Ansel Adams (the famous American landscape photographer) actually had a wood platform built on top of his station wagon (what we'd now call a large SUV), so he could get his 8x10 camera high enough to clear foreground clutter without needing a ladder to see the ground glass. What I've never understood about those, though, is how the photographer avoids motion blur due to the car's suspension moving with every breath.
The way you explain things is great. I find it very valuable, especially for large format beginners like me, how you explain the focus settings. I have subscribed to your channel, thank you!
The resolution is nice but movements are the biggest advantage. Many things in portraiture, archetecture, and even landscape are not possible without it.... Another often overlooked advantage is tonal transitions. All of that surface area being used to record means that tones have more room to transition smoothly, creating a richness not seen in other formats.
Lovely video. I shared an early Chamonix video years ago when there was no information online. It's a great camera. Thank you for moving the meduim forward.
Thank you for sharing I do follow your channel for a while now and in my opinion, your 8x10 photographs are your best work, the way you document it with the camera is amazing! please share more of this :)
I'm really enjoying this series, I feel like they're a lot of value to be had from seeing what equipment has managed to stand the test of time, cheers!
To add to the argument you made about unique cameras making it easier to approach people: Joel Meyerowitz used a large format camera for his portraits in Provincetown and they are magical. He said that people readily agreed to being photographed, which he mainly attributed to his camera of choice
Fascinating video, far better than your average camera review thays all about the camera, its refreshing to hear a different perspective more how the camera affects/fits your shooting style. Love the videos look forward to more
This is ridiculously impressive. I’m just getting into 35mm shooting on an old Spotmatic SLR. I like the feel that film provides, with its quaint imperfections. Or at least that’s how I justify my amateur technique 😬. But it’s incredible that you can get such a high level of technical performance with film. This definitely isn’t a camera for me, but I’m glad someone is doing it!
@NegativeFeedback, this was exactly the video I was hoping to see. Thanks a lot. How do you decide your aperture when making portraits with swing and tilt. It would be nice to see a sort of tutorial how you take portraits with lens movements. Seems that the only video's that are online with movements are involved in landscapes which i'm not really interested in. Thanks!
For some reason, even though I've only interested in film photography for a little over a year now, I find myself increasingly drawn to LF cameras, just because they're so ridiculous! Although not this size! The Intrepid 4x5 is more my size! haha
@@juliussternfeld428 I don’t know if Ilford still does this but every once in a while they’ll allow orders for special cut film so you could get “8x10” roll film and all sorts of other crazy formats
I’m currently attempting to build a 4x5 (and then maybe work my way up to 8x10). It definitely makes it a lot cheaper, about $150 for the camera body, however I have access to an amazing makerspace with extremely expensive machines at my school. But that cost of film is still why I’m broke.
Great vid although I would add some more things to the pro's column, the extra colour depth that you get from such a large piece of film and the ability to distort scene elements with movements.
Very interesting video - for me large-format is all about slowing-down. Many times I've set the camera and ended up not taking the shot because when looking at the ground-glass as closely as you have to, you can see the shot doesn't work - the cost then comes to mind and you pack-up. I'm shooting 4x5 which is much cheaper than 10x8 but still every shot costs.
Yes! Tilt-shift lenses use the same principles as large format cameras, only the mechanisms are built for portability. They are usually a bit more limited in the range of movement they allow, but for most practical purposes they work just as well.
@@victordesabata For sure! In terms of depth of field and image quality these are completely different beasts - what carries over is perspective and focal plane control.
@@stuartbaines2843 I haven't had any noticeable differences in contrast with it, but i've only used the 200 speed, which I was told years ago was by far the best, and a different emulsion to the other two
I've always thought of buying an 8x10 camera but the hassle and the price tag kept me away from it. Just throw a bunch of c200 at me and I'm happy for now.
Your video thumbnail image mentions the "200 megapixel film camera." I just did a little basic arithmetic. I can't afford an 8x10, but I have a couple 4x5 cameras -- a pre-War Anniversary Speed Graphic (working focal plane shutter, working and calibrated Kalart rangefinder) and a ca. 1950 Graphic View monorail camera. I can get above 400 megapixels out of a 4x5 negative with a ten year old scanner that I bought used for $200. By my calculation, if I had the next better scanner model that can scan film more than five inches wide, this same generation of scanner could pull more than 1.7 *gigapixels* out of an 8x10 negative. Enough to bring a pretty capable computer to its knees; that's above 10 gigabytes file size (at 48-bit color) without compression. A *modern* scanner could get more than half again that figure, if you had any way to store and manipulate the resulting files. So, yes. Detail. Tonality. Control. And let's not forget exercise.
