Time to get my feet wet in the large format pond

[df cardwell]

If one lived someplace where good marine plywood was readily available,
it would be child's play to make ( or have made ) an extremely lightweight and strong, and pretty, 8x10 hand camera. Have to find a back to make the work easy, but that isn't trouble.

 

[Ole]

WHAT?

Yes. He's right. Especially if the monorail is a Linhof Color - I've timed myself and the monorail is way faster than anything else. Technikas included.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

If you need movements, then, yes, absolutely, a monorail with symmetrical movements on the front and rear standards is quicker and easier than a press camera.

If you are shooting something that needs a big piece of film, relatively quick focusing, and no movements, then a press camera with a rangefinder has its advantages.

 

[Ian Grant]

Yes. He's right./QUOTE]

Thanks Ole I've not been shooting LF that long I only started in 76 . . . . MF 20 yrs earlier !

I've never met a professional photographer here in the UK who used a Technical camera, at least since the early 70's, they all use (or did pre-digital) Monorails, with good reason, cheaper more robust, far simpler and much faster to use, the Technical cameras are a throw back to the late days of Fleet street here in the UK, and equivalents worldwide where press photographers still shot LF, while their more enlightened colleagues had already moved to roll film or 35mm.

Don't take that as derision of Technical cameras, they can be superb especially the Linhofs it's just time and photographers needs change, and it's also what you are used to.

Personally I'm glad I learnt with a monorail, but now actually mainly use a couple of wooden field cameras which have far more movements than their more expensive metal (technical camera) equivalents.

Ian

 

[BrianShaw]

Yes. He's right. Especially if the monorail is a Linhof Color - I've timed myself and the monorail is way faster than anything else. Technikas included.

Okay Ole... I'll defer to your experimental data.

I must be in need of additional practice with monorail cameras: I can set-up (unfold camera and lock lensboard), focus (with rangefinder), compose (viewfinder) and shoot (electric release) quite fast with a SuperGraphic, but things progress at a much slower pace with the Cambo monorail. Usually I can do all that in the time it takes to just set up the Cambo. Maybe I have the wrong monorail camera ;-)

As an additional feature, I can carry the SuperGraphic on a Vespa... if only I had one.

My sincere apology to Ian for questioning his judgement!

 

[BrianShaw]

If you need movements, then, yes, absolutely, a monorail with symmetrical movements on the front and rear standards is quicker and easier than a press camera.

If you are shooting something that needs a big piece of film, relatively quick focusing, and no movements, then a press camera with a rangefinder has its advantages.

Yes, you have quite clearly stated what I was thinking when I questioned Ian's statement. I was more oriented toward your latter statement than the former since Nicole expressed interest in photographing kids and carrying her camera on a Vespa.

 

[Ole]

My monorail is a Linhof Color, which in a way is a Technika chopped in half and mounted on a tubular monorail. I keep the mounting block on the tripod head when walking.

Set up the tripod pointed in the right direction, grab camera, clamp in, pull front standard to approximate focus and lock down, mount lens, adjust focus, and ready to shoot. It takes seconds, about ten of them...

 

[Amund]

that can fit onto the back of a Vespa, and can take beautiful glass, I'd really appreciate your recommendations.

I can comment on using a scooter and shooting LF.
I use a cheap Korean "Kymco ZX Super" as seen in picture 1.
I have the 8x10 in a f.64 backpack along with 5 filmholders, three lenses, lightmeter, darkcloth, cable releases and selftimer. The tripod I put down with my legs(picture 2) and stick a foot between the tripod legs to hold it secure. The problem with some Vespas is that it isn`t as easy to put a tripod "on the floor", as you see in picture 3.
When doing 4x5, I usually put the bag between my legs on top of the tripod, and can have an additional bag with food etc. on my back. Or I can use the compartment on the back of the scooter. Lots of space to bring stuff.

