Types of Large Format Cameras - Large Format Friday
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- Опубліковано 6 лип 2024
- One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make as you venture into large format photography is which camera you’ll be shooting. The key here is that there is no right or wrong answer. My job is not to tell you which camera to buy, but to highlight the differences between the styles of large format cameras. Everybody has their own preferences and goals with large format, and camera choice is a key part of accomplishing those goals.
In one sense, the camera is just a box that keeps light from striking the film prior to exposure. There are three main styles of large format camera to choose from: Monorail Cameras, Press Cameras, and Field Cameras.
Though there are some specialty cameras out there that fall somewhere in between the above categories, those three make up the vast majority of choices in the realm of large format cameras. Ultimately, the choice will be needs and preference based, and so long as you're comfortable shooting with the camera you have, nothing else matters. Please just remember folks, at the end of the day, the large format camera body is nothing but a box preventing any extra light from the lens to the film during exposure. There's plenty more to large format where that came from!
Questions? Send me an email: largeformatquestions@gmail.com
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Hello - picking up film photography after 40 years. Recently acquired and refurbished a Burke & James 4x5 Press camera that was rusting away in someone's basement. Finally shot my first holder of film. This is my new favorite.
Eric thanks for the comment and welcome back to film photography! Feel free to hit me up in the comments with any questions you have along the way. Happy shooting!
Gandolfi made very fine Large format cameras !
And there's of course, the DIY Alternative (At least for mono rail and field cameras)
Calumet 4x5 rail camera (couldn't tell you the model). Thanks for making this series, I'm really enjoying it.
Matt, I'm a long time FFP listener and am just getting back into LF photography. Really excited about it. And I'm really glad to hear that you have your own UA-cam channel on this. I'll be a regular viewer.
Hey Brian, thanks for the comment and welcome back to large format!
Hey Matt, just want to say your passion and dedication to LF is priceless especially for those who pick it up now. Keep up the good work mate!
Victor thank you very much for the comment, I appreciate the small community that's formed around LFF and will continue to support the channel. Cheers!
I have a Speed Graphic and mostly shoot projection lenses with it. It does get quite heavy carrying that up a mountain, but I just love the narrow depth of field I’m getting with that combination! I’ve been thinking of 3D printing something a bit lighter with more movements though, just for a change!
Hello Mat, I was listening to FPP episode where you mentioned that you have LF channel. I have 4x5 field camera and loving it. Started about a year ago and realized that it is totally different photography. It is great that you have series video considering that there is not many LF videos posted. Thank You Mat, for creating and sharing your experiences.
Thanks for the kind words! I want this to be a resource for new and experienced large format shooters alike. :)
Hey Mat!
Firstly I just want to say that you’ve been a big inspiration to me over the years. I just recently sold my Pentax 6x7 for an Intrepid 8x10. I’ve been shooting 4x5 for years but I’ve always wanted to get into 8x10 for a long time.
Hi Jesse thanks for the kind words! Keeping my fingers crossed that you dig the 8x10 setup, it's quite a different pace from the P67 or even 4x5. My biggest tip is to give yourself the time to learn the camera's ins-and-outs. Best of luck!
Hi Matt. I remember all those years ago how you became involved with the FPP when Mike met you with your 10x8 camera in NYC. This series of videos is great. I've just started using 4x5 both press and monorail. I wish I'd started years ago. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Jeremy, I've still got to come visit all of my film shooters over in the UK!
Nice intro to the systems! I started with a Crown Graphic, now have a Wista 45DX that I got a good deal on. My main lens is a 135mm for landscapes. The most fun is a Heliar 210mm f4.5, with a compressed air driven shutter. It's not an Aero Ektar, but then it's not radioactive! Enjoying your channel, cheers!
Aside from some of your friends who are still rocking with their Speed Graphics, A. Aubrey Bodine used one of these cameras to create incredibly beautiful images in the pictorialism style in the 40s and 50s. Beautiful stuff!. And yeah, thanks for these enjoyable, in-depth videos on various aspects of LF photography.
