My 4x5 Large Format Film Photography Kit
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- Опубліковано 30 бер 2021
- Re-upload of Monday's video due to audio issues; sorry about that :(
In this video I cover all the things I've assembled together into a field kit for my 4x5 large format film camera and share some insights on what I use.
Links to the equipment in this video (not affiliate links):
F.64 BPX Extra Large Camera Backpack:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00CPS2DKK
LeoFoto LN-404C Carbon Fiber Tripod:
www.amazon.com/dp/B01HN8K3YE
Manfrotto 808RC4 Tripod Head:
www.amazon.com/dp/B000H0338Y
Harrison Silver Classic Dark Cloth:
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
Harrison Film Changing Pup Tent:
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
Cable Release:
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
Paterson Film Changing Bag:
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
Tiffen 40.5mm UV Filter for Pentax Digital Spot Meter:
www.amazon.com/dp/B0010C2HSA
40.5mm Lens Caps for Pentax Digital Spot Meter:
www.amazon.com/dp/B08315HM5L
Lee Filters 100mm Filter Kit:
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
Analogbook Large Format Notebook:
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...
White Balance Card Set with 50% Grey Card:
www.amazon.com/dp/B01DPV5PUA
Milwaukee Pocket Tape Measure:
www.amazon.com/dp/B01CGP5XFI
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I picked up a Toyo View 45G yesterday and now going through UA-cam for videos. I stumble upon it randomly at a camera shop that I have not frequent in awhile and it was sitting there, timing cannot be more perfect since I started looking for on on eBay three days ago. Mine comes with a long rail, I do like your short rail setup, but those 3D print lock ring does look handy so I can leave the trunk behind if I choose to do so.
Great video Chris! Much appriciated!
FYI: Divide 4x5 lens focal lengths by 3 for a full frame equivalent, I.e. 180 / 3 = 60mm FFE.
one other "must have" is a lens hood, in these LF cameras they are called a "compendium" shade, as they affix to the lens standard and, via a rod, extend out to a collapsible bellows set, some allow filters to, but importantly follow any tilt/swing, so no vignetting, and are sentinels against flare and glare, ones worst enemies in this expensive hobby.
good review of the kit, nice you added the filter system to, as those are hard to find, esp. for the larger filter diameters, I have got a sinar f2, which assembles in much the same way, one trick is to assemble the camera on a short base rail (some can be as short as 16cm or 25cm), adding extensions as needed (210mm lens & up), leaving the short base rail for 90/150mm lenses. the sinar can jettison the rail and the rubber ring simultaneously, as it opens from the top, so the rail clamp can stay with the tripod head, or be taken off, and stored in the bag ( I have this dilemma to), one option is a "cine" bag, which goes of one's shoulder as they are geared to an e.n.g. camera, which allows enough space for most accessories, one other you forgot was a bag bellows, which is all but essential for monorail view cameras, with a wide lens.
one other suggestion, for light meters, one option does offer the "safety" feature of no batteries, the sekonic Studio deluxe 28C-2 or similar, 3 models of this are around, using Light sensing diodes, these both power and measure the light, so no batteries, but one note, these are studio meters, so are low reading as standard, dimming the reading by using an ND in front of the lens ( a grid, called a "high slide") as well as some "pre-calibrated" slides for film asa, simplifies operation.
I have a video on how I deal with bellows extension called "Practical Field Calculations," if you haven't seen it, it gives some simple ideas. I think monorail cameras are actually the best 4x5 cameras and the unsung heroes of the large format world. Looking forward to your future videos about using the camera. Chris
Great content and very informative!
Nice video!! I just bought a Toyo 45Aii about 3 months ago, I bought it on the fly. I was planning on one in about 6-12 months but the opportunity presented itself and I jumped on it. I couldn't be happier, I also develop all my own color negative, transparency and black and white film. I wanted to close the loop and hunted for all the chemicals and keep plenty on hand. I have the three must have lenses, put all of that in a camera bag and it's about 35 lbs, not including the tripod. Looking forward to your next video.
