A Conversation with RICHARD RITTER: Ultra Large Format Camera Maker | Finding Eastwood Part 2
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- Опубліковано 30 чер 2024
- Meeting RIchard Ritter in person to pick up my custom 11x14 ultra large format camera would have been a once in a lifetime experience on it's own. What I wasn't expecting was for Mr. Ritter to invite me into his home and workshop where I spent nearly two hours talking about cameras and his life in photography. He personally setup my new camera (Eastwood), hand-fitted my lens to it's fresh lensboard, and gave me a glimpse into a world where art and fine craftsmanship intermingle in complete harmony.
This is episode 2 of the two-part series 'Finding Eastwood' where I document the journey to my custom made 11x14 ultra large format camera. You can find episode 1 here: • My first ULTRA Large F...
Useful links:
Richard Ritter's website www.lg4mat.net/
Niki/Butcher Photojournal photojournalclydeniki.blogspo...
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Richard is quite the old soul. Wonderful home. His trip to his workplace is something many dream of, and stepping out the door reveals New England paradise.
Awfully nice of him to mount your lens on the board. Probably something you don't do frequently, and I'm guessing you don't have a drill press in the back of your truck.
Don't be too hard on yourself for the accidental time-lapse. Be grateful for your wisdom to make the trip. Guys like Richard remind me of how much history vanishes with each generation. This video allows for a tiny bit of it to be available after our memories pass.
And becquerels, an x-ray unit I hadn't thought of in many years.
Great to hear you're heading to the Pacific Northwest. Look for the Hall of Mosses along the way, but you probably knew that already.
Such an amazing experience and person, So glad you were able to bring us along and show us/bring to life a legend in LF Mr. Ritter
I feel like I say this alot but yes...such a privilege to interact with people with the level of knowledge Mr. Ritter possesses. This goes for things non-photography related as well. It just carries an energy of being awake and knowing something is happening that has enormous meaning. Weird to say...but that's how it felt.
This was a treat; Richard Ritter repaired a few of my cameras.
Just found your video, Adam. Thank you for posting this, and thank you to Richard for allowing all of us to go in with you and meet him. What an experience!
You're most welcome, David and I'm glad you enjoyed it along with me. I think I mentioned it somewhere along the journey but this was such a "full circle" moment for me. As you can imagine, Richard is quite a private person and I was fully prepared for him to say "no" to the filming so that's why I recorded right up to the moment I asked his permission, totally ready to (understandably) end the journey at his door and not record anything else. I was so unprepared for the full experience of talking with him for so long and being able to share his craft to the extent I was able. Truly one of the highlights of my life as odd as that sounds.
That was great, cool video! 👍
Thanks a lot, Todd. I enjoy your channel and photographs.
Thank you very much!!@@AdamWelch
He's such a master craftsman. If I were to ever go bigger than my 8x10, it would be an 8x20 made by Richard.
Thanks for sharing this. It was great to watch and I loved Richards place. It was great that he also shared his place with us. Thought you were going to tear up on the drive out. 😊
Phenomenal video! It certainly has made me visit Mr Ritter's site, as well as encouraging me to contact him with building a 8x10 for me.
That's fantastic. Richard mentioned to me how light his 8x10 cameras were but I regret not actually handling one during my visit. If you speak to him please let him know the 11x14 he built me is still making the rounds throughout the country. If you do decide to have a Ritter made I'd be interested to know your thoughts as well.
thank you for sharing this. I dun recall seeing any videos of Richard before so it is good to see this one.
I wish I had one of cameras. I did have him make film holders and bail back for Deardorff S11
I can of course only speak for mine but the design and construction of this camera is top notch. A true example of art through simplicity. It was a once in a lifetime investment for me and I am thoroughly pleased. I hope you eventually get yourself one at some point!
Respect Sir... Nothing but respect.
Adam your Videos are like a great Blues Player who knows when to sing and when to let his guitar do the rest in other words great rhythm!
As always a very enjoyable video Adam. Learned a lot - you didnt have to tell the world though that Ive lost my mind you know. Wink.
Beautiful craftsmanship and delightful video.
Thank you very much!
Fantastic WOW
It was an incredible experience.
Absolutely dynamite video. Happy trails and safe travels!
Hey thanks a lot, Joel. I really appreciate it.
Fantastic episode Adam. Good luck with the new camera !
Thank you very much, my friend. Glad you enjoyed it. I'm gradually heading towards a "walk around" episode going over the particulars of the camera. It's been wonderful in the interim months I've owned it.
Mr Ritter's workshop didn't have a spot of saw dust until he start mounting the lens board. Can't wait to see what you make with this large camera.
Ha, before I say anything else, I love your UA-cam name.... But yes, his workspace was so immaculate that I was likely the dirtiest thing in the shop. I can't recall if I mention it in the episode but his home place was somehow exactly how I pictured it prior to my arrival. A beautiful place full of cameras and memorabilia. Such a one of a kind experience for me.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Why did you decide on one of Richard’s cameras as opposed to a Canham? Thanks.
Thanks a lot, Sam. I'll be filming a dedicated "here's my camera and this is why I love it" sort of episode at some point that will cover everything I can think of as to the reasons why I went with the Ritter compared to the other four makes I considered. I tend to get wordy but I'll try to hit the high points here as to why I went with it over the Canham specifically (which I thoroughly considered).
In terms of design, Ritter's carbon tube concept makes so much sense especially after you have watched his instructional DVD which came with the camera (or talked with him). Honestly I wish Richard would make that portion of his construction readily available because if I would have saw that DVD beforehand the decision would have been a no-brainer. Their rigidity is grossly undersold I think and there is a picture of Richard actually standing on them. The Ritter is also 3.5lbs lighter than the Canham which was of EXTREME importance to me given my travel. The Ritter also has a bit more movements, namely a few more degrees of rear swing and (unless I am grossly misinformed) the addition of front shift which the Canham does not have.
The other factors were the modularity of the Ritter which can essentially be upsized to virtually anything Richard makes. The Canhams also can do this but the 11x14 is limited to it's sizing and the larger sizes possible with the 11x14 chassis weren't formats I would likely interested in pursuing. The turnaround time was also much less from Richard, being just under six weeks for my camera and holder, with Canhams currently listed on his site as being roughly 1 year although it says "could be sooner."
Price was, at least at the time, considerably less than the Canham for what I personally felt to be a more hard-wearing and slightly more versatile/manageable camera. Admittedly I never asked for an actual quote but there is a used 11x14 Canham (with three boards) listed on eBay right now that is roughly the same price as a brand-new 11x14 Ritter and about $700 more than what I paid for mine. I'll note my camera increased in price during its construction but of course Richard stuck to our original arrangement. I often have asked myself whether that would have influenced my choice but fortunately that will forever be a hypothetical haha
This has already grown way too wordy so I'll end it here. Like I said, I'll make an episode on the camera soon but if you have any specific questions please don't hesitate to reach out.
@@AdamWelch Thanks, Adam. I appreciate your insight. I’ll look forward to the video.
drove all the way to meet Richard but did not take a large format portrait of him 🙃
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