User to Camera ratio

[Fixer]

I am considering introducing LF as an approach towards fine arts practice to my students (17 students). However, I have several concerns that i need help addressing. I hope I get obtain some insights from fellow forumers to help me along the way.

1. What is the maximum user to camera ratio that is allowable (Cameras are a limited resource).
2. What are the best ways of checking exposure besides polariods?

We have 3 cambos but do i need to acquire more or should we just stick to DSLRs to accomplish our objectives?

Cheers

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I'd guess three or four using a camera at one time would be the most before people start to feel left out.

If you've got three or four people on a camera, that's enough people to remember everything that needs to be remembered to get an accurate exposure with a light meter. If they're using exposure record sheets, which they should while they're learning, then the sheet can also serve as a checklist for: base exposure, filter factor, bellows factor, and reciprocity, setting aperture and shutter speed, lighting ratio for studio, scene brightness range for outdoors, and Zone placement and development plan, if you're using Zone System controls.

 

[Lee L]

My take is that multimode cameras with autoexposure and autofocus, and multiple program settings and deep electronics menus would be a great distraction from the basics, making things appear much more complicated than they do with a basic manual camera.

Lee

 

[Fixer]

Is it a good idea to purchase additional second hand units? Get some basic lenses like the Caltars? Would this be a good idea? We have the lighting equipment and film backs.

 

[Pinholemaster]

2. What are the best ways of checking exposure besides polariods? = A light meter.

1. What is the maximum user to camera ratio that is allowable (Cameras are a limited resource). = No more than 3 students per camera. The ideal is 2 per camera.

should we just stick to DSLRs to accomplish our objectives? = You didn't really state your objectives, so how to answer?

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Yes, I think so. Cambos are inexpensive and plentiful. For the price of a single DSLR, you can get quite a few second hand Cambos. If you can get several of the same model or compatible models, you can mix and match parts, if things break. Caltar-S and Caltar II-N lenses are fine lenses made by Schneider and Rodenstock, respectively, and they're usually quite affordable second hand.

I'd recommend contacting Jim Andracki at Midwest Photo Exchange (www.mpex.com). He can give you some good, honest advice and put some equipment in your students' hands at a very fair price.

 

[garysamson]

I teach an introductory course to the view camera once a year at the NH Institute of Art where I serve as photo dept. chair. I have 14 students in the class and each student gets their own 4x5 field or monorail camera for the 15 week semester along with a Sekonic light meter, tripod, 5 holders, dark cloth etc. Everyone is happy with this arrangement and the students have produced some great work. One of my students, Lindsey Vladyka recently had a portfolio of work published in View Camera Magazine in the March/April 2008 issue. Let me second David's recommendation of Jim at Midwest as a resource for your view camera needs. He has been very helpful to me. Good luck.

 

[mjs]

One of my students, Lindsey Vladyka recently had a portfolio of work published in View Camera Magazine in the March/April 2008 issue. Let me second David's recommendation of Jim at Midwest as a resource for your view camera needs. He has been very helpful to me. Good luck.

And a darn fine portfolio it was, too! I enjoyed it very much. You must have a sense of satisfaction from things like that. Keep up the good work!

Mike