 

[dianna]

Someone mentioned earlier in the thread that large format might not be good for someone who typically has children as subjects. That may be true, but there are exceptions. I have a 4x5 Graflex, and I lent it to my husband yesterday. He got this handheld shot of our baby at 1/25th:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/circlesofconfusion/121145463/

The camera is a Speed Graphic and I absolutely love it. I'm new to large format and this camera is perfect for me right now. It was easy to find one, inexpensive, light enough for handheld shots although I use it on a tripod, and folds up into a small box that's easy to carry around.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Someone mentioned earlier in the thread that large format might not be good for someone who typically has children as subjects. That may be true, but there are exceptions. I have a 4x5 Graflex, and I lent it to my husband yesterday. He got this handheld shot of our baby at 1/25th:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/circlesofconfusion/121145463/

The camera is a Speed Graphic and I absolutely love it. I'm new to large format and this camera is perfect for me right now. It was easy to find one, inexpensive, light enough for handheld shots although I use it on a tripod, and folds up into a small box that's easy to carry around.

Hey, that's great! And you've discovered the Grafmatic filmholder as well--very handy for handheld 4x5" shooting. If the Graphic could make it through the WWII battlefield, the nursery should be a breeze.

 

[ricksplace]

Just a thought. I use a pre-anny speed graphic with a graflex back. (the one everyone tells you not to use. You have to take the ground glass off to fit the filmholder). I have three "bag mags" that hold twelve shots each. I load the three backs with different kinds of film. The rangefinder is set up for the 127/4.7 ektar.

I often use this camera hand-held and the results are great. I paid about $100 for the camera with the ektar lens because it had a graflex back. I can also use it with barrel lenses with the focal plane shutter.

I also have a speed graphic with a graflock back that I don't use very often. Lensboards are expensive for it and I can't use the bagmags on it.

Rick.

 

[Nicole]

In Melbourne on a scooter looking for an 8x10

Not much longer to go before I'm off to Melbourne, just one more week - after the grand final. Here's also a little more info about the trip:

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

I'm taking all your comments to heart and mind and wll be driving around Melbourne on a scooter hoping to find a suitable 8x10. Hmmm, impulse buying may have it's restrictions on a scooter - not a bad thing.

Exciting times ahead!!

Kindest regards,
Nicole

 

[Nicole]

Hi Nicole,
Gotta agree with Alex and others on the Crown Graphic. I worked with one that belongs to my husband before making the 'leap' into 8x10. (Kodak Master View)

Another great thing about the Crown Graphic is the ability to use a 6x9 rollback and Grafmatic -- both options give you quicker shots. I thoroughly enjoyed using them. Just a thought.

By the way...congrats on the featured work in B&W Magazine (UK)!! Loved seeing your work!!

Hi Dorothy, all good things come to those who wait and it's been quite a while in the making. I hope to have my 8x10 for Christmas this year.

I have so many ideas I can barely sleep at night. Hopefully insomnia is a side effect of an artist in the making. LOL

My only concern is availability of paper and film.

 

[catem]

Be sure to let us know how it goes.

I don't know if anyone saw the excellent documentary on Sally Mann on BBC4 last week - truly inspiring stuff, both as an insight into her art, and seeing that mighty camera at work...

Good luck!
Cate

 

[SuzanneR]

Sounds like a most excellent adventure, Nicole! But I thought a convertible was required for road trips!

Have a blast!!!

 

[Nicole]

Suzanne, hmm, tell you what... you supply the convertible for our Thelma & Louise roadtrip and I'll supply the 8x10

 

[paul ewins]

Nicole,
if you want to have a little play with LF while you are in Melbourne I have a 4x5 Speed Graphic, Super Graphic and an Auto-Graflex (SLR) which should give you an idea of what they are like to use. I've just bought an 8x10 Cambo monorail too, but am still waiting on the film to arrive before I can play with it.

The kalart rangefinder on my Speed Graphic is quite accurate and what I find myself doing is framing first and then fixing focus with the rangefinder. I generally leave crop room in the composition as the viewfinder isn't that precise. Once I have found the composition it takes less than 10 seconds to focus and take the shot. With a grafmatic attached it'll take another 10 seconds to shuffle the film and the darkslide and recock the shutter and you're ready for the next shot. It won't be like that with a monorail.

