i am considering, from a far off place, procuring a 4x5 system ... but i want to know what is in your camera bag for an average outing into the field ... this will give me a purchasing checklist! thanks!
Chamonix 45N-2 4x5 camera
Nikkor 90mm, f8
Fujinon 135mm, f5.6
Fujinon 180mm, f5.6
Schneider Symmar-S 210mm, f5.6
Nikkor-M, 300mm, f9
(Each lens has its own cable release)
Manfrotto CF tripod w/ ball head
Pentax Digital Spot Meter
Darkcloth
Toyo Loupe 3.6x
Singh-Ray ND Grads (3)
A couple of 81-b filters
A couple of polarizers
Grey card
Viewing/Framing card
Fuji Quickload Holder and QLfilm (when needed)
Extension board for camera for use when I need longer bellows extension
Usually 4-6 Fidelity cut film holders
Small Maglite
TP, matches, and a snack or two.
Your camera and lens choices will depend upon what kinds of subjects you plan to photograph. My camera was chosen for field work, and my lens kit was purchased for the subjects I like to photograph. Also, if you plan to hike with your gear, you'll want to keep the camera light, but still be rigid. My Chamonix fills this bill nicely. Some lenses for LF can be large and rather heavy, so you'll have to look carefully at specs before you buy.
Hopefully, Harley, Lon, Paul, and Vance will chime in here, too.
LF is very enjoyable, and the results are stunning! Enjoy the ride!
--P
Posted by Lon Overacker on March 12, 2012 at 2:02 PM
Stuart,
Be careful, be very, very careful....
I could probably write a long dissertation, but to keep it sane, I'll just try and list a few suggestions.
1. go to www.largeformatphotography.info if you haven't already and start reading. The main site has a ton of LF info and the forums are great for searching the archives for questions and of course for asking them. Great resource.
2. Camera - consider a cheap Graflex, Press or inexpensive 4x5 for starters. that lets you sample the goods, the process, etc. without spending a fortune. You're likely to resell that equipment for what you paid for it.
3. Same with lenses, don't invest in too many of them until you're pretty sure you'll like and use the large format.
4. What is your main reason for wanting to try large format? larger prints? you want to slow down? Knowing why you're doing this makes a big difference. For example, if you're doing it just for the notion of printing big, but don't have the patience to spend 45 min setting up for a shot (to be fair, depending on situation you can take a 4x5 image in just a few minutes, but many require much more time and consideration,) then large format might not be for you. It is a completely different mind set; advantages and disadvantages.
To your question though, here are some things to consider for your kit:
1. camera of course (Assuming you want a field camera and not a studio rail type camera) Lots of options. I have the Chamonix 045-N1, but have also had a Wista, a Zone VI (couple different ones,) a Nagaoka(beginner, very light and inexpensive.) I started with a Bush Pressman.
2. lenses - I carry 5. 75mm, 135mm, 210mm, 300mm and 450mm (equivalent in 35mm land, 24mm, 45mm, 65mm, 105mm, 135mm)
3. Light meter. Most have spot meters, Pentax Digital spot is most popular. $300 used. Check for Soligor on ebay around $100
4. loupe. 4x-10x depending on your preference. I use the fairly inexpense Peak 8x loupe. Originally designed for viewing 35mm slides, so it's rectangular and is great for putting the loupe on the ground glass and checking the corners.
5. Dark cloth. you can use a black t-shirt, jacket or spend what you want on a pro dark cloth. Alternatively make your own from sewing together white and black cloth.
6. Film holders. Probably at least 6. Fidelity, Riteway are common and can be found on the LF forum, ebay, etc.
7. Lens boards. you'll need one for each lens
8. cable releases. I have one for each lens. check ebay for "german cable release"
9. changing tent/bag. film changing at home and in the field.
10. filters if shooting b&w. I carry polarizer, 81B, 3X ND, and 2,3stop graduated NDs
11. scanner, unless you want to spend your retirement on drum scanning services.
Feel free to drop me a note if you have specific questions. I LOVE the process of the large format system and would be happy to help along the way.
I think both Preston & Lon have given an excellent outline of the gear requirements to meet almost every item for LF photographic landscape work. One item Preston mentions that we both use off and on to date is the Quickload holder for use with the Fuji QL's as they are known. As that film "QL's" has been discontinued you might not want that unless you find a really good deal on both the film and the holder as a package deal. Money better spent would be on the standard cut sheet holders both Preston and Lon have on their list of items. At least 6 holders and the tent to change film with too.
