Time to get my feet wet in the large format pond

[Claire Senft]

If you wish to learn then I would advise you to get a full featured view camera. A 120 roll film back would also be nice. One lens will be all that is required for learning.

Get a copy of Harold Merkinglers's book Focusing the View camera. One you understand that you will be an extremely competent as a view camera user.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

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.

I also have a Fujinon 250 F6.7, but I haven't tried it on my 8x10 yet. I did shoot a lot with it in Argentina, and it is an excellent lens, I don't think I can outrun its coverage on my 5x7. It is a very nice focal length for both 5x7 and 8x10. I got mine from Midwest Photo for a reasonable price, but it had some cosmetic issues (nothing serious) so it was about $400 I think. Regardless of which lens you choose in that focal length range, be aware that when shooting wide open, even when focused at the hyperfocal, you will have very decidedly out-of-focus foregrounds. Depending on your subject, that can be a-ok, or it could cause you headaches, as the out-of-focus foregrounds can be distracting. If you have any examples of the kind of shots you want to take with the 8x10, just to give a feel for the subject matter, it would be a big help on advising on the shooting style.

 

[Nicole]

I discovered an 8x10 Cambo in my home town. Took one look through the glass and... wow!! Certainly makes my good solid Gitzo look juvenile... I hope it fits in my lounge room... the Vespa may collapse... can't wait to play!! Hmm, now to find the other important bits that make a picture. Suzanne, we need that convertible!!

 

[Digidurst]

I discovered an 8x10 Cambo in my home town. Took one look through the glass and... wow!! Certainly makes my good solid Gitzo look juvenile... I hope it fits in my lounge room... the Vespa may collapse... can't wait to play!! Hmm, now to find the other important bits that make a picture. Suzanne, we need that convertible!!

And you're off! Congrats on finding "the one".

My love affair with 4x5 is off and on again. Sometimes I honestly wonder why I bothered and other times... well, I just fall in love all over again. I probably don't have to tell you this but just remember to keep it fun and you'll do fabulously

p.s. I love the Vespa! I totally agree about the car being just too much for many applications. I don't have a motorized scooter but my Fuji touring bike is great for toting my LF gear.

 

[SuzanneR]

I discovered an 8x10 Cambo in my home town. Took one look through the glass and... wow!! Certainly makes my good solid Gitzo look juvenile... I hope it fits in my lounge room... the Vespa may collapse... can't wait to play!! Hmm, now to find the other important bits that make a picture. Suzanne, we need that convertible!!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Nick Zentena]

I discovered an 8x10 Cambo in my home town. Took one look through the glass and... wow!! Certainly makes my good solid Gitzo look juvenile... I hope it fits in my lounge room... the Vespa may collapse... can't wait to play!! Hmm, now to find the other important bits that make a picture. Suzanne, we need that convertible!!

If you need to fix the Vespa I'm sure you can use the Cambo to jack up the Vespa

 

[ineffablething]

I second the notion of getting a 250mm f6.7 Fujinon. It is my only modern lens for my 8x10. Here is a shot I made with the lens wide open.

 

[Alex Hawley]

Congrats Nicole. You've made your deal with the LF Devil.

 

[JohnArs]

Yeah Nicole now you are in the club!!
Now you have to slow down and show us your first picture with the 8x10! ;-)))

 

[Dorothy Blum Cooper]

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.

Sounds good, Nicole. Of course, you'll have to keep me posted.

As for film and paper...there's always the option of getting into wet-plate!!! The list is never ending!!!!!!!

 

[Nancy]

That's wonderful Nicole. I look forward to seeing your first success when you share.