We are looking for large format photographers doing portrait and figure work
for an upcoming issue.
Send submissions to
View Camera

What is the best way for me to start?
What is the cheapest option?
Is Linhof or Fuji 617 unavoidable or is there a cheaper solution?
Maybe Russian/Chinese?

Hi, I would like to start to use large format cameras.
Have you any suggestion for a novice ?
I have seen a lot of large format cameras, but some seem very similar,
only the price is very different, what do I have to look for in a large

We are looking for large format photographers doing portrait and figure work
for an upcoming issue.
Send submissions to
View Camra

I got a 6x9 Linhof Tech III with the old style winding knob 6x6 rollex back.
Is it possible to convert the 6x6 to 6x9 for reasonable cost? 6x9 backs seem
to be rare.

http://www.zenit-foto.ru/english/index.htm
Are they any good and have you tried any?
I think 205pc is interesting.
Price information, EU, anyone?

I've just acquired a full-plate Seneca with some film holders so
am about to embark on the adventurous road of cutting down
film.  Can I successfully use my Rotatrim for this, presuming
I provide protection to base and emulsion so they don't get

My Calumet 90mm f8 lens (I think it is a Super Anguleron), mounted in a
Copal 0 shutter, is quite stiff to move the aperture.  It is plenty
usable, but I wonder if it can be easily loosened.  Any ideas?   The
aperture level has a little screw-down thing, but this is not screwed down ...

I've been following a thread on rec.photo.darkroom about techpan
and other high resolution films such as gigabit. One thing that
I've noticed is that all of these films is that they're only available
in 135 (minature format).

Wasn't it nice to see photojournalists using real cameras for a change?

I was trying to keep track of whether they showed the right models of
Speed Graphic for the year that was being depicted, but that was a

On the 11x14 Improved Empire State view that I'm getting back into
shape, the bellows is black and on the outside of the bellows the
inside surfaces of each of the folds seems to be made of some sort of
cardboard? material being held together by what looks like thin leather

I kept seeing those Chinese made rollfilm backs that allow you to
shoot 6x17cm panoramas on 4x5 cameras, and wondering how
well one would work - so I decided to order one and find out.
Here are my first impressions for anyone else who's interested:

I've put together a new web site and would be interested in your comments.
http://www.professionalphotography101.com
Thanks
MR

I am trying to get something that is around 1 inch to 1 1/4 inches
wide onto a 5 inch peice of film with the equipment that I
currently own.
First the subject:  a medium sized animal.  Point being is that I

I recently brought a Calhoun Rapid Convertible 17x22 lens to use on my
11x14 Seneca view camera. It a large brass lens. Although I haven't
exposed any film with it, I've mounted it in a lensboard and tried it
on the camera. Needless to say, I haven't been able to find the limits