@@joonamato while true, my figures where based on "only" 4800 ppi, nowhere near the resolution limit of modern ISO 100 films like T-Max 100 or Delta 100 (never mind Provia).
@@joonamato You deceive only yourself! An 8 X 10 image on film contains an enormous amount of information and sharp detail, a message on a sign that is 2 mm wide can be read by using a lupe.
What lens do you use for your environmental portraits with 8x10 please , and what F-stop is suggested and do you think a 250mm is possible to be used ? I just bought one for 5x4 but thinking to give 8x10 a trial perhaps in the future ..
I have a Speed Graphic and Graphic View. Both are very good cameras, especially if you have good lenses for them. Graflex didn't make any "field" cameras that I'm aware of, however -- and a monorail type like the Graphic View is heavier and bulkier than a field camera (that folds flat like the Chamionix) the same format. If you're starting in large format, my own recommendation would be an Intrepid (and 4x5 to start rather than 8x10, mainly due to cost). A full movement field camera, brand new, for the cost of a couple boxes of 8x10 Portra (lens and film holders sold separately, as the small print says).
Great stuff George - as usual. Do you scan those big-ass negatives yourself? With a flatbed scanner, directly on the glass? No Newton rings issues? Cheers
You can invite those who are wondering 'what is all this about' to have a look at the screen underneath the darkcloth. After that they are swayed to allow you take a photograph.
Frankly 200mp is an extremely conservative estimate for 8x10. Much more can be had from drum scans.... But as you said, movements are a huge advantage. It's hard to communicate how big of a deal movents are to someone who has never used them. I shoot 4x5. Maybe I'll be able to afford 8x10 one day.
From my experience, there's not much point scanning on a drum scanner at a higher res than 200mp. I've printed 2m wide from those files with no noticeable loss of detail
Hello Geogre boi. What do you think about budget 8x10 shooting with black and white paper? Is it viable option for a poor boi ? I don't know who to ask so if anyone does know something, please. Great video as always.
How much of what you like about this do you think you would lose if it was 4x5”? It’s obviously more practical and affordable, but I wonder if there are benefits you feel are tangible that make all the extra faff and cost of 8x10” worth it.
I used to wonder why people would still shoot film, but as I've grown older, I realize that people are lazy. There's no risk. The procedure is TOO easy. And all you end up with is a photo you never really care about. All of these shots feel like they were hours of pain staking measuring and decision making. Lovely video, and now I have to buy one.
Don't forget to tune in tomorrow at 4pm for the stream
Taking a large format photograph while standing on a car - definitely a bucket list moment
0 cap
Ansel Adams (the famous American landscape photographer) actually had a wood platform built on top of his station wagon (what we'd now call a large SUV), so he could get his 8x10 camera high enough to clear foreground clutter without needing a ladder to see the ground glass. What I've never understood about those, though, is how the photographer avoids motion blur due to the car's suspension moving with every breath.
As an italian, that "Mamma mia" was smooth af
grazie mille
ESATTO !
Was literally bout to sleep George, thanks.
gn
If your camera doesn’t come with a step ladder I don’t even want to know...
Exactly. Take THAT mirrorless monstrosities
If your not taking you 300 year old ancestors vintage film camera, are you even a photographer?
the amount of detail in those pictures is mad
“ma Mamiya”, nice subtle plug there George how much they payin you?
no but seriously this was a really really good vid
The way you explain things is great. I find it very valuable, especially for large format beginners like me, how you explain the focus settings. I have subscribed to your channel, thank you!
One of the strongest cases for large format I've heard so far. Thanks for going beyond just the high resolution argument.
The resolution is nice but movements are the biggest advantage. Many things in portraiture, archetecture, and even landscape are not possible without it.... Another often overlooked advantage is tonal transitions. All of that surface area being used to record means that tones have more room to transition smoothly, creating a richness not seen in other formats.
large format helps getting in touch with strangers. definitely can confirm that! its just so much more fun and u get nice results
Lovely video. I shared an early Chamonix video years ago when there was no information online. It's a great camera. Thank you for moving the meduim forward.
