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The Large Format Starter Kit - Large Format Friday
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- Опубліковано 13 сер 2024
- If I had to start over, what would I choose as my large format camera kit? That’s what we’re going to talk about today. It's not the camera you'd expect...
00:00 Intro
00:37 A Decade in LF
01:23 How I Got Started
03:21 The "Do Over" Kit
04:29 The Camera
05:10 The Lens
06:33 Film Holders
08:04 Light Meter
08:46 Loupe
09:26 Tripod & Head
10:43 Shooting Habits
12:00 In Closing
When you're getting started in large format photography, keeping accessory costs low while maintaining a steady stream of film is crucial. That's why you're seeing the uncharacteristic choices of camera kit, because I firmly believe in any kit that's solid enough to get you shooting film immediately.
Used Graflex Speed Graphic and Schneider Xenar lens courtesy of Midwest Photo: www.mpex.com
Questions? Send me an email: largeformatquestions@gmail.com
Content by Mat Marrash: www.matmarrash.com
#largeformat #filmphotography
Writing from Germany, I throw a new toy into the discussion.
I started with a solid build piece of german craftsmenship, the master technika 4x5. Build like a tank, but expensive. I had to sell a lot of 35mm stuff to effort, but felt in love with it. A disadvantage was the high weight for outdoor use, so I went to a technikardan 6x9 which is really highly recommended and easy to carry. But the ultimative solution for minimalism and light weight ( if you don‘t need movements like tilt and swing ) is a Voigtländer Bergheil made in the 1920-30. Allthough the genuine heliar 13,5 cm is no too bad I had modified one with a Schneider 100 apo 5.6mm, which can stay in the closed camera for transport. I‘m happy with that if I‘m on a hike. Draw back is to get good and fitting filmholders and the mandatory 9x12 cm film. But if you have it once, its ok. Allways a pleasure to use this old lady and to see the quality of the results….
I started a few years ago and bought a Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 with a 135mm lens for $200. I shot some film in it but had trouble seeing the ground glass. I did not buy a dark hood using a coat instead and no focusing loupe. I had a hard time focusing and used the rangefinder to focus. Recently, I got serious and bought a dark hood and a loupe. Man what a difference the dark hood and focusing loupe make. Now I luv shooting 4x5 so much so that I have ordered a Intrepid 4x5. When the intrepid arrives I plan to sell the Busch for $200. One thing you might want to talk about is using black and white photo paper instead of film. 1st it cheap you can buy RC 8x10 paper for less than a dollar a sheet and cut it into four pieces. 2nd you can actually make some nice photos with it. It's dynamic range is more like side film, so, exposure has to be accurate. It is great to learn on and when you mess up you have only wasted a quarter rather than two to four dollars (B&W) depending on your film. Paper negatives are easy to develop. You can then scan scan them, or, contact print. If you have a 4x5 enlarger you can make enlargements.
Thanks for the comment Robert and shooting paper negatives will be making an appearance on the channel. It's a good meld of in-camera and darkroom work!
I remember you from the Film Photography Podcast.
I just started with 4by5, a SIDAR from a local camera store. I am enjoying your show.
Hey Steven thanks for checking out the show and for your comment! :)
I started many years ago just as you have described: with a crown graphic and a 127mm Ektar press lens. I still have this kit and it still works after 25 years in my possession... never mind the 50 years of service it saw before I owned it. I heartily agree that this is still the way to get started in LF. While my 4x5 gear has grown in quantity and in quality over the years, I still have a soft spot for that old press camera. Even the smell of the leather brings back memories of my first times under the dark cloth. Many times I have been tempted by 8x10 and larger, but I still haven't pulled the trigger. Most of my LF photography is landscape that I shoot on short backpack hikes. It's hard to imagine carting an 8x10 around for these sort of trips, so I stick with 4x5. Love these episodes, BTW
Thanks Peter and glad to hear that your Crown Graphic is still going strong after all these years. 8x10 can be a hassle, but sometimes can be worth the trouble. I do tend to like the "workout" aspect of hiking with my setup.