As many of us had evolved over the years with film from 35mm to MF and then on to LF, many items on the list are carryovers for us and could be used directly with the LF system or adapted to the LF platforms. With that said, the lists can be a bit overwhelming to look at and should not scare you off, but better prepare you for the; "I almost forgot about that being required thing". It's always best to see the big picture when taking on a new venture instead of getting half way and missing the key pieces to make a successful finish on any project.
Good luck and feel free to ask any questions at all. Remember, LF was new to all of us LF users at one time or another.
Paul, that's an excellent remark regarding QL holder and QL film. Thanks for bringing it up.
Stuart,
I suggest that you start with a basic kit that contains one, or perhaps, two lenses. In this regard, I suggest something along the lines of a 150, or 135, and a 210mm. Looking at Lon's 35mm equivalents, you'll see that this will give you a moderate wideangle (the 135) and a more 'normal' (the 210) lens. Starting with these will make learning how to use the movements on a view camera much easier.
Personally, because I also do some architectural work, I need back tilt and swing. These movements are not required for landscape work, but do make life easier in some instances. For landscape work, a camera with front (lens) tilt, swing, and rise-fall are a necessity, in my opinion. I also find front shift to be very handy, but it's not really required for landscape work, unless you plan to do higher magnification close-up shots where DOF is at a premium and moving the camera would be an issue.
There is an exellent book that gives the basics. It is titled, The View Camera-Operations and Techniques by Harvey Shaman. It is published by Amphoto. I think you can find it at Amazon. It's an older book and some of the info about films and equipment is dated (unless there's been a revision), but the illustrations of the affects of various movements are excellent. There is also The Camera by Ansel Adams, which is also excellent.
Large format is a different world, one that I enjoy immensely, but it takes a careful, studied approach ranging from obtaining the gear to the making of photographs. If you would like to, feel free to shoot me an e-mail if you have questions.
--P
Posted by Vance Gese on March 13, 2012 at 12:05 AM
Lon, Preston, and Paul all have provided great ideas. I started with a Zone VI field camera and a 210mm and thought that was a great starter kit. Went to a monorail later and have used that for 30 years, although some folks think I have a few screws loose packing it around. Can be a real pain on a backpack trip.
A great book to add to Preston's suggestions: Large Format Nature Photography by Jack Dykinga. Very practical and superb images.
thanks to all for great suggestions and thoughts ...
i have been contemplating this for a few years - speaking up like this will mean that i might (but probably will) start to make purchases ... and build the equipment i need. living in uganda means that i cannot simply go out and buy it all. the earliest i could get any equipment is december (when i visit canada) so that give me a few months more to think, search, select, read, search and think some more ... and at some point to dig into the pocket! when i contemplate why i might like to do this, two primary reasons come to mind: i) i like slow contemplation when making photographs (which i find utterly destroyed by digital - frantic minutes when light is right making multiple exposures for depth of field and exposure - and then hours of computer time stitching these images together), and ii) (as someone who works almost exclusively in b&w) i love the control one has over exposure and development (i.e., time away from a screen) - but also the control one has in making prints in photoshop with scanned negs. working to date with MF, i find it suits me and, most importantly, i enjoy the process and feel rewarded by it (almost irrespective of the images that result although i'm tickled by some of the images i've made!!). i suspect that working in LF will only enhance this.
the journey into which i have dipped my toes may well continue .... you may see the results in time.
thanks again - i really appreciate these contributions!
Posted by Darren Huski on March 13, 2012 at 9:16 PM
Stuart-
Large Format is alive and well! It is something you can get a lot out of, can be incredibly rewarding, and can also be difficult beyond belief. Film is hard to get and getting harder (especially for color). Processing is a pain or costly or both. It takes a while to set up a shot and there are tons of ways to get it wrong, but when it works out the end result can be awesome.
As Lon said, check out the Large Format page, tons of great information there to get you going. The guys also give you some great advice.
Large format is something you can learn on your own (again the LF page) but would be better if you could work with someone if at all possible. If you are going to Canada try meeting up with some large format folks if at all possible.
My large format kit is an Arca-Swiss Discovery, three lenses, film, loupe, lightmeter, etc. Its a 30 lb pack or more if I bring my DSLR too. I still use it but realistically use the DSLR much more these days.
If you go down the road, start simple and used is the way to go. No need for new if it is available used. Something like a camera and single lens are all you need. A wooden field camera is the best bet for the nature photographer.
I have a blog devoted to large format photography with many images of my Arca-Swiss out in the field.
My basic kit:
Chamonix 045-N1 camera (excellent lightweight camera, love it)
Fujinon 125mm
Fujinon W 150mm
Fujinon A 240mm
Nikkor M 300mm
Fujinon C 450mm
I also have a 80mm which I rarely use. For starting out, my first lens would be a 210mm or 240, then a 150mm. The wider angle lenses are harder to focus (less light) and therefore don't make best first purchases.
