Shutterbug Strasse

thinking of getting into Large Format......

207.200.116.66

haugenmarka@hotmail.com

A

i have shot 35mm seriously for about 2 decades (have a good Nikon 35mm setup now), always considered large format, but not that i live in Colorado and have many opertunities to shoot wonderful landscapes, i am seriously considering large format. thinking 4X5 is the way to go with a field camera, was wondering if anyone has any experience/suggestions. need to keep the price down as much as practical. seems rather hard to find the cameras in stores these days.
Give me analog or give me silence!

Follow Ups:

RE: thinking of getting into Large Format...... - SteveBrown 08:08:23 06/18/11 (0)
I have shot a lot of 4x5. I've used old Calumet rail type cameras, a Speed Graphic and a Zone iV, which was by far my favorite (a field camera). As with all things photo, the key is the lenses, I preferred Schneider but they're expensive. In 4x5, as you probably know, you will need a bunch of film holders and if you run out while in the field, changing film is a real hassle, even with the right equipment. Nothing, of course, beats a 4x5 for image quality. If it were me, I'd grab an old Speed Graphic off ebay with a 135mm lens or similar and give it a try, see if you can deal with the complications. Unless you're doing archetectural you really don't need the movable back, so a Graphic is fine. If you like it, go for a nicer camera and resell the Graphic. AFAIK, the Graphics all have a focal plane shutter in the back in addition to the leaf shutters in the lenses, which can be kind of nice.
RE: thinking of getting into Large Format...... - Grinnell 08:49:26 03/06/11 (0)
These days large format cameras are dropping in price so good deals are available.

Look for a 4x5 field camera, lightweight, folds flat ( like a big dictionary:) can take a range of lenses. Wista makes very nice camera, Nagoka, Zone 6

look at KEH.com, Georgeury.com for a start craigslist isnt bad either but check it out carefully

Get a good solid tripod, you cant shoot with large format a lightweight tripod

i shoot 4x5 8x10 and 8x20 so have worked in a variety of sizes
RE: thinking of getting into Large Format...... - Joe M 13:07:42 01/31/11 (1)
Read this- he is very knowledgeable.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/4x5.htm
- http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/4x5.htm (Open in New Window)
- thanks! - haugenmarka@hotmail.com 13:09:39 02/04/11 (0)
  great website with great info!
  Give me analog or give me silence!

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