My first LF was a Crown in 1982. Many Crowns and Sinars later, I am currently using an Intrepid Mk4. I’ve found over the years the lightest camera is always the one that makes it out the door. Since I have lenses, meters, tripods and all the paraphernalia accumulated over the years, the cost of trying out cameras turns out to be the least expensive component! Not sure of Intrepid’s long-term durability, but seems sturdy so far, and as I paint more now, don’t see it getting too abused for several years. Yes, 8x10 is expensive to get started in!
Thanks for the comment Scott, you're right on the money about the weight of the camera being a big factor in what ends up in the bag. Keep us up to date on your experiences with the Intrepid. Hoping they end up being an affordable and medium to long term solution for large format shooters.
I inherited a Linhof Technika 4 with a 135 lens. I’m primarily a macro person so I am learning a whole new way of seeing things I never would thought about in the past.
Just bought my first large format camera. It’s a cambo monorail 4x5 with a Kodak Ektar 127mm f4.7. Came with 6 loaded film holders, a loupe, and a box. Have yet to take a shot but I’m excited to give it a chance.
Andrew congrats on the LF kit, you're pretty much ready to shoot! :D
Just got my Intrepid 4x5 MK4 a few days ago. Got started with 35mm in 1984 and medium format more recently. Got an Ilford Obscura 4x5 pinhole camera a few years ago. Really enjoyed using 4x5 film and learned a lot with this camera. Felt I was ready for an Intrepid! For me delivery took 12 weeks but they kept me informed of progress the whole way. Beautifully built, couldn't be happier, totally worth the wait.
Thanks Eric and glad to hear you're loving the Intrepid MK4. Solid 4x5 cameras that are inspiring a new generation of large format photographers!
I started yesterday with a Super Speed Graphic 4x5 that I purchased from Goodwill. It came with a 135 f6.3 WF Kodak Ektar lens and 3 film holders. I regret not using Ilford HP5 or Delta 100, however BH had a sale on Fomapan 100 50 sheets for around $45. Your channel is very informative, thank you!
Thanks for the comment Michael and welcome to Large Format! :)
My introduction to LF was a Crown Graphic in college. The final assignment was to take it down to the commercial docks in San Diego - street photography with a 4x5. Yikes! I currently have an old Korona 8x10 circa 1910 with a couple of barrel lenses in storage. I went ahead and put a new bellows on it. My ultimate purpose is to use it with Platinum printing portraiture. One other must have is a changing bag to load film. The Paterson tent is nice, but the price is obscene. I just use a generic bag that works just fine.
Thanks for sharing your LF background Jeff! If you're into Platinum printing and portraiture, be sure to check out the work of Herb Ascherman. Cheers!
Congratulations 🎈 in your tenth year of large format 😊
Thank you!! 😊
I started LF with a 4x5 Crown Graphic. Replaced the lens with an Ektar 127mm. Bought a bunch of holders on eBay. Don't actually need nearly what I thought I did. :) I started with Fomapan 100 film because it was cheap. I have since gone to my favorite film in 35mm and 120. ilford FP4+ . I develop myself so I am happy to use one emulsion across all my used formats. I am still trying to find the body and lens that I want to build around.. so many choices. So little real information. Glad I found your channel.. :)
Thanks Ron and please feel free to email if you have any more questions while on your search for a 4x5 kit.
This video is awesome!! Thank you!!
You are so welcome!
One of the main beauties of the Speed Graphic is that *it's designed to be used hand held.* Many of them have a working rangefinder; the Kalart one is user adjustable for any lens you care to mount -- which eliminates the need to focus on the ground glass -- and the focal plane shutter means you don't absolutely have to have a lens with a working shutter -- or any shutter at all (an enlarging lens will work, though it's not the very best, I'm told). I've shot mine down to 1/20 second with the focal plane shutter, hand held -- and of course it works well on a tripod, too.
I started large format with a 1930s vintage German plate camera, a 9x12 cm Patent Etui, that I got on eBay from a mislisted offering for *fifteen bucks.* Yep, even in 2002, the first box of film cost more than the camera. I pretty quickly advanced to a 4x5 Speed Graphic and a couple more versatile, if less light and compact plate cameras (Zeiss Ideal, still 9x12). And then I came across a deal for a disassembled Graphic View, plus a second one for parts -- put bits together until everything worked, and now I have a monorail view camera. That, plus my cheap surveying tripod, is a little heavy, but the images are worth it.