Those 45A’s sure look nice, congrats! I think I’ll eventually get into self-developing as well, just trying to get a good handle on the metering and exposing part first!
I like to carry a Canon G15 compact digital camera with my 4x5 inch view camera.
I change the G15 aspect ratio to 4x5 and use the camera to scout for the best location to set up my 4x5 inch view camera. I also use the G15 to take test shots to help determine the best exposure.
I do a similar thing with my camera I use for video. I've also found the Viewfinder app to be really good for this as well, it's pretty close from what I've experienced so far
Chris just stating my own personnel 4x5 journey with a Sinar F2. Have subscribed and look forward to future videos on this topic.
Thanks Anthony and congrats! It’s been a lot of fun and I’m confident it will be for you as well.
I chose the Arca-Swiss F-line Field 4x5. It collapses much smaller but is a rail camera. Movements are great on it.
Great choice. They were a bit out of my price range at the time but I’ve been keeping an eye on those myself!
Nice to see theh thought you put in this.
I used the Toyo D45M in the field and loved it. Much easier than my Kodak 2D 8x10 ;).
I found the Fidelity holders every bit as good and the Toyo version, so don't sweat it.
Where's your loupe? Get a good Fuji or Schneider 4X loupe for critical focusing. Indispensable.
I had focus clothes made. Black on the inside, silver-white on the outside especially great in the heat of summer. Rubber-coated metal disks sewn in the corner to keep it down in the wind while still washable.
Stay with the Fuji lenses. EVERY Fuji lens since the early 1970's, regardless of format, possesses the same color reproduction, so no filtering between lenses for color differences (no problem if you only shoot B&W).
Find the bag bellows when you obtain a wide angle.
Thanks for the great tips! I must have forgotten to include the loupe, but there's definitely one in my kit. I like the idea of weighing down the corners of the dark cloth. I think I'm up to 4 Fuji lenses now, and I've been pretty happy with all of them so that makes sense although I didn't realize they were that consistent so good to know!
@@ChrisDarnell If you have any Fuji film or lens questions, let me know. I was the Midwest Fuji Professional Products rep for almost 20 years. I LOVE Fuji films and made that knowledge of Fuji technology my specialty.
First lens i got for my intrepid was the pinhole intrepid offers on there website. I haven’t shot with it yet but for under $30 shipped to New York. Why not 🤷🏼♂️
Also picked up the graflok 23 6x9 film back for 120 roll film.
Waiting for better weather and a free weekend to get out and shoot
I’ve had my eye out for a 6x9 back for mine but they’re sooo expensive!
Hey Chris! I just found your channel and I'm loving the content and production quality! I've just started shooting large format as well and I'm thinking of possibly starting a UA-cam channel as well. Thanks for the inspiration! 😊
Thanks Thomas! The more the merrier I say! I see only good reasons to do so 👍🏻
I bought a big green monster 10 years ago got frustrated at the cost of a tripod and promptly boxed it up in my closet. Still have it and the film holders. If you can live without movement you should print a simple lightweight camera like the will travel 4x5. I'm waiting on filament to show up so I can adapt parts of it to a diy 8x10 box camera. I think people should start including fdm printers as part of the large format experience
Thanks Cecil, haha I know the feeling with the tripod. Not only was it costly but it was unreasonably heavy and bulky by the time I got something sturdy. I think it would be very interesting to try printing a camera, I've had a couple ideas I've been considering so I really appreciate the suggestion!
@@ChrisDarnell there are so many great designs out there for free. Willtravel has an 8x10, there are 6x9 , 6x17 backs. There is this amazing plate holder held together by magnets. I may not be good at math but even i can figure out the adjustment so that it'll take film or in my case paper. A new 8x10 film holder cost more than i spent on the fdm printer.