I love your channel George. Your presentation style is different and quirky, but thats what I like about it. You have a wonderful mind. Great work.
Thank you for sharing I do follow your channel for a while now and in my opinion, your 8x10 photographs are your best work, the way you document it with the camera is amazing! please share more of this :)
I'm really enjoying this series, I feel like they're a lot of value to be had from seeing what equipment has managed to stand the test of time, cheers!
To add to the argument you made about unique cameras making it easier to approach people: Joel Meyerowitz used a large format camera for his portraits in Provincetown and they are magical. He said that people readily agreed to being photographed, which he mainly attributed to his camera of choice
seeing that photo of the sea 0:48 printed on the wall in Wexford was incredible
Fascinating video, far better than your average camera review thays all about the camera, its refreshing to hear a different perspective more how the camera affects/fits your shooting style. Love the videos look forward to more
no one wants a picture until the beeg boi come in
Damnn the 400H is in the intro is just goijg to become more and more of a flex
I appreciate your videos so much George! So digestible, calming and enjoyable to listen to you explain your process of shooting on these cameras!!
This is ridiculously impressive. I’m just getting into 35mm shooting on an old Spotmatic SLR. I like the feel that film provides, with its quaint imperfections. Or at least that’s how I justify my amateur technique 😬. But it’s incredible that you can get such a high level of technical performance with film. This definitely isn’t a camera for me, but I’m glad someone is doing it!
Remarkable. Enjoined it very much!
Thank you for inspiring me with this video.
@NegativeFeedback, this was exactly the video I was hoping to see. Thanks a lot. How do you decide your aperture when making portraits with swing and tilt. It would be nice to see a sort of tutorial how you take portraits with lens movements. Seems that the only video's that are online with movements are involved in landscapes which i'm not really interested in. Thanks!
Great video George. Large format looks so good, the emphasis that it can place on the subjects is so striking. Lovely photos.
Thanks!
Tripod spotting! Looks like the Gitzo GT5543XLS with a GH3382QD center ball head.
correct
Dude you are really doing better and better
I love my Intrepid 8x10! Really want to get the black Edition 4x5 too
Just discovered your channel, and the first video I watch there's two images of where I live, Port Talbot. Subscribed 👍👍👍
For some reason, even though I've only interested in film photography for a little over a year now, I find myself increasingly drawn to LF cameras, just because they're so ridiculous! Although not this size! The Intrepid 4x5 is more my size! haha
Let me save you time to figure out the BEST LF camera. Get a Graflex 4x5 RB. You can shoot 4x5 handheld, as it's an SLR.
2:00 "Large format has huge benefits when you can get as high as possible."
You said it, brother.
0:16 thats a very weird Pro 400H flex right there
Intro: i shoot a roll through each one ....
me: waiting for the 8x10 roll. 🤔
rip
For aerial photography, there was roll film for 8x10 cameras. I doubt, it still exists.
@@juliussternfeld428 I don’t know if Ilford still does this but every once in a while they’ll allow orders for special cut film so you could get “8x10” roll film and all sorts of other crazy formats
I really really want a 4x5 or 8x10 camera. I'm currently looking at the intrepid models
Couldn't recommend them enough! I've got the 8x10 and love it
8x10 is my dream ! I wonder if I should go straight to it or go for 4x5. Artistically speaking it will open a brand new world of possibilities
I’m currently attempting to build a 4x5 (and then maybe work my way up to 8x10). It definitely makes it a lot cheaper, about $150 for the camera body, however I have access to an amazing makerspace with extremely expensive machines at my school. But that cost of film is still why I’m broke.
Great video! love these photos and love how your videos have improved a lot in visual interest recently ^^
gergo back to making videos about cameras?!
lovely video, very enjoyed.
Really like your Port Talbot photo.
9:00 10/10 for mic positioning
I find you interesting & brilliant on so many levels ;).
That is one beautiful camera...
You take beautiful images
George another really nice video !
Great vid although I would add some more things to the pro's column, the extra colour depth that you get from such a large piece of film and the ability to distort scene elements with movements.