Thanks for sharing!
Hello Mat, good to see another large format photography channel! I love using my 4x5" Linhof Master Technika Classic, which I bought used, CLA'ed and in mint condition from a Dutch artist a few years ago. Sometimes I see that Linhof field cameras have a mixed reputation as they're considered to be heavy, built like a tank, limited. I must say I absolutely love mine. Shooting experience with it is just superb. The only thing that could take my mind off this camera would be 8x10" - if not film supply would urge me to sell an organ every once in a while.
Hey Norbert, thanks for the comments! Linhof cameras are absolutely lovely cameras; like I say to many photographers they're like if Leica made a large format camera. Built to last a long time and ruggedly engineered. 8x10 is a ton of fun the film price and availability can be a bummer at times.
Hi Mat, was looking for a field camera when trading in some of my 35mm gear. None around, but there was a cambo 4x5 basic monorail camera on the counter with a press camera lens. Got it and 25 sheets for the trade ins. I find it is really quite light for a monorail. I am really appreciating this series. So much to learn!
Hey Peter, sounds like you got a great deal on your large format camera! Monorails are great tools for getting acquainted with all the movements large format can offer. Glad to be of some help and stay tuned.
Another one of the people who found this from FPP - been thinking about large format for a long time. The studio I own has a drawer full of the film holders(no cameras or lenses left) these are great videos informing me whether I want to try and make the leap. Would love to try wet plate - always wanted to do one of the classes at the Eastman Museum.
Hey Tim! Thanks for the comments and in my opinion, you should definitely go for it! The workshops offered at the Eastman Museum are some of the best and with all of the resources out there, never been a better time to try large format.
Another fun episode, Mat... Thanks for sharing. I've near followed your outline in terms of my own experience with LF. ...started with a Cambo SC II view camera. It was cheap comparatively, lots of fun to shoot, and remains a go-to. I moved to a Linhof Technika for portability. This is my main camera. ...really is wonderful and easy to use. ...but I also stepped up to a Century 8x10 and play around with a dedicated 4x5 pinhole cam. I've eyed some of those lovely wood field cameras you've mentioned. They surely must be a treat to use. ...maybe someday. Saying that, I'm super happy with the Linhof and how it more than fits my needs.
I've also found that 4x5 in terms of format/size works well. Again, the equipment is most manageable in the field, but I can enlarge easily and beautifully with this size negative in the darkroom where I have access. ...and of course the economics of 4x5 have been beneficial. At some point soon, 8x10 enlarging will become a reality once we get a 220 outlet hooked up. My thinking will likely change then, huh? Ha!
How is it that you've seemed to gravitate to 8x10? Why is that your format of choice, Mat?
Thanks once more! Nice job with your teaching and sharing!
Hey Daniel, thanks for the comment! My first film camera was an old Hasselblad 500C and my first large format camera was an 8x10, so I guess you can say I dive head-first into things. Since it's what I learned on, I've stuck with 8x10 ever since. Were I to do it over again, I'd probably start with 4x5 for the form factor, greater availability and price point. At this point, though, I'm in too deep and just used to the look and feel of 8x10.
For 4x5 film, Crown Graphic and ShenHao field camera. For 5x7 film and dry plates, 1915 Eastman View #2. For 8x10 film and dry plates, 1940 Eastman View 2D.
I'm using the 8x10 more than any other lately, looking to upgrade to something with more movements, like a Wista or Deardorff.
Thanks James, I'm a big fan of the Wista and Tachihara field cameras. Not as much clout at the Deardorff's but very reliable hardwood cameras with plenty of movements!
Decades ago, the Speed Graphic was my introduction to large format photography. Later, I switched to a monorail because I needed more shift/tilt/swing features.
I have used 8x10, 10x12, and larger formats but stick with 4x5 because it is easier for me to develop 4x5 film.
