24, 2005

There is also some good info on the View Camera magazine website. I think there is a forum there too.

Honestly, nothing beats getting a camera and playing with it to really understand the movements you are reading about. Not a lot made sense to me until I had my first view camera in hand.

Travis Nunn · Aug 24, 2005

Thanks to everyone for the recommendations. Sounds like Simmons' Book is the best start for me right now.

mark said:
Honestly, nothing beats getting a camera and playing with it to really understand the movements you are reading about. Not a lot made sense to me until I had my first view camera in hand.

Mark, I agree with you, having a camera to play with would be the ideal situation for me, but right now I have other things that I have to spend my money on (just bought a brand new $4000 a/c unit) so I figure until sometime next year when I can get a LF I'll just do some reading on it.

Martin Frank · Aug 24, 2005

I found that the relevant chapters (such as those covering camera movements and the Zone System) in Ansel Adams 3 volume book on Photography were unsurpassed. Good Luck!
-Marty Frank

Bob F. · Aug 24, 2005

www.largeformatphotography.info is a great source on the Web.

Bob.

jp80874 · Aug 24, 2005

Travis,

Are you near a community college that has photography courses? The one I attend has two 4x5 view camera courses geared toward advertising, but also toward learning to use the movements in various assignments. These are done with school provided studio 4x5 cameras. Once you have worked with one for a while you begin to get an idea how important all the features are to you. You can then decide whether you need a studio camera or a lighter simpler field camera. Like most things it is a matter of balancing compromises.

Enjoy,
John Powers

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