You might want to add a small flashlight not to find your way in the woods but to illuminate the aperture and shutter speed dials. when the day is dull or you are standing in the shadows. I use a 617 like Nick Carver and the dark red him number window is near impossible to see through without a little extra light even in the sun. I will be adding one to my 4x5 kit as well as those early sunrise setups can still be plenty dark. Just a thought.
Man I'd love to have one of those 6x17's.. haha. Thank you for the suggestion, I've found myself having to use my phone to see what I'm doing so a small LED penlight sounds like a great addition!
@@ChrisDarnell strongly suggest getting a small headlamp instead. Much more useable, including for traipsing around to setup.
Congrats! (18% grey, btw...)
Hey Chris. Love the "pin" for compressed packing. Where can I get one?!
Hi Wayne, I assume you have the same model of camera? If you shoot me an email at the address in my "about" section of my channel I'll be happy to work out the details around getting one to you!
Do you have a resource for getting that rail slip in for transport? Looking to get one myself.
Chris, this video is so helpful. Thanks for putting it together. My 45g should deliver on Monday. So I'm getting 'the baby's room ready'...ha! Can you help me with a couple questions. My research has the rails at 39mm dia. Can you tell me your dims on the pin you made. I'm going to head to HomeDepot. I want to confirm 1.5" dowel will work. And then if you can recommend a length, so that I can compact similar to how you're packing? And then, once compacted for travel, what's that footprint of the main core camera? I'm not a hiker, but I do need to get it from point A to point B ergonomically (if there is such a thing. :) )---Thanks again for the channel! Huge help.
Congrats on the new camera! The dimensions on the pin I built were indeed 39mm in diameter, and the clamping area that the front standards ride on was 160mm in length. The footprint is still pretty big because of the hardware on the standards and takes up a space roughly 13.5" x 10.5" x 6.5" in my camera bag. Thanks for watching and I hope that info helps!
@@ChrisDarnell Thanks Chris! Camera arrived today...so your reply is right on time..ha! the 6.5" was the key. I have an xl camera backpack but was worried about the depth.
Thanks again for the reply and the content.
Hi Chris, I’ve just bought one of these cameras and have the same issues as you. I would be really interested in buying one of those pins you made, would you consider selling them?
Hi Jake, not a problem. Shoot me an email at the address in my About tab and we can work out the details!
Hi Chris do you walk long distances with both the backpack and tripod. How do you carry the tripod it’s looks really allot cart around.
For a while I was hiking around with this kit up to a few miles a day, but longer than that just wasn't practical. I sewed a tripod leg pouch to the back of the F.64 bag which made it possible to strap the tripod to the backpack, that really helped, but lately I've moved on to a field camera and a much lighter kit.
Thanks for the info. I have a Sinar P2 so thinking of getting a Linhof Technica 2000 so its easier to lug around @@ChrisDarnell
What filter grades do you have? If you don’t mind me asking.
Hi Edwin, I have 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 medium edge grads, a 6 stop and 10 stop ND, and a circular landscape polarizer all from Lee Filters
Thank you for your response! I am new to 4x5 photography and filters is something I still don’t understand well!
Large format is calling me to start out.. should I???
Ultimately only you can answer that, but naturally I’d encourage you to go for it. Given the rise in popularity film cameras have seen I think it’ll only get more expensive and difficult to buy camera gear, so if large format is calling you and you’re up for the challenge I’d answer 👍🏻
Sooo the tripod is more expensive than your camera and lens togheter??? Second hand that is....
Like buying a Honda civic with genuine Porsche wheels.
Oh well, to each his own.
Hadn’t thought of it like that but yes, that is true. I don’t think I see my need for a stable tripod as being limited by the dollar value of the camera I mount to it though. I just needed a bigger tripod, haha. This one seemed reasonable for the money and the weight class I needed.
@@ChrisDarnell just kidding. I once built a wooden sliding box 8x10 camera for 0 dollar wood and screws. But the lens set me back 200 dollar. So I get it.