I constructed two 24x24 wet plate cameras as well as my LF film cameras.
Very interesting video - for me large-format is all about slowing-down. Many times I've set the camera and ended up not taking the shot because when looking at the ground-glass as closely as you have to, you can see the shot doesn't work - the cost then comes to mind and you pack-up. I'm shooting 4x5 which is much cheaper than 10x8 but still every shot costs.
This video is literally the best explanation for my gf on why I need this camera lol 😂 thanks
I don't shoot 8x10 but I do have a 4x5 Toyo Field Camera and love it
that moment when you realize your camera can capture more detail then you can
Wouldnt it be possible to achieve that panning effect with a tilt and shift lens? Just curious. Love the content man, very inspiring. Keep it up! :)
Yes! Tilt-shift lenses use the same principles as large format cameras, only the mechanisms are built for portability. They are usually a bit more limited in the range of movement they allow, but for most practical purposes they work just as well.
@@simondemeule3934 Thank you! Appreciate your reply :)
Yes it is possible. But with a 135 frame size the depth of field is hardly comparable to an 8x10. The end result will not look the same.
@@victordesabata For sure! In terms of depth of field and image quality these are completely different beasts - what carries over is perspective and focal plane control.
This is a flex
Just found your channel. Great stuff.
I need that tripod.
Using 8x10 can give such a unique look. I want to try an 8x10 so bad
sick crocs homes
I liked this so much I watched all the ads...
@negativefeedback could you tell me what backpack you use. I have been looking for a new one to carry my 8x10
f64
Great video!! Could I ask you what type of tripod you're using? I just got an 8x10:))))))) Thank you!!
Nice video! Thank you!
Ty for this
Looking forward to seeing the 8x10 back in action once again 👍👾
Dito the price of 8x10 film a good year since i shot any 😕
Fomapan is just about acceptable
Thanks George Fomapan looks quite contrasty, Depends on subject i guess?
I have some colour Polaroid which i hope to try out this year.
@@stuartbaines2843 I haven't had any noticeable differences in contrast with it, but i've only used the 200 speed, which I was told years ago was by far the best, and a different emulsion to the other two
Could you please provide specific info on the lens used on your camera? Thanks!
Thank you for the great video! Have you only shot color negative film with the camera or also slide film?
I wonder what is the size of the tiffs
400mb with no layers, 2-3gb with layers
I've always thought of buying an 8x10 camera but the hassle and the price tag kept me away from it. Just throw a bunch of c200 at me and I'm happy for now.
U should do a tattoo tour through tattoo portraiture
Hey George I really enjoyed the videos with music, why did you stop?
1:45 Ma-Mamiya!
Your video thumbnail image mentions the "200 megapixel film camera." I just did a little basic arithmetic.
I can't afford an 8x10, but I have a couple 4x5 cameras -- a pre-War Anniversary Speed Graphic (working focal plane shutter, working and calibrated Kalart rangefinder) and a ca. 1950 Graphic View monorail camera. I can get above 400 megapixels out of a 4x5 negative with a ten year old scanner that I bought used for $200. By my calculation, if I had the next better scanner model that can scan film more than five inches wide, this same generation of scanner could pull more than 1.7 *gigapixels* out of an 8x10 negative. Enough to bring a pretty capable computer to its knees; that's above 10 gigabytes file size (at 48-bit color) without compression. A *modern* scanner could get more than half again that figure, if you had any way to store and manipulate the resulting files.
So, yes. Detail. Tonality. Control. And let's not forget exercise.
You can scan anything for a bajillion pixels, but that's not actually the detail you're getting. Film does not capture infinite detail
@@joonamato while true, my figures where based on "only" 4800 ppi, nowhere near the resolution limit of modern ISO 100 films like T-Max 100 or Delta 100 (never mind Provia).
@@joonamato You deceive only yourself! An 8 X 10 image on film contains an enormous amount of information and sharp detail, a message on a sign that is 2 mm wide can be read by using a lupe.
Nice jeep
2:00 what's the name and type of the car?
Quick Question: Have you ever tried or thought about shooting on a super 8mm camera?
Yup! There’s a video on my channel
@@NegativeFeedback Cool! I'll check it out and thanks
Opinion on the original pentax 6x7?