All very good reasons a Speed Graphic is a great starter camera!
I'm late to this sorry. As people have pointed out things are more expensive here in Europe. To save money I use a 6x9cm 120 roll film back in place of the 5x4 film holder. 8 frames per roll. It's not strictly speaking large format but the method of use is exactly the same. The film can processed in a standard spiral tank using less chemicals per shot than with 5x4, or most mini labs can process it for you.
Just a thought.
Hey Neil there's no such thing as late, it's always a great time to start! Roll film back on a large format camera is still large format, especially in process. It's also a great way to use a variety of films that aren't offered in sheets. Cheers!
My first 4x5 camera was a calumet monorail I found for $150 on the goodwill website, which came with several holders, a dark cloth, a stopwatch, a loupe, a 210 lens, and some other odds and ends. It was a great deal! Eventually I got tired of hauling that giant thing around and got a Linhof technika. And then an intrepid, and eventually a handmade 3D printed camera, and a couple of speed graphics. I might have an addiction.
I don't know how to break this to you Shannon, but you may have a case of GAS. ;) I'd love to see that handmade 3D printed camera of yours! Always fascinated with the ingenuity in custom 3D printing cameras and parts.
Great video. I agree with most of your points for a starting point for LF. Everything about 4x5 is more economical. From the the camera to lenses to the darkroom gear. The only thing I would add is make a good investment in lenses. It's a lifetime investment and you can use the same lenses on camera you move up to later.
Very true Michael! Good glass always lasts, and if you see larger formats in your future, a little planning ahead goes a long way. Plus, ULF image circles give you some compositional breathing room.
Got my Speed Graphic a few days ago and spent the last two days getting a tripod, film and film holder locally. My first two shots are developing as I'm watching this! FP4 expired in 2005 in Rodinal 1+100, hope they turn out. Thanks for making these videos, really enjoyed 6x7 and this series (along with some helpful friends already shooting LF) encouraged me to take the plunge :)
Thanks Cassio! 15 years sounds like a lot, but I'll bet you're able to get some decent results from that FP4 (as long as is was stored well).
I started with a Crown Graphic like many of the viewers here. I would like to point out that the CROWN Graphic does not have the focal plane shutter of the SPEED Graphic, and is therefore lighter to carry around.
Mat, I started my large format photography about 25 years ago with a Kodak 8x10 studio portrait camera with a 4x5 reducing back and a 14 inch Wollansak difused focus lens. Over the years I have owned a 4x5 Speed Graphic, a Korona 8x10, 11x14, and a 12x20 along with a Phillips 12x20. I have been a bit of a large format junkie. I really enjoy your large format series.
Thanks Gerard and WOW that's a large format collection! I've had the pleasure of seeing a Phillips 7x17 and they are marvelous, yet simple cameras. 12x20 is my dream format and hope to shoot it some day. 8x20 almost scratches the itch!
Good advice. Sadly those folders are easier to find in the USA. Everything is more expensive on this side of the Atlantic.
I dream of 10x8 ... my 5x4 Sinar F makes me feel a bit of a failure to be honest.
All you people on the internet seem to have 10x8 cameras and carbon fibre tripods.
My kit is also so damned heavy. I have an old Slik tripod. I struggle moving it around especially as now I have more mobility issues.
But I love my new hobby. I love the negatives and the contact prints.
Thank you for starting my journey into large format from listening to the FPP podcast!
Because I was in school I invested in a good set up with a Shen-Hao 5x4 I became obsessed with the process and I was in a financially good place to put good money into my kit sooooo glad I did because I don't think I could do that today at this point
Thanks Mat. My kit is an Intrepid MK4, three lenses (90, 150, 210), 10 holders (I went overboard), a bag, a dark cloth, Sekonic L758dr, and my choice of film is TX400 and Portra 400. I'm working my way out of the Intrepid; it's a fantastic starter LF but it gets beat up pretty quickly and I'm looking for something a little quicker to set up. As always, thanks for the videos. I look forward to Friday!