Your reasoning for sticking with 4x5 is one of reasons I recommend folks start on 4x5. It's much less intensive in effort and cost and you're still getting the entire large format experience. A bigger camera won't make you better pictures, but it will magnify everything you're not good at with the process. Thanks for the comment!
Hi Mat,
Recently heard about your channel on Matt Day's livestream. Looking forward to more large format Fridays!
I started with an intrepid 4x5. Quickly added a sinar F2 because I wanted a monorail camera that could use longer lenses while still being somewhat portable.
Hi Elbert thanks for the comment. Happy shooting on your large format journey!
Hi Matt, great new channel, I started with an MPP which was basically a British copy of a speed graphic. Now got an Intrepid as well as a Speed Graphic.
Hey Jonathan, thanks for the comment. Sounds like you've definitely caught the large format bug!
this is very interesting! Are there any medium format cameras with the same kinds of movement?
Excellent video
Thank you very much!
I just bought my first large format camera , a Speed Graphic, on Ebay. I'll still have to wait for it to arrive from the USA, I guess it'll take a few weeks. In the meantime I've been playing with a simple 3D-printed 4x5 pinhole camera to get the feel for handling and developing this type of film. I've also been watching a lot of these videos.
I've been shooting 35 mm from the early 90:s (I still have the Pentax ME super I got then). I always shot color and had my films processed and printed at a lab. Then there were many years I only did digital but last autumn I started shooting film again, this time black and white and developing and printing my own. I also got a medium format camera and a couple of 35 mm ones more, this is kind of getting out of hand but I'm loving it. I just hope I won't end up with a 8x10 some day, that might be too much.
This has to be the best introduction to large format cameras I've seen to date. Great job! I have a (digital) studio rail camera and can confirm your point about the pain of lugging it about in the field. I put its case in a small cart to lug it around but still found it too cumbersome. One of my favorite cameras is a 1930's wooden field camera which I use for 18x24 cm paper negatives. That's way more portable and lots of fun! Picking up a Linhof Technika (4x5 I think) next week, which I am super excited about. Photography is great :-)
Thanks Filibert! Sounds like you've definitely got the large format bug. Enjoy that new Technika and happy shooting!
@@MatMarrash Oh yes, no hope for me anymore, lol. Thanks :-)
Awesome video Mat.
I use Sinar 4x5 (I’ve like 3 cameras) with Sinar lenses from 55 to 360mm
Also I use field camera 4x5 the Tachihara.
And an old 5x7 which I usually use it for Wet collodion and X-ray films.
Hey Mohamed! Wow that's quite a large format collection! Always good to see another x-ray film shooter. Stay tuned for more large format topics weekly!
My favorite LF camera is my old Crown Graphic. I also own two Speed Graphics for hand-held shooting with the flash-bulb attachment. Finally I have an Improved Seneca 8x10 for when I want a lot of detail.
Hey Robert, thanks for the comment! Crown Graphics just have a nice feel to them and I totally agree with the detail that 8x10 gives.
Hi, I was wondering if there was a particular reason you omit TLR and SLR large format cameras? If not what are your thoughts on them, and could you perhaps make a video on how some of the basics apply a little differently to focal plane shutters.
Hey thanks for the question. TLR's and SLR's occupy a minority of large format options, but would be worth sharing as part of an alternative types of large format cameras topic.
Hello Matt! I just purchased a Cambo SC 4x5 with a Schneider 210mm f/5.6
Thanks for the comment Stan and welcome to large format!
That gravity defying hair is definitely a cool point
Thanks!
Mat Marrash :D really love your work and appreciate your effort in promoting large format photos.
Nice video! Very informative. I know this is not a main type of camera and is pretty niche, but large format SLR's rock! My 4x5 RB Auto Graflex is by far my favorite large format camera.
Thanks for the comment! I'm not sure if it's my social media bubble, but I've noticed quite a bit more buzz around large format SLR's the last few years. Would love to have one. Had a chance to play with a Gowlandflex 8x10 several years ago and it was crazy fun!