The Pentax Digital Spot meter is a great, reliable and hardy meter. I use a 4x loupe for focusing.
The lens names will drive you nuts! They make no sense and take quite a while to get familiar with. When you are ready to purchase, feel free to asks lots of questions. Lots of question!!
Discussion
8 repliesChamonix 45N-2 4x5 camera
Nikkor 90mm, f8
Fujinon 135mm, f5.6
Fujinon 180mm, f5.6
Schneider Symmar-S 210mm, f5.6
Nikkor-M, 300mm, f9
(Each lens has its own cable release)
Manfrotto CF tripod w/ ball head
Pentax Digital Spot Meter
Darkcloth
Toyo Loupe 3.6x
Singh-Ray ND Grads (3)
A couple of 81-b filters
A couple of polarizers
Grey card
Viewing/Framing card
Fuji Quickload Holder and QLfilm (when needed)
Extension board for camera for use when I need longer bellows extension
Usually 4-6 Fidelity cut film holders
Small Maglite
TP, matches, and a snack or two.
Your camera and lens choices will depend upon what kinds of subjects you plan to photograph. My camera was chosen for field work, and my lens kit was purchased for the subjects I like to photograph. Also, if you plan to hike with your gear, you'll want to keep the camera light, but still be rigid. My Chamonix fills this bill nicely. Some lenses for LF can be large and rather heavy, so you'll have to look carefully at specs before you buy.
Hopefully, Harley, Lon, Paul, and Vance will chime in here, too.
LF is very enjoyable, and the results are stunning! Enjoy the ride!
--P
Be careful, be very, very careful....
I could probably write a long dissertation, but to keep it sane, I'll just try and list a few suggestions.
1. go to www.largeformatphotography.info if you haven't already and start reading. The main site has a ton of LF info and the forums are great for searching the archives for questions and of course for asking them. Great resource.
2. Camera - consider a cheap Graflex, Press or inexpensive 4x5 for starters. that lets you sample the goods, the process, etc. without spending a fortune. You're likely to resell that equipment for what you paid for it.
3. Same with lenses, don't invest in too many of them until you're pretty sure you'll like and use the large format.
4. What is your main reason for wanting to try large format? larger prints? you want to slow down? Knowing why you're doing this makes a big difference. For example, if you're doing it just for the notion of printing big, but don't have the patience to spend 45 min setting up for a shot (to be fair, depending on situation you can take a 4x5 image in just a few minutes, but many require much more time and consideration,) then large format might not be for you. It is a completely different mind set; advantages and disadvantages.
To your question though, here are some things to consider for your kit:
1. camera of course (Assuming you want a field camera and not a studio rail type camera) Lots of options. I have the Chamonix 045-N1, but have also had a Wista, a Zone VI (couple different ones,) a Nagaoka(beginner, very light and inexpensive.) I started with a Bush Pressman.
2. lenses - I carry 5. 75mm, 135mm, 210mm, 300mm and 450mm (equivalent in 35mm land, 24mm, 45mm, 65mm, 105mm, 135mm)
3. Light meter. Most have spot meters, Pentax Digital spot is most popular. $300 used. Check for Soligor on ebay around $100
4. loupe. 4x-10x depending on your preference. I use the fairly inexpense Peak 8x loupe. Originally designed for viewing 35mm slides, so it's rectangular and is great for putting the loupe on the ground glass and checking the corners.
5. Dark cloth. you can use a black t-shirt, jacket or spend what you want on a pro dark cloth. Alternatively make your own from sewing together white and black cloth.
6. Film holders. Probably at least 6. Fidelity, Riteway are common and can be found on the LF forum, ebay, etc.
7. Lens boards. you'll need one for each lens
8. cable releases. I have one for each lens. check ebay for "german cable release"
9. changing tent/bag. film changing at home and in the field.
10. filters if shooting b&w. I carry polarizer, 81B, 3X ND, and 2,3stop graduated NDs
11. scanner, unless you want to spend your retirement on drum scanning services.
Feel free to drop me a note if you have specific questions. I LOVE the process of the large format system and would be happy to help along the way.
Lon
I think both Preston & Lon have given an excellent outline of the gear requirements to meet almost every item for LF photographic landscape work. One item Preston mentions that we both use off and on to date is the Quickload holder for use with the Fuji QL's as they are known. As that film "QL's" has been discontinued you might not want that unless you find a really good deal on both the film and the holder as a package deal. Money better spent would be on the standard cut sheet holders both Preston and Lon have on their list of items. At least 6 holders and the tent to change film with too.