Thanks Mathew! Ten holders may feel like a lot now, but there may come a time when it's just the right amount. If you're looking for a folder with a quicker setup, I'd recommend looking into Toyo 45's. They're quite solid and still have parts and service available.
i also started with a Speed Graphic , found a nice one on Ebay sold by a charity, it was in a case with some accessories and a big stack of well cared for film holders. I shot that for about a year and a half. Then i ordered an Intrepid MK4 black edition which finally arrived a couple weeks ago after a long Covid19 shutdown induced delay. Just getting used to that but it is a lot of fun to use. I have added 115, 150 and 210mm lenses. I shoot a fair amount of 35 and 120 film, but the 4x5 process is calming and rewarding when the results give me what I was shooting for. Still hope to add a Century studio camera and stand as a big toy in the not too distance future -
I look forward to seeing your videos - I have learned a lot
Thanks Rick! That's quite a kit you've already assembled. I think I saw a BIG 8x10 studio camera pop up on one of the FB LF Buy/Sell groups recently.
@@MatMarrash Thanks Matt, and yes, it's way down in Atlanta LOL They are so big no one can ship them - first I need to decide on which camera - I've been researching the difference between 7A, 9A and the 10A which I think is the middle size. I think the 9A is the biggest and longest draw - I am not sure how much of a factor that will be in a studio. Anyone with knowledge about the models , I would like to hear opinions
I'm just dipping my toes in with a calumet cc400. it came with a Schneider kreuznach 210mm f4.5 lens.
I wanted a wider lens to do macro work and ended up buying a Kodak master view (almost the same camera I already had) to get the ilex 6.5inch f 4.5 lens that was attached to it. Still not quite what I wanted, but dirt cheap, local (=instant), and it does give me 2x magnification. plus, spare parts or an extra camera.
Now I'm debating what film to buy. May start with a box of paper just to get the focusing and process figured out. Since it isn't exactly a portable camera, iso doesn't much matter unless I want to try live subjects...
Paper would definitely be less expensive than most films, but can also introduce it's own hassles with speed and contrast. Another option that's a little faster in speed would be orthochromatic films like Ilford Ortho Plus or x-ray film. Both will have a little more speed than paper and still have the ability to load and develop underneath a safelight. Have fun with the process!
I'm just waiting for my first large format camera, a Speed Graphic just like that one, to arrive from the USA. It's currently in Holland so should be here soon. Already got a Fujinon 180 mm F5.6 lens for it. Also got a lot of 10 film holders (2 Lisco, 8 Fidelity) on Ebay for 30 euros including shipping which was a great bargain I think. I also got 3 film holders with the camera so I'll probably have more than I'll ever need.
Film is not too expensive even if everything else here (I live in Finland) is, 50 sheets of Fomapan is 40 euros.
I'm also building a 3D-printed 4x5 enlarger head for my Durst M600 so I can print my pictures.
I love my Speed Graphic! Mine is from 1940 and in perfect working condition, which is the creme de la creme of 4x5 cameras to me. I even have original 1940s wooden plate holders and the flash synchronizer.
I started with a Speed Graphic. And now I’m lucky just like you. A old photographer just gave me his 8x10.
WOW! That's an awesome gift and quite a way to get jump-started into large format.
My first 4x5 was the Intrepid and for a lens I got a speed graphic 90mm because it fit my budget for a small sum after. A great way to get a field camera with little spend. I still shoot it today for most 4x5 , it has its limits but as a LF photographer it does more than I have explored . It's a great t camera that doesn't beat you up with weight and bulk. Heck my tripod head weighs more than the camera.
Thanks for the comment Daniel and I really like what you've mentioned in the limits of the camera. It's easy to get hung up on the limitations, but I also think they aid us in our creative pursuits!
Today marks an important day for my LF journey as well, today is the day I developed my first 8x10 sheets shot on my first LF camera ever! Perhaps I should mark it on Facebook as well, great idea! And thank you putting up your content, it always marks the start of a nice weekend ahead 😁
Wow congrats on the milestone! How did your 8x10 sheets turn out? Enjoy the process and stay tuned for more LFF!
Mat Marrash , thanks Mat, the sheets turned out quite OK, and I’ve just received my flatbed scanner today, so I’m just a negatie holder away from actual scanning my film decently, very much looking forward!
