sunset/sunrise photography in LF

manjo · Jun 21, 2006

I am planning a trip to MA coast to shoot some sunset photos, Will focusing on the sun cause any parts of the camera to burn ? especially since mine is made of wood. Will it harm the rear glass in anyways? What should I pay attention to when shooting sunset/sunrise with LF?

Thanks

Petzi · Jun 21, 2006

I don't think focusing the sun will harm the ground glass. Glass has a fairly high melting point...

naturephoto1 · Jun 21, 2006

Manjo,

It shouldn't be much of any problem with or for the glass in the lenses or ground glass. Robert Teague and I do it all the time. It isn't even a problem with smaller cameras either. Just use some caution, leave the lens cap on when you aren't focusing, or shooting. Also, be careful to not look directly into the sun (more of a problem when the sun is near the horizon) and particularly when using long/telephoto lenses (and lupe). The bigger problem when shooting at those times of the day though is from potential light leaks of the sheet film/holders or the Fuji QL/Kodak Readyload holders and film packets.

Rich

User Removed · Jun 21, 2006

I know the sun is quite hot, but I don't believe your wood camera will catch fire, or even that your ground glass or lens will start to melt. I may suggest you wearing some sunscreen and drink water to prevent heat stroak and sunburn. However, don't worry about having to put any sunscreen on your camera.

Now your tripod....thats a whole different story!.....

David A. Goldfarb · Jun 21, 2006

Just watch out for art critics. Shooting sunsets can be very dangerous--

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Loose Gravel · Jun 22, 2006

I focused near the sun once with a wide field lens. While I was doing so, I noticed on the ground glass some funny movement, but upon checking the scene -- nothing. Looked again and still movement. So I took off the back and the sun was smoking the inside of my bellows. Do be careful near the sun.

Steve Smith · Jun 22, 2006

Focussing the sun onto something with a lens is no different to using a magnifying glass to light a fire. Ground glass should be o.k. as should the film as the exposure is relatively short. It's the cloth focal plane shutters of rangefinder cameras which can sometimes be damaged by the sun as they are continuously exposed i.e. no mirror in front as there is with an SLR.

Steve.

Ole · Jun 22, 2006

As long as the image of the sun is inside the format, it shouldn't be a problem. Getting the sun in focus on the wooden parts may be a problem, but that also depends on the aperture.

ineffablething · Jun 22, 2006

Shooting in Mexicali once, 115 degree heat, with an 8x10, I did get some bellows smokeage. Very memorable experience.

David H. Bebbington · Jun 22, 2006

manjo said:
I am planning a trip to MA coast to shoot some sunset photos, Will focusing on the sun cause any parts of the camera to burn ? especially since mine is made of wood. Will it harm the rear glass in anyways? What should I pay attention to when shooting sunset/sunrise with LF?

Thanks

I have never had a problem with overheating at sunrise or sunset - at other times of the day, there could well be.

Personally, I think the two most important points are:
1) Keep a torch handy to set the camera, check your filmholders, etc.
2) Be prepared for the light to change very fast - I usually shoot sunrises rather than sunsets, no chance of the light dying on you completely after sunset just as it gets interesting.

Regards,

David

sunset/sunrise photography in LF

manjo

Petzi

naturephoto1

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David A. Goldfarb

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Loose Gravel

Steve Smith

Ole

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David H. Bebbington

sunset/sunrise photography in LF

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