This LF photog has attitude

Dr Croubie

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Roger Cole

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It sounds paradoxical but it's often true that large format, especially 4x5, can be done with a lot smaller a lighter kit than medium format. If I want to get down to essentials I can put my Tech III (which is small but not especially light for a 4x5), all three of my (small) 4x5 lenses on boards, six holders, a spot meter, my shade/filter holder, some 3x3 square filters, a cable release and my BTZS hood all in a small bag that barely accomodates two 35mm bodies with attached lenses and one extra lens OR flash, but not both, when configured for 35mm. Now to be fair I can also put my 645 Pro and two lenses and two backs with inserts in that bag, but I doubt the third lens would fit and the 645 Pro would weigh more, I'm pretty sure. And that's 645, not 6x7.

Of course my 4x5 demands a tripod since the RF is long gone, while the 645 Pro works great handheld. Horses for courses and all that.
 

David A. Goldfarb

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I've carried LF cameras of various formats for short distances on a tripod. When exploring a location, it's just easier to keep it set up, like keeping your 35mm camera on a strap around your neck with the lens cap off instead of putting it back in the bag between shots.
 

David A. Goldfarb

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Ken Nadvornick

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Arklatexian

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I agree. After seeing two close friends develop metol poisoning (a severe allergy) from using bare hands in print developers, I have been thankful that I was taught to use tongs (mostly) or rubber gloves. I know Ansel put his hands in the developer but that still did not make it smart. He was one of the lucky ones. And before anyone comments, I certainly do not consider myself on a par with Ansel as a printer. He would have been just as good had he used tongs or gloves......Regards
 

Roger Cole

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Putting your hands in metol might eventually lead to a severe dermatitis allergy but hasn't amidol been linked to Parkinson's? MUCH worse than having to avoid metol, which you can do if you must and still work in a darkroom.
 

David A. Goldfarb

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Weston suffered from Parkinson's but there is no evidence that it was connected to Amidol.
 

Roger Cole

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I think I read that somewhere in the old Darkroom or Camera and Darkroom, maybe that Weston himself suspected it.

A quick google search turns up nothing but conjecture with no evidence, you're right.

Still the stained nails alone would be reason enough for me to avoid sticking my hands in it.
 

Richard Man

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andrew.roos said:
Thanks for sharing. Inspiring video.

[to self]
No I will not buy a LF camera.
No I will not buy a LF camera.
NO I WILL NOT BUY A LF CAMERA!
Click to expand...

I started with Olympus OM-4T and then a Leica M7 because "I want the highest quality in the smallest package." I was a bit stumped that I started with a 617 view camera in 2012, and now I have 3 4x5 (in addition to a Leica M9), but then I realize that 4x5 is the highest quality in the smallest package for large format!
 
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c6h6o3

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David A. Goldfarb said:
Weston suffered from Parkinson's but there is no evidence that it was connected to Amidol.
Click to expand...

He also put his hands in ABC pyro for decades. Whether or not either of those two substances gave him Parkinson's disease, it's certain that neither one of them did him any good.
 
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