The Allure of the Large Format Camera

DLawson · Jul 18, 2013

jerrybro said:
Now I've set up another darkroom and am trying really hard to get my mojo back, but it ain't easy.

Reestablishing the flow can be tough, at least for me. That is why I read these threads. I appreciate the reminder in my otherwise non-photographic life of why I am drawn to this and that.

When it comes to large(ish) format, I am still on by first 25 sheet box of 4x5, after about 3 years. Good start, marginal progression, and then life happened (two or three times, and another coming up).

But those negatives are somehow magical, so I know I will keep getting back to it.

paul_c5x4 · Jul 19, 2013

Poisson Du Jour said:
Any film camera will illicit a response from people. Or even get rid of them with the noise it makes. I cleared the decks at Erskine Falls with a humble 67.

With one of these:

You'd probably clear the decks in half the time and then have the local ATF/SWAT team providing security across the area :w00t:

Alan Gales · Jul 19, 2013

That's a COMD (camera of mass destruction).

David Brown · Jul 19, 2013

jerrybro said:
"The more cameras you own is the less pictures you take."

There is a lot of truth there.

Respectfully disagree. The original statement is a projection of a personal situation. There is no causal relationship between the number of tools beyond the minimum necessary and the amount of work that gets done.

DLawson · Jul 19, 2013

paul_c5x4 said:
With one of these:
View attachment 71868

You'd probably clear the decks in half the time and then have the local ATF/SWAT team providing security across the area :w00t:

My ultimate gadget lust in the '70s was a rifle stock mount, a long lens and a bulk back.

What I would have done with them, I have no clue. Despite that, now that the woodworking bug tickles me, I may have to build a rifle stock mount -- maybe with an attached sign that says, "It *is* loaded, but only with film."

thesirrichard · Jul 23, 2013

David Brown said:
Respectfully disagree. The original statement is a projection of a personal situation. There is no causal relationship between the number of tools beyond the minimum necessary and the amount of work that gets done.

I completely agree. Having all those cameras around often makes me wants to use one or the other and shoot. Seeing them constantly reminds me of the joy they have given me through the past years.

Steve Smith · Jul 23, 2013

jerrybro said:
Tom1956 said
"The more cameras you own is the less pictures you take."

Everyone who has been to school should know it is fewer pictures!

Either way, I'm not sure if it can be generalised that much. If the reverse is also true, someone with no cameras will take the most pictures!

Steve.

Ghostman · Jul 23, 2013

Steve Smith said:
Everyone who has been to school should know it is fewer pictures!

Either way, I'm not sure if it can be generalised that much. If the reverse is also true, someone with no cameras will take the most pictures!

Steve.

Public school?

megzdad81 · Jul 23, 2013

I have found that my enjoyment has increased with the use of large format from 35mm , although I get enormously hot when I figure out I forgot to stop down before exposing the film ... At that point, my language clears the deck.

I agree, though, people show up out of nowhere when I break out the 4x5 or 8x10.

The Allure of the Large Format Camera

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