Anyone here have experience with a view camera? I know there's a lot of info out there on other forums (i.e. photonet), but I was just wondering if any of you folks have used one. Every year around this time, I come down with a case of large-format envy. I think 4x5 is too much, but I'm really intrigued by shooting roll film through a 6x9. It's just a dream, since I haven't used either. Thouhts? Ideas? Thanks.
I just sold my Arca Swiss 6X9 view camera (with a 67 RFH) and replaced it with a D2Xs. I had used a Wista SP (4X5) prior to that. The Arca is probably the best camera I have every owned but as I get older and less patient the weight and attention to detail when hiking and using a view camera became less tolerable. The ability to use movements and the "relative affordability" of 120 roll film make for a great combination.
Another option would be a 4X5 view camera with a 69 or 67 roll film back. That way you can use sheet film or 120 film.
I love my 4x5 (Wisner Technical Field). I'd actually recommend 5x7 if you are interested in panoramics. It's nice to get 2 images on a sheet of film. So I have a dark slide cut in half that allows me to do this. I recommend 5x7 as 2.5x7 is about the same as 6x17.
You just can't beat the movements with LF either.
It does change how you shoot, that's for sure.
My question for you is are movement important to you?
Mark, if you're using 4x5 lenses on a 6x9 (something in the 58, 75 or 90 range) do you typically have to use center filters, or does the 6x9 format crop out the vignetting? Thanks.
Posted by Darren White on May 14, 2007 at 10:17 PM
I used to shoot a Graphix 4x5 and loved it......image quality was out of this world, set up and take down was a hassle as was carrying it around.....Was not a good camera for hiking!
Ian, the widest I ever used was an 80 and had no vignetting problems. However, with landscape you usually don't use much in the way of movements. If I had been shooting architecture the vignetting issue may have been something I would've had to deal with.
I used a 4x5 for several years before going digital. For awhile I carried both with me. I think it helped develop my photography skills more than anything else. Those big transparencies are pretty darn cool. It can't be matched for detail (yet).
Feel free to e-mail me with any questions you might have. I'd be happy to share my insight.
Discussion
6 repliesAnother option would be a 4X5 view camera with a 69 or 67 roll film back. That way you can use sheet film or 120 film.
You just can't beat the movements with LF either.
It does change how you shoot, that's for sure.
My question for you is are movement important to you?
Feel free to e-mail me with any questions you might have. I'd be happy to share my insight.