The Speed Graphic and four grafmatics packs into a camera bag that most people would describe as barely adequate for 35mm. The 8x10 Cambo came in a huge aluminium case and needs a beefy tripod.

 

[Claire Senft]

Why?

 

[Nicole]

Why?

Why not?

 

[Nicole]

Thank you very much for the offer Paul, that's very kind of you. I did have a play with a 5x7 a the local college on a 5x7 and decided I'd like to go bigger and contact print. I'd consider 8x10 or otherwise 6x9. I have a heavy Gitzo tripod which I never use with my 35mm and 6x6. Scott gave me a brief intro on LF focal lengths (thanks Scott!) and it looks like I'm after a 240mm f/5.6 or close to it lens. I enjoyed taking my time with the LF.

Nicole,
if you want to have a little play with LF while you are in Melbourne I have a 4x5 Speed Graphic, Super Graphic and an Auto-Graflex (SLR) which should give you an idea of what they are like to use. I've just bought an 8x10 Cambo monorail too, but am still waiting on the film to arrive before I can play with it.

The kalart rangefinder on my Speed Graphic is quite accurate and what I find myself doing is framing first and then fixing focus with the rangefinder. I generally leave crop room in the composition as the viewfinder isn't that precise. Once I have found the composition it takes less than 10 seconds to focus and take the shot. With a grafmatic attached it'll take another 10 seconds to shuffle the film and the darkslide and recock the shutter and you're ready for the next shot. It won't be like that with a monorail.

The Speed Graphic and four grafmatics packs into a camera bag that most people would describe as barely adequate for 35mm. The 8x10 Cambo came in a huge aluminium case and needs a beefy tripod.

 

[Claire Senft]

It is very difficult to be very fascile with three or four very different cameras.

Lets assume that I used a 35mm Nikon F100, a Leica M6 and a Hasselblad 6x6.
Lets further assume that I had aquired a very nice Agfa auto focus enlarger that takes a lenses up tp 105mm.

Now what is it that I wish to acccomplish by getting a Linhof Master Technika with a 75mm Biogon, 135mm Planar and a 250mm Sonnar? How does this improve my photography? Would I be better off by adding to my Leica or Hasselblad kit? Is my goal photos or gear?

 

[Nicole]

Claire, my goal is photographs of course.

I appreciate what you are saying. The gear is just a tool for the final type of print. I guess it's an uncontrollable passion and the desire to learn as much as I can about photography and the various processes.

It is very difficult to be very fascile with three or four very different cameras.

Lets assume that I used a 35mm Nikon F100, a Leica M6 and a Hasselblad 6x6.
Lets further assume that I had aquired a very nice Agfa auto focus enlarger that takes a lenses up tp 105mm.

Now what is it that I wish to acccomplish by getting a Linhof Master Technika with a 75mm Biogon, 135mm Planar and a 250mm Sonnar? How does this improve my photography? Would I be better off by adding to my Leica or Hasselblad kit? Is my goal photos or gear?

 

[raucousimages]

Ditto!

#1 Cameras are the tools of our craft.
#2 Use the right tool for the job.

There is nothing wrong with having lots of tools (cameras, lenses...) to do the jobs you want. I know of one pro photographer who used one camera and one lens for 30 years but he only shot one thing for 30 years. I shoot several subjects in several styles and I own several cameras in several formats.

 

[Amund]

Scott gave me a brief intro on LF focal lengths (thanks Scott!) and it looks like I'm after a 240mm f/5.6 or close to it lens. I enjoyed taking my time with the LF.

Look for a Fujinon 250mm f/6.7. It`s a very nice lens, and goes for $4-500 on eBay these days. Very sharp at large apertures. Look (there was a url link here which no longer exists) for an example, shot almost wide open.

 

[Black Dog]

LF is like a tub of Pringles.....once you pop you can't stop