I started with a Crown Graphic, though I got it more for the camera's look than the format itself (and shot 120 more often than 4x5" in it). When I was finally ready to upgrade to a proper LF camera, I went with a Chamonix 45F-2. The problem with the Graflex cameras is that they're extremely limited on movements, which effectively cancels out many of the benefits of using an LF camera.
I'm also pretty sure I'm going to stick with 4x5", because going any bigger would negatively impact my entire workflow without much real benefit. A modern 4x5" negative (or positive) already has an insane amount of detail, and I can process/scan/enlarge/archive fairly easily. Something larger would make all that darkroom stuff a lot more difficult.
Thanks Derek and you make a good point about the Graflex cameras. They're a little limiting in terms of bellows and movements, but still a highly recommended starter for their cost efficiency. From what I'm seeing here in the comments, it may be a good idea to explore further the pros/cons of format size on the post processing workflow.
Been interested in LF and 4x5 in particular, for some time. Have a pinhole 4x5 (an Ilford Obscura) but have just recently bought an Intrepid 4x5. Looking forward to getting it!!!
Thanks for the comment Carl and excited for you and the new camera!
My new bag for the camera just arrived today, as well :D
Hi Mat,
Perhaps you should consider the process after shooting in the equation.
It's often contact sheet (8x10) vs enlarging (4x5).
Great vid anyway.
Thanks Antoine, this won't be the last time we talk about pros/cons of various film sizes on the channel. After the film is developed, there's lots to discuss. :)
I started with an intrepid 4x5 MKII, but was already using film and had most of the accessories, so to was just the basics that I needed. 4x5 is a good way to start.
Mine is a Plaubel Peco Profia 5x7, bought one month ago. Had to bring the lens for assistance and now it is back. I do now realize availability of items for this size is lower than 4x5 and prices indeed higher. Also finding a proper tripod is not always easy if you don't want to spend more than 500EUR (in my case). Why I chose this size, cause I'd like to do wet collodion on it and this will reduce the available size on the holder. wish me good luck :D
Good luck Roberto and those Plaubel monorails are super well made. I just saw one in person last week at Midwest Photo and they're pretty incredible in both sturdiness and design.
@@MatMarrash thx Mat! your videos are always very useful and informative!
I got my first large format camera in January 2020. I didn’t really shoot it much until July because of the price of film and developing. I figured I would probably keep it safe until I could really spend some time with it. August held some extra free time and a few more dollars and now I’m shooting and processing my own film almost daily!
Thanks for the comment Zachary! Good to hear you're up and running with your LF kit.
Busch Pressman, 135mm Optar.
Well rounded video, Mat. For a starting film, I would highly recommend Fomapan; quite a bit cheaper than the mainstream products from the "big guys." I'm not so sure I'd go with a Speed Graphic because the focal plane shutter can be problematic. If I were starting out with 4x5 today, I'd probably go with the Intrepid Mk IV.
I'm late to the party on this video but I got a Super Graphic last year, followed by a Toyo 45cx, and they've been great to me. I'd definitely recommend both to newcomers. The Super Graphic and a 135mm lens travels with me, and the Toyo is a still life or portrait camera that lives at home with a 210mm lens.
No such thing as late to large format, it's been going strong for the entire history of photography! Glad to hear the Toyo and Graflex have been treating you well.
Great video! Really loving this series--thank you!
Thanks for watching and stay tuned for more LFF!
Great advice! I had the chance to get a good but too early peak into LF in my photo career but decided to go 120 and digital from there… Many years later in 2020 I got a light ToyoCF 4x5 and some good lenses and holders and I’m as excited as 25 years ago! Might even step up to 8x10 for the special things soon, thanks for the inspiration! ;)
Stephan thanks for the comment and checking out the channel. Welcome back to LF and happy shooting! :)
Hi Mat, very interesting channel! I've got into large format 2 or 3 months ago. First I've built a 4x5 box camera, then I've found a japanese Rittreck View with spoiled bellows for as much as 50 dollars, made new bellows myself and I'm into ant totally fascinated now by large format photography.
