VIEW CAMERA TECHNIQUE?

[Robert]

Is there any reason to look for a newer edition of this book? It's not like view cameras have changed alot since the first edition. Or did later editions correct errors? I'm figuring since all my cameras are older then the first edition any edition should be fine. Make sense?

 

[Jorge]

No reason, if you learned and used the camera since then, then use your money for film.

 

[Robert]

Interesting. Everybody makes out like it's a treasure trove of info. Used copies aren't very expensive so I figured I'd keep an eye out for one.

 

[Jim Chinn]

Im not sure what book yu are talking about. Leslie Stroebel wrote a pretty comprehensive text I think is called View Camera Technique. It is a textbook, and is very inclusive with in depth info on optics and optics theory, and lenses and lens design. This book I have seen on occasion at Borders and sells new for $60-$70.

Stroebel also had a more basic book called View Camera Basics, still a pretty good intro book to LF and a resource that will answer almost any question someone would have about LF cameras and use.

Finally there is the Steve Simmons book. I don't remember its specific title, but INHO it is a waste of money because there is nothing in it that can not be easily found on the The LF Phtography web site and related links or from individuals on this site.

 

[Jorge]

Like Jim said, Leslie Stroebel's book is very comprehensive and I imagine the latest edition has more updated prices etc. I have the 4th edition and I have no need to get the latest edition. The Simmons book is merely a primer for absolute beguinners, think of the difference between a real novel and the Cliff notes...you get the gist of the idea but nowhere as thorough and IMO a waste of money I made the mistake of getting it and if you want it send me your address and I will mail it to you.

 

[Robert]

Yes Stroebel's book. I've seen older editions for less then $10. I have the Simmons book and all I got out of it was a better understanding of how to figure out bellows compensation.

 

[Jeremy]

I also have simmons book and it was a waste of the money.

 

[Aggie]

..

 

[Eric Rose]

at a girl Aggie!

 

[Jorge]

Than again Aggie, LF is not for everyone. Michael Kenna makes beautiful pics with a Hasselblad.....it is all in the eye I guess...

 

[Aggie]

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[Donald Miller]

Aggie, Is your difficulty in composing your exposure? Do you use a viewing frame or something like the Zone VI viewing filter? Or is your difficulty more in the area of camera movements, how to use them, their effects, and gaining sharpness? I had difficulty with all of the above at one time.

 

[lee]

Don is quite correct wrt all the things that can go wrong. You play with all the time and experiement all the time. View cameras use is a lot like playing 1st base, you gotta get out there and put on the cleats and grab the glove and let people hit balls at you. You can read all you want but until you do it live you can not call yourself a first baseman.


lee/c

 

[Aggie]

..

 

[Eric Rose]

Well Aggie I tried to take you out behind the house to show you how it's done. Miss your chance babe!

And BTW I'm very patient.

 

[Jim Chinn]

Aggie,

I don't know if you have ever visited the Large Format Photography web site of Q Tuang Luong, but it is one of the best information sources available.
He has articles outlining 2 different methods of focusing the view camera. I have used both and they both work. Which one you use depends on the type of camera you use and the kind of subject matter. Here is his site:
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/

 

[Eric Rose]

Your just going to have to come up here to Calgary and I'll take you out along with some other LF'rs here. Between all of us you should get the idea eventually.

Of course maybe I should reconsider, I hear the last person to try and show you anything on a LF was David Hall and he's been missing ever since!

 

[Aggie]

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[brimc76]

Robert, I don't know if you already tried to or not, but you can get usually Stroebel's book (View Camera Technique) from the Library to check out if it has what you are after. I had to wait about a week for the library in town to get it from the main office but it was available. Just a thought.

 

[Johnny V]

Here's a link with chock-full of LF info:

http://www.trenholm.org/hmmerk/

 

[lee]

Aggie,
So, how long have you had the 4x5 camera? You should not expect to be an expert in the use of the camera for a long time. It is radically different from any cameras that are smaller. It might take several years to master. It did for me.

hang in there,
lee/c

 

[Robert]

The nice thing about view cameras is you can play with them without film and actually gain something. Use the movements watch what happens on the glass. Get used to the controls.

 

[Aggie]

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[lee]

Large format is supposed to be calming and thoughtful not frustrating and violent. Chant OMMMMmmmmmmm while in its presents.\


lee\c

 

[SteveGangi]

It sounds like you tried to learn and do too many things at once. Assuming you already have a loupe, first just practice framing and focusing - Do this with everything squared up and both standards parallel, as if it were a rigid camera. You will get the hang of it. After you are used to that, then experiment with the front or back tilts, but not both at the same time (yet). Then, reset everything to nominal and play with the front rise. Finally, get some Polaroid film and actually shoot things around the house, anything and everything. What I usually do is focus with the lens wide open so things really snap in, and then when I am happy with it, then I stop down and recheck the focus.