Dang, what tripod is that for that 8x10? Mine can't nearly go that high.
What lens do you use for your environmental portraits with 8x10 please , and what F-stop is suggested and do you think a 250mm is possible to be used ? I just bought one for 5x4 but thinking to give 8x10 a trial perhaps in the future ..
300 5.6
not all 5x4 lenses have the coverage for movements on 8x10
My 250mm has enough coverage more than 300mm
So F/16-22 would be okay for a balance with nice background blur and sharpness with 8x10 I guess with a 250/300mm lens ?
@@anikaschulz8554 I have a 240mm as well but only use it for interiors where 300 is too tight
I have the box I would like to know which lens do you recommend. Thanks
Hi, first of all thank you so much for all your reviews.
I have a question, do you recommend Graphic Graflex to start with large format?
Thanks.
I have a Speed Graphic and Graphic View. Both are very good cameras, especially if you have good lenses for them. Graflex didn't make any "field" cameras that I'm aware of, however -- and a monorail type like the Graphic View is heavier and bulkier than a field camera (that folds flat like the Chamionix) the same format. If you're starting in large format, my own recommendation would be an Intrepid (and 4x5 to start rather than 8x10, mainly due to cost). A full movement field camera, brand new, for the cost of a couple boxes of 8x10 Portra (lens and film holders sold separately, as the small print says).
300m at 5.6 sounds like magic
dijon tee is crazy
Great stuff George - as usual. Do you scan those big-ass negatives yourself? With a flatbed scanner, directly on the glass? No Newton rings issues? Cheers
I used to scan some on flatbed, you could get ANR glass to flatten the neg. I now get a lab to scan
@@NegativeFeedback 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
If you are shy I don’t think you would be carrying that behemoth that scrams LOOK AT ME and pointing it at strangers 😂
Haha, fair point
You can invite those who are wondering 'what is all this about' to have a look at the screen underneath the darkcloth. After that they are swayed to allow you take a photograph.
What microphone is it that you has hanging from your hat?
Frankly 200mp is an extremely conservative estimate for 8x10. Much more can be had from drum scans.... But as you said, movements are a huge advantage. It's hard to communicate how big of a deal movents are to someone who has never used them. I shoot 4x5. Maybe I'll be able to afford 8x10 one day.
From my experience, there's not much point scanning on a drum scanner at a higher res than 200mp. I've printed 2m wide from those files with no noticeable loss of detail
@@NegativeFeedback Yeah I can't say there's much point to it. I was just saying it can be done.
Hello Geogre boi. What do you think about budget 8x10 shooting with black and white paper? Is it viable option for a poor boi ? I don't know who to ask so if anyone does know something, please.
Great video as always.
I've never tried shooting with paper, it's definitely got a certain look to it, which i'm not sure if that's how I want my photos to look
How much of what you like about this do you think you would lose if it was 4x5”? It’s obviously more practical and affordable, but I wonder if there are benefits you feel are tangible that make all the extra faff and cost of 8x10” worth it.
Why is a higher vantage point better when using an 8x10 camera?
It helps to compress the image, and makes it easier to use front tilt to get edge to edge sharpness
@@NegativeFeedback ah alright, thanks :) i didn't consider the movements... that makes a lot of sense
Hi NegativeFeedback, have you tried Cyberpunk 2077?
Stopped playing at 9 hours, wasn't very invested but the graphics were great
That tripod is massive lol
interesting
👍
whats that tripod yall i want one lol
Gitzo
6x9 is compared to around 200 mega pixels as well, gw690iii
What's the tripod?
I was about to sell my hasselblad 500cm and buy one of these, but then I looked at the film price..
You can easily get gigapixel images on 8x10 with a drum scanner.
Love your videos man. One thing. Maybe invest in a way to get rid of those pesky mouth noises?
That carton of pro 400h in the intro, no need to brag
I used to wonder why people would still shoot film, but as I've grown older, I realize that people are lazy. There's no risk. The procedure is TOO easy. And all you end up with is a photo you never really care about. All of these shots feel like they were hours of pain staking measuring and decision making. Lovely video, and now I have to buy one.
Great comment. That last part is sooooo true
Fujifilm GFX100s
💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿
Make a Fuji pro 400h farewell video!