Welcome aboard! Wow, you made your own bellows? That's pretty cool. Was there any type of guide you used for making them? Always thought about DIY'ing a new set.
I got into LF with a prestine condition sinar x that I just couldn't resist getting. I ended up spending more on tripods and heads and backpacks to make the kit reasonably transportable. Thinking back, a field camera or graflex might have saved much more money as my first investment in LF. But who cares I love my Sinar.
There's a special place in my heart for the Sinar, but I think if things had been different, I may not have ended up with one. Still very thankful for the one I have too. Something about that Swiss design!
Hmm. My staring kit was a Linhof Kardan Master TL. After that I added a Technika V and a Sinar P1. Looking for a field camera at the moment.
Given that you're used to sturdy cameras like Linhof and Sinar, I'd recommend looking into Canham Cameras for great build quality and ample movements.
also Mat, one other cost saving with 4*5 is that most of them can take roll film holders, so you get 10-12 shots per roll, and have cheaper film so you can learn all the other tilt/shift and compositional tricks with out blowing budgets on film, AND what you learn on roll film, just upgrade to sheet stock, fujifilm, Ilford and other brands sell same asa and stock in ALL sizes, so once you know the stock, just order the type of film format for the camera.
Definitely a huge benefit is the access to roll film backs and even more variety. Great tip!
@@MatMarrash yes, and now [2024 ] you can get a lomograflok back, and try out the camera, bellows, etc. before the film goes in, so you do the 'dance' then practice (family photos), with instant, it's 800asa and from what some say, like transparency film a low latitude, you need to expose it right. I also got my start with a second hand kit {sinar F2}, aka camera, lens, bellows, bag, 4 holders (+ sinar vario 120 back),rail extensions, two rail clamps, pelican case and 90mm lens; I did augment it with a Kase K9 filter kit, a 65mm lens and a lomograflok back.
Hi I'd just like to say I appreciate your channel. I think 4x5 is a good compromise, as 5x7 offers too little in terms of film choice, and 8x10 film is too expensive if you shoot colour a lot. I myself have just recently bought my first large format camera: a second hand Linhof Technikardan S45. Pricey, but I wanted a camera that would be extremely sturdy, precise and reliable whilst still being somewhat portable for backpacking, and that would not limit me in terms of movements or bellows extension. So far I have also picked up 150mm and 90mm lenses, and anticipate adding a 210mm and 300mm in the near future too.
Thanks for the comment Gabriel! Technikardan cameras are incredibly well made cameras and should last as long as you need it to.
I started with a Burke & James 5x7 field camera. Wish I still had it.
Good advice here! There's a similar Speed Graphic camera made in England.... MPP 5X4. I own one and it's cheap and a great camera! A bit more expensive than a Graphic, I think...
Thanks Luis, the MPP are very nicely made press type cameras, even adding some unique movements that Graflex didn't offer. Cheers!
@@MatMarrash true! Happy New year to you! Be safe and God bless!
I'm thinking of stepping up from 120 6x6 to 4x5. I have been looking at the Intrepid as a place to start.
Intrepid 4x5's are a good choice for field cameras with a decent number of features. Best part is all that $$$ saved can go towards film!
@@MatMarrash Actually found one used this week...saved some money on an almost new camera! Getting excited to get going. Traded a Nikon Z 50mm lens for a Fuji 180 this week. A Mamiya C330 got me into film a month or so ago and LF is something I have been curious about it so now is my chance. Been watching a lot of your videos and appreciate all the great information you have given us!
Excellent advice. I been using a Speed Graphic for wet plate, works out very well. I'm waiting on a Century 8 x 10 from around 1904 should get it in the next couple of days. I'd like to get a reducing back to 4 x 5 for it, is there such an animal for these older cameras?
Hey Peter there are reducing backs for older Century cameras, but finding them is going to be the hardest part. Sometimes there are other brands that may work with little to no modification, but it can be an expensive add-on accessory.
Hey Mat!
So I watched because I have the 1946 Anniversary Graflex and was wondering where you found your lens. I have only been able to find lenses $400.00 and up to replace the original lens. It's been 30+ years since my last 4x5!