As many of us had evolved over the years with film from 35mm to MF and then on to LF, many items on the list are carryovers for us and could be used directly with the LF system or adapted to the LF platforms. With that said, the lists can be a bit overwhelming to look at and should not scare you off, but better prepare you for the; "I almost forgot about that being required thing". It's always best to see the big picture when taking on a new venture instead of getting half way and missing the key pieces to make a successful finish on any project.
Good luck and feel free to ask any questions at all. Remember, LF was new to all of us LF users at one time or another.
Stuart,
I suggest that you start with a basic kit that contains one, or perhaps, two lenses. In this regard, I suggest something along the lines of a 150, or 135, and a 210mm. Looking at Lon's 35mm equivalents, you'll see that this will give you a moderate wideangle (the 135) and a more 'normal' (the 210) lens. Starting with these will make learning how to use the movements on a view camera much easier.
Personally, because I also do some architectural work, I need back tilt and swing. These movements are not required for landscape work, but do make life easier in some instances. For landscape work, a camera with front (lens) tilt, swing, and rise-fall are a necessity, in my opinion. I also find front shift to be very handy, but it's not really required for landscape work, unless you plan to do higher magnification close-up shots where DOF is at a premium and moving the camera would be an issue.
There is an exellent book that gives the basics. It is titled, The View Camera-Operations and Techniques by Harvey Shaman. It is published by Amphoto. I think you can find it at Amazon. It's an older book and some of the info about films and equipment is dated (unless there's been a revision), but the illustrations of the affects of various movements are excellent. There is also The Camera by Ansel Adams, which is also excellent.
Large format is a different world, one that I enjoy immensely, but it takes a careful, studied approach ranging from obtaining the gear to the making of photographs. If you would like to, feel free to shoot me an e-mail if you have questions.
--P
A great book to add to Preston's suggestions: Large Format Nature Photography by Jack Dykinga. Very practical and superb images.
Enjoy the journey.
i have been contemplating this for a few years - speaking up like this will mean that i might (but probably will) start to make purchases ... and build the equipment i need. living in uganda means that i cannot simply go out and buy it all. the earliest i could get any equipment is december (when i visit canada) so that give me a few months more to think, search, select, read, search and think some more ... and at some point to dig into the pocket! when i contemplate why i might like to do this, two primary reasons come to mind: i) i like slow contemplation when making photographs (which i find utterly destroyed by digital - frantic minutes when light is right making multiple exposures for depth of field and exposure - and then hours of computer time stitching these images together), and ii) (as someone who works almost exclusively in b&w) i love the control one has over exposure and development (i.e., time away from a screen) - but also the control one has in making prints in photoshop with scanned negs. working to date with MF, i find it suits me and, most importantly, i enjoy the process and feel rewarded by it (almost irrespective of the images that result although i'm tickled by some of the images i've made!!). i suspect that working in LF will only enhance this.
the journey into which i have dipped my toes may well continue .... you may see the results in time.
thanks again - i really appreciate these contributions!
Large Format is alive and well! It is something you can get a lot out of, can be incredibly rewarding, and can also be difficult beyond belief. Film is hard to get and getting harder (especially for color). Processing is a pain or costly or both. It takes a while to set up a shot and there are tons of ways to get it wrong, but when it works out the end result can be awesome.
As Lon said, check out the Large Format page, tons of great information there to get you going. The guys also give you some great advice.
Large format is something you can learn on your own (again the LF page) but would be better if you could work with someone if at all possible. If you are going to Canada try meeting up with some large format folks if at all possible.
My large format kit is an Arca-Swiss Discovery, three lenses, film, loupe, lightmeter, etc. Its a 30 lb pack or more if I bring my DSLR too. I still use it but realistically use the DSLR much more these days.
If you go down the road, start simple and used is the way to go. No need for new if it is available used. Something like a camera and single lens are all you need. A wooden field camera is the best bet for the nature photographer.
I have a blog devoted to large format photography with many images of my Arca-Swiss out in the field.
http://thelargeformatcamera.blogspot.com/
Good luck
My basic kit:
Chamonix 045-N1 camera (excellent lightweight camera, love it)
Fujinon 125mm
Fujinon W 150mm
Fujinon A 240mm
Nikkor M 300mm
Fujinon C 450mm
I also have a 80mm which I rarely use. For starting out, my first lens would be a 210mm or 240, then a 150mm. The wider angle lenses are harder to focus (less light) and therefore don't make best first purchases.
The Pentax Digital Spot meter is a great, reliable and hardy meter. I use a 4x loupe for focusing.
The lens names will drive you nuts! They make no sense and take quite a while to get familiar with. When you are ready to purchase, feel free to asks lots of questions. Lots of question!!