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Photo Forum / Film Photography / Large Format / June 2004Starting camera - Part IV
Yes, more questions, and I'm getting closer to understanding a large format system, but the lenses are taking a lot of "Huh?'s". Anyway, here goes for more questions. First, I've seen references to have "experts" put the lens on the lensboard and leave it there, and some references on how to do it with the right tools. For the beginner, which is better? I'm assuming the first, but learn the second. Second, David Karps' articles "Introduction to Lenses for Large format Cameras" was extremely helpful for determining which brand and models to initially look for, and it's interesting to see that they can maintain the same (relatively) viewing angle for increasing focal length. Should I try to stay with one brand's series of lenses, or look for the lenses with the similiar specifications? Third, a checklist, and sorry if it's a "Duh!", but I'm new at LF. It's: 1. Camera, 2. Lenses on/with lensboards, lens tool(?), 3. Cable release(s) 4. Ground glass (with camera), 5. Screen brightener, 6. Film in film holders (8-12 or??), 7. Loupe (have), 8. Dark Cloth, 9. Light meter (have), 10.Stop watch (have), 11.Tripod and head (have), 12.Filters (have some), 13.Notebook,and miscellaneous stuff, 14.Black bag, film and box for exposed film (optional?). Anything missing? --Scott-- [snip] >Anything missing? Changing bag (if you don't have a darkroom and/or want to reload the holders in the field). Also, I'd suggest a Polaroid 545 back and film. > First, I've seen references to have "experts" put the lens on the > lensboard and leave it there, and some references on how to do it with > the right tools. For the beginner, which is better? I'm assuming the > first, but learn the second. If you can build a camera you can build a lensboard in your sleep. It's easier to have a board per lens. OTOH if it's a big camera with big boards I guess it gets bulky > Third, a checklist, and sorry if it's a "Duh!", but I'm new at LF. > It's: > 6. Film in film holders (8-12 or??), Holders are heavy. If you're out and about hauling too many might mean a mule-) OTOH if you're home then you could just go reload more. > 14.Black bag, film and box for exposed film (optional?). Depends on how you're getting your film processed. I unload my holders into the processing tank. How are you carrying all this stuff? Nick > > 14.Black bag, film and box for exposed film (optional?). > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Nick I won't do my own processing for awhile yet, and some items will be in the van all the time. I'm using a medium Sundog Art Wolfe photo-backpack or a Kelty Redwing backpack (both front loading) with the larger insert box (from the Sundog) for 35mm camera bodies, lenses, tripod head, etc. Either backpack will easily handle a 4x5 field camera system, and some view camera systems with the normal hiking stuff (spare clothes, food, water, etc.). I'll probably get a dedicated bag/case for storage and general transportation. I'm stuck deciding if my initial camera should be a lighter field camera (preferably metal or composite) and live with the limitations, or an entry level view camera (small enough for day hikes up to ~6-12 miles RT) and live with the weight difference. The overall weight difference from the 35mm system I carry will be small, but the space difference of the cameras is significant. I will be using the camera for both nature/landscape and cityscapes. And I know I will probably add the other camera next year or so as I get used to large format work and want either the dedicated hiking camera or the more versatile view camera. --Scott-- ><snip> > [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > >--Scott-- When you say lens on lensboard, I presume you mean lens on shutter on lensboard, since lenses and shutters do not necessarily come attached to each other in large format photography. In fact, in the 19th century, photographers generally did without shutters, using a lens cap instead. Many high quality process lenses that you can buy come without shutters. The buyer is expected to acquire a separate shutter or Packard Shutter and adapt the lens to the shutter. SK Grimes, Inc., of Providence, Rhode Island, has an almost unique business, servicing photographers by adapting various lenses to shutters. You should visit their web site. Instead of a notebook I use little stickies, two to a film holder, and write the exposure information on each when I take the picture. I apply them when I load the film. I still suggest you get a golf bag and golf cart with large wheels to make it easier to take places. Also, I put my film holders into army surplus ammo containers. Francis A. Miniter > When you say lens on lensboard, I presume you mean lens on shutter on > lensboard, since lenses and shutters do not necessarily come attached to [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Francis A. Miniter That's a new one one me, because I have yet to see photos or ads for lenses without shutters, often a Copal shutter, and I have yet to see any mention of "Shutter sold separately" or "Lens only" in the ads, even the lens companies' Web pages. It seems from the articles and books that the it's lens-shutter combination. Are you saying I have to ask for a shutter with the lens? --Scott-- >>When you say lens on lensboard, I presume you mean lens on shutter on >>lensboard, since lenses and shutters do not necessarily come attached to [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > books that the it's lens-shutter combination. Are you saying I have > to ask for a shutter with the lens? You are both right. Standard lenses for large format photography come with shutters. But it is possible to adapt other lenses, such as process lenses, designed for other purposes to use with a view camera. Such lenses are available often in the used market. In such cases, one must mount the lens in a shutter. > --Scott-- >> When you say lens on lensboard, I presume you mean lens on shutter on >> lensboard, since lenses and shutters do not necessarily come attached to [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] >books that the it's lens-shutter combination. Are you saying I have >to ask for a shutter with the lens? You often see APO process lenses on eBay without shutters. rafe b. http://www.terrapinphoto.com >> When you say lens on lensboard, I presume you mean lens on shutter on >> lensboard, since lenses and shutters do not necessarily come attached to [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > books that the it's lens-shutter combination. Are you saying I have > to ask for a shutter with the lens? Modern lenses usually come with shutters. But some times you'll see just cells. Or you could take a barrel lens and have it mounted into a shutter. A barrel lens is cells in a barrel. Like an enlarger lens or some of the older camera lenses. http://www.skgrimes.com/lensmount/24art/index.htm The SkGrimes website shows a barrel lens being mounted in a shutter. Unless you need a special lens or already have a shutter it likely doesn't make sense. But it shows you what's possible. Nick > > [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > >--Scott-- Not if the lens is advertised with shutter. If the words "barrel lens" are used, it is definitely only a lens.) But often, see eBay listings, you will find a lens sold without shutter (I have a couple) or you will find a shutter sold either with a ruined lens or no lens. In such situations you may be able to get a couple of bargains and have an adapter made to allow the separate lens to work with the separate shutter. The SK Grimes site describes the process in detail. If you are buying new lenses, then they will be sold with shutters. But many of us like to use some of the older stuff for various reasons (cost, quality of lens). Francis A. Miniter |
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