I feel like that is the right answer, but I still want to step up to 8x10 at some point. I love my 4x5 of course. Of note, I don't expect I'll ever have an 8x10 enlarger (not unless Intrepid makes an 8x10 enlarger back anyway) so the irony is I'd use 4x5 for making darkroom enlargements. I totally want to do contact printing though.
And I mean...I know it's crazy pricey but the idea of shooting slide on 8x10? I mean...that's way too enticing not to droll and save a little bit of money up to plan for the step up. I have priced some of this out though and it is indeed quite a step up. I would need a new tripod, a means to develop 8x10 (probably the Stearman Press 8x10 tray thing), holders, still trying to find a 300mm lens I can use on both 4x5 and 8x10, the 8x10 camera it self of course, holders, film.
So yes, you're right! And of note, the great availability of 4x5 film is a big deal (e.g. Rollei IR 400 is really fun). But! You neglected to mention that getting 4x5 will still make you want 8x10 ;)
Tim I've got some bad news, the temptation for the bigger camera and larger negative/positive is always there. Enlarging anything larger than 5x7 takes considerably more time and space in the darkroom than most casual printers are ready to handle. It's been years since I've dusted off the 8x10 enlarger, and just thinking about what it would take to get up and running again makes me reconsider, lol.
@@MatMarrash Haha where you see bad news I see opportunity! (And an empty pocketbook...) ;)
I've been going back and forth on whether I want a 4x5 or 8x10... I like the cost effectiveness of 4x5, but boy would I LOVE to do contact prints from an 8x10! Chances are though that I will be going with a 4x5, I also have to think about the size of my backpack while I'm out there hiking, seeing as I'm not very tall, lol! This video was super helpful, and it gives me a great starting point list! Do you have any lens recommendations to start with for landscapes? Thanks for the video, Mat!
Thanks Jess! I'm a believer in starting with 4x5 no matter what. 4x5 --> 8x10 is only a 2x enlargement, but magnified quite a bit more in every other aspect. For 4x5 landscape, a 90mm is an easy recommend for wide FOV, but I also like a 110 - 120mm lens. Kind of like a 30-35mm equivalent on full frame.
Excellent, thanks for the lens tips! I've definitely got my eye on an Intrepid, although a Tachihara or a Wista has been a dream of mine for a while too! First, I have to convince my wallet, lol!
The great thing with the Speed Graphic is that once you are ready to get a more expensive camera, the SG can retain a special place in your camera collection especially thanks to its focal plane shutter and very special lenses. $250 for a SG is a bit optimistic though.
Yep! You can even front-mount that focal plane shutter for really big lenses. Nothing optimistic about it, that very camera is listed for $150 used at Midwest Photo.
Hi Mat, do you think the Eastman commercial view has enough movements and flexibility to be a first camera? Since it was yours, and students at the university learn on it, would you recommend it to a newbie?
PS: please feel free to respond at your convenience when back, I know you're on a break from LFF.
4x5 feels like the perfect format. It has all the LF perks but you can use it pretty quickly and easily. 8x10 is kinda tempting though because of how outrageous it looks to use lol
Hmm, now that's a contentious topic, is there a "perfect format"? I still love 8x10 despite its limitations, but this might be something to explore!
@@MatMarrash true, Perfect is a big generalization! I think maybe more of a perfect for me as a landscape photographer is a better way of putting it. Is suppose if I shot portraits I might say medium format is the best
Interesting and very educative as usual but how do you deal with the often too slow speeds of an old focal plane & others old shutter ? Graflex focal plane shutter aren't very accurate at high speed. Thank you Mat. 👏
I wouldn't fully rely on the focal plane shutter, but use it if need-be when adapting barrel lenses. I'll almost always go for a leaf shutter when possible.
I don't know where you could find speed graphic in good condition for $200. I bought tested crown graphic with optar 135 f/4.7 for $500 last year.
There's a bit of a regional advantage. In the USA, especially the Midwest, Graflex camera bodies are plentiful and pretty inexpensive.