@@MatMarrash there seems to be a resurgence, though that might also just be my bubble lol. Wow an 8x10? I didnt know that existed! That must be very difficult to use. I'm still restoring my graflex, it's a really rare early model from 1907. All I have left to do is make a new shutter curtain and I'll be ready to shoot!
I love the content, I want to know more. I have a Speed Graphic, Burke & James Rembrandt Portrait (ii I think 5x7??), and a B&J monorail in 4x5. I would like to take some panoramas say 6x17 or 6x15. I have seen were some have used a 5x7 with a septum to split the 5x7 to get two shots on one film??? Of course this would have to be B&W as color is NLA except by cutting larger color film down. Maybe time to turn a spare holder into a homemade 120 roll back. All of this equipment is stored in a closet right now as I travel for work but I have my GA645zi to snap any thing that catches my eye. Of course on expired film last week end March 15th!
Thanks for the comment! If you're looking into 6x17cm there are some makers of roll film panoramic backs but they tend to be very expensive. The trade-off is more up-front cost for access to more films that are made in 120 roll film size. If you're looking to split the 5x7 frame, some older wooden field and studio cameras have slots that sit inside the camera before the ground glass that can hold wooden dividers. The other option is purchasing an extra darkslide and turning into a split frame darkslide (kind of changes the shooting workflow, but works!). Also, if you're looking for 5x7 in color, Keith Canham coordinates large group buys via his website and via FB.
Hey Matt, I just picked up a Calumet CC400 (black version). I'm just getting into large format photography. Would love to chat about large format last week once this pandemic blows over. I don't know if there would be enough people to do a class on it at MPEX. I am here in Columbus too. Liking the videos so far :-)
Hey Sameh, thanks for the comment! We definitely need to get together to talk large format sometime. Stay in touch!
There’s another way to get into large format photography, and that’s through either 4X5, or 8X10 pinhole camera’s. While they are simple to operate, they can be very inexpensive. You can even DIY one, if need be.
So is a Graflex almost like a baby field camera? It doesn't have a monorail, but it has the extension (of sort).
I'm debating to go to LF, I'm currently at a Medalist II 6x9 Medium Format camera.
AWESOME CHANNEL TOO! *subscribed*
It's got more in common with field cameras than monorail/studio large format cameras, but has enough different from field cameras that I lump these and a few others into the press camera category. If you're already shooting 6x9 you're most of the way to large format, you should definitely give it a try!
@@MatMarrash I would. My one other reservation is I'd need a lab that could do 4x5 developing. I'm allergic to the chemicals (I break out in hives). So for now, 6x9 is my limit until I can find a lab. There's a few near me that'll do 6x9, and I convinced 2 of them to do 620 spools (once I showed that the film is the same as 120, they tried and now do it).
swing and tilt rize and fall and shift got it
Hello, I want to try large format and considering the 5x7. Do you think starting with a 5x7 a good idea compared to a 4x5?
While I would never discourage anybody from getting into large format, starting with a 5x7 will be more difficult than starting with 4x5. There are a few reasons why: lens coverage, limited accessories, and very few films available. That being said, I jumped right into 8x10 despite everybody I asked online telling me it was foolish. Remember, have fun with it!
Great overview video Mat. I would separate press cameras from technical cameras as a Graflex is not really comparable to a Linhof Technika IMHO. You could have also mentioned the cool Reflex RB cameras.
There are sooo many specialty cameras out there that I'd love to get my hands on and review. Perhaps for a later video!
Mat Marrash it’s amazing there is no video almost about Linhof. For the RBs you should do something with 20th century cameras
@@toulcaz31 I agree, Jeff over at 20th Century Cameras is doing some great work!
Thanks for the awesome videos! You've definitely been a big help in navigating one of the harder to access photography mediums.
Thanks Joel! Large format isn't that hard, but when you haven't tried it the hurdles seem much larger than they are.
OK, here I am, got it. Do modern studio cameras come in sizes larger than 4x5? Many old ones were larger. Are there 8x10 Sinars, Toyos, Omegas?
