Today I went large format...now what?

naturephoto1 · Aug 19, 2006

Hi David,

You will find many many suggestions for lenses from those here at APUG. But, the general lens range for many for their first 4X5 lens is in the 135mm, 150mm, or the 180mm range. If landscape is your preference many would suggest the 135mm or 150mm.

As to loupe, after running some checks on quite a few, you might find the inexpensive 4X Horizon to be a bargain. It has a square skirt, a wide field of view, and extremely sharp optics.

Good luck and have fun.

Rich

bill schwab · Aug 19, 2006

Good grief David! I just talked to you yesterday on the phone and you were lamenting having to get rid of one lens or the other cause you'd been getting too many toys! Now you've jumped into LF? You are the man!

Bill

photomc · Aug 19, 2006

read my sig. line and take it very seriously.....your in trouble now David.

Congratulations

david b · Aug 20, 2006

Thanks everyone for all of the advice and comments.

And yes Bill, I was lamenting (complaining) about having to get rid of some gear. Actually, I am going to get rid of a lot of gear in the next couple days.

As I mentioned in a previous thread, I have a very important date coming up and the expenses are piling up. Plus, I want to get the future Mrs. B a very nice little watch, so I could you the funds.

And I am packing some dough away for a little trip to Iceland.

Oh yeah, I am looking for a really nice 90 and 150. Email me if you got one for sale.

rbarker · Aug 20, 2006

Contrary to Will's advice, David, you should get at least a couple of 4x5 lenses with limited coverage before thinking of moving up to 8x10.

Nonetheless, congrats on the Shen. Let me know if you need to see some sample focal lengths on 4x5 before taking a plunge.

argus · Aug 20, 2006

David,

the addiction has just begun, even without a lens

G

barryjyoung · Aug 22, 2006

She must like contact prints, that's why, that's GOT to be why.

JosBurke said:
They're all fibbers----you'll be so disappointed with LF that you'll dump it in no time and go back to that APS format thingy. So shall I send my address now so you'll know where to unload it---I'll even split the shipping !!
Congrats!!! You'll love it-- but be warned--my wife told me that bigger IS better. Now why would she say that???????????

Sportera · Aug 22, 2006

David, youll do fine with whatever you do with the 4x5. Welcome aboard, can't wait to see your new toy next month.

Since you like the 80 on you hassy I think a 150mm would do you just fine, followed by a 90 or 75.

Sam

naturephoto1 · Aug 23, 2006

Sportera said:
David, youll do fine with whatever you do with the 4x5. Welcome aboard, can't wait to see your new toy next month.

Since you like the 80 on you hassy I think a 150mm would do you just fine, followed by a 90 or 75.

Sam

Hi David,

As Sam says look forward to seeing the new toy. Also the 150mm is a good general landscape lens. The 90mm is a bit easier to control than the 75mm (but you are now experienced with the 40mm for your Hassy). Many also like the 90mm for many applications, but the 75mm can be really valuable for that tremendous depth that can be valuable in those grand vistas out west.

Rich

MikeM1977 · Aug 25, 2006

phaedrus said:
Lenses are all well and good as long as you can accurately focus them on something. Getting a good loupe, not neccesarily from photo suppliers, and practising using it is vital.
Oh, and get some good hiking boots if you disagree with Edward Weston. There IS some good subject matter to be found further away from the road than 100 yards.
Christoph

Or make your own loupe. I used the front element of an old Minolta Himatic camera. Mounted it in PVC pipe. Works very nicely!

Today I went large format...now what?

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