@@MatMarrash I wish I had access to that. :)
How you doing my man? maybe you could help me one of my subscribers gifted me a four by five camera and I've never shot large format before. He gave it to me to shoot in camera cyanotypes but I noticed while my medium format only needs 15 minutes exposurewith the large format even after an hour there is no image formed on the paper and I think it's because the lens is so far from the film plane the ultraviolet light is not getting to it strong enough. My question is when shooting large format film do you have to make any adjustments to exposure compared to a regular 35 mm? I know the rb67 the further you extend the bellows you have to make slight exposure adjustment increases. Hope all this makes sense and thanks
Hey Ray, thanks for the question! I've never personally done cyanotypes in camera, but if you're making exposures where your bellows are drawn really far out from their normal focal length, you may be experiencing light loss to bellows extension factor. I made a video on how to calculate that, you can check it out here:
ua-cam.com/video/7JyKYt5vIXk/v-deo.html
Another tricky thing with UV based processes is consistency in lighting. If it's anything other than direct sunlight on a cloudless day, UV exposures can vary wildly. Hope this helps!
@@MatMarrash thanks bro makes.much sense what you said
Hi Mat, I'm new to your channel . Great vid. I might dig up , my old Ebony 5x4 camera again . What do you think about LomoGraflok 4x5 instax camera back ?
Thank
Hey Tony, I LOVE that new Lomo back for 4x5. Great price point for returning 4x5 shooters to the world of instant film.
I would point out that an 8x10 is four times larger than a 4x5, so of course it is going to be more money.
What about monorail recommendations for starting out?
Hi and thanks for the comment. I'm a huge fan of Sinar system cameras for their affordable price. Here's a primer for Sinar monorails: ua-cam.com/video/CZcClcfaHtM/v-deo.html
Thanks, have watched that. Was hoping to spend less...😜
@@sgroadie6367 If you're looking for a less expensive entry that's pretty compatible, look into the Sinar Norma line.
Mat, it seems like you are bent on making me save money. I think you have put me off 8x10. I had visions during Covid of dabbling but like you said, film holder costs alone ruined it for me. My basic Cambo SC monorail was even cheaper than the Speed Graphic you have there and gives more movements. I did find a cheap Speedgraphic without a rangefinder but with a solid focal plane shutter to shoot portraits with that cheap 10" Tessar I found. I really like 4x5 and for the moment don't see 8x10 as viable. All I have to do is cobble together an enlarger attachment for the Speedgraphic now.
Thanks Peter, I'm also trying to talk myself into shooting less of the big stuff but I'm too far gone at this point.
102 😁
Hei Mat ! Great video as always. My first and only 4x5 was the Wista 45d . I love that thing. A i am a lazy by trade i realy dont go on hikes so the weight of that thing is not an issue for me. I have the fujinon 150 f5.6 on it and i love it. I mainly shoot hp5 and sometimes delta 100. Thanks for all your videos and keep´em coming !
You can check out my work at instagram.com/koxinn
From Iceland.
Kormákur Máni
Thanks for the comment and nothing wrong with having a kit that's compact, simple and works for you. Fantastic B&W work on your IG!
his hair height is like an 11x14 compared to my hair height being like a 35mm
Gotta have the hair match the cameras! ;)
Large format hair...
After I had a lifesaving double transplant back in 2012 I decided it was time to get away from the digital HDR nonsense and challenge myself to learn "real photography". I quickly went through the progression from 35mm to medium format and then a Calumet CC401 long rail version of their 4x5 monorail. I think that ran me $75 without a lens. Another upgrade to a Calumet 45NX monorail then a quick progression through a pair of Buch Pressman model D 4x5s and then a series of well-used field cameras, a 1947 Pacemaker Speed Graphic and then 5x7s and 8x10s. In addition to all the very good advice given in this episode, there are also bargains to be had in some cases if the person is willing and able to try their hand at restoring a beat-up camera that needs a new bellows and/or a few missing screws. A Pacemaker Speed Graphic with the less desirable spring back is often a great, cheap choice especially now that Jeff Perry at 20th Century Camera sells a conversion back to make them Graflok backs which gives the beginner the choice of using a roll film holder as well. It's an exciting time to be making work with large format as the tool of choice.
Thanks Gregg for mentioning the DIY aspect to saving some $$ in LF. It's an often overlooked part of the market that I've been starting to explore. You may see some DIY content showing up here on the channel soon. ;)