Studio cameras used to come in all sorts of sizes. The three brands you mentioned all came upwards of 8x10 as standard offerings. Some of the larger wooden studio cameras from Deardorff and Eastman Kodak were 11x14 and sat on rod iron stands. Through the use of specialty reducing backs, these cameras could accommodate a variety of clients from 2x3 prints all the way to ULF.
I inherited a calumet 4x5 mono rail from my husband. Since no one wants to buy it, i figure i may as well learn to use it. I can see what you say about its (non) portability...
Thanks for the comment Karin! They may be big and bulky, but also full featured cameras. Have fun in large format!
Mat my camera is a Zone 6 4x5 a great camera.
Thanks for the comment Dick! Zone VI made some great equipment back in the day, including their rock solid field camera. Happy shooting!
At the moment, I have 2 Korona 8x10’s, a Toyo 45A, a Busch Pressman Model D and 2 Busch Pressman Model C’s. Is there a 12 step program I can join???
Welcome Christopher, this is a safe space where no judgement is passed and we definitely don't need another piece of gear.
Had a monorail but traded for a crown graphic.
Thanks Frank! I've always like the look of the press cameras and the prospect of handheld large format is alluring.
I’ve heard it’s very tough to travel with large format, compared to medium format
Local travel? A breeze. Regional travel? Not terrible. International flight? Logistics torture test!
@@MatMarrash Na, not really. Always get into nice chats with the officers who wonder what´s this all about. But you should calculate a bit of extra time for security check.
Mat Marrash Local travel? Whichever camera. Regional travel? Whichever folding or light view camera. International travel? Chamonix or equivalent 😀
My Intrepid 4x5 fits in a backpack and I predominantly use it whilst cycling, it's very light
Bush pressman 4x5
I believe a new LInhof technical camera is about 7-8k Euros. But they are all hand crafted. That is a bit more money than described in the video. But they are worth every single penny. Good introduction though.
Klaus you're right I had completely forgot you can still get new Linhof Technika cameras!
matt, aren't those cameras called tailboard cameras?, as they have a "board" which is the base of the camera ( came from turn of century 1900's and earlier)- also if they have a specific "door" on the back, they were called "plate cameras" as their film holders are wide frames designed for glass/tin sheets which the tin type and wet colloiden photographers of yesteryear shot.
I thought tailboard cameras were the ones that had a focusing rail that folded down from the rear of the camera with focus also from the back standard. They were a much earlier design of camera where as a modern field camera is closer to an early 20th century Kodak or 1950's Deardorff.
Crown Graphic vs. the Speed Graphic press cameras; The Speed Graphic has a focal plane shutter for fast shutter speeds of up to 1/500 sec. The Crown Graphic does not have this feature which makes it significantly lighter to carry around.
Don't you mean speeds up to 1/1000?
Unrelated, but cool, I saw some ultra large format shooters placing Speed Graphic focal plane shutters behind giant barrel lenses in order to use them with faster films and natural light.
@@JPCl Depends on the age of the springs. A 1/1000 focal plane shutter setting may give better results calc'ing it as one stop slower.
Sinar P is a workhorse!
My studio baby is the P2. If they ever fall again in value, I might start picking up more of the fun/ridiculous Sinar accessories.
Crown graphic I got from a trade that I paid 40 bucks for
What a sweet deal!
A monorail is no way a beast. They are often lighter than the other types and offer you all movements.
That Sinar is lighter than the Speed Graphic.
Between this comment and others on my videos, I'm starting to think you might be trolling.
@@MatMarrash You are free to think as you wish. I am deeply sorry I can't bow to your immesurable wisdom. Get used to it, recognition needs to be earned. But I suspect you are in search of worshipness?
Instead of "thinking" (aka fabulating) put both cameras on a scale.
@@anaraluca1181 Personal attacks aside, a 4x5" Crown Graphic weighs < 5 lbs. and an 8x10" Sinar P2 weighs > 18 lbs.