anyone shoot large format film

[reefman77]

after doing a little reaserch and walking through a rodney lough Jr gallery in california, i have decided that i want to try getting into large format photography. i was wondering if anyone here has spent any time on large format film and if you have any suggestions for someone just looking to get started. i am planning on purchaseing all used equipment but i am still looking for suggestions. i am looking to keep the cost under $700 for the camera, lense, and accesories. i have access to a lab for developing film so i dont need to wory about buying developing chemicals and stuff.

Here is rodney lough Jr's website. he is probably my favorite photographer.
http://www.rodneyloughjr.com/

 

[BeanAnimal]

reefman, I played a little with large format back in college. I have a few old Graflex medium format press cameras and was always impressed with the image quality. Most of the work I did with both the medium and large format cameras was B&W.

From my understanding, they make digital backs for many of the popular medium and large format bodies now also.

 

[BlueCorn]

It's pretty common for at least one person to show up for a workshop shooting medium format. I don't see large format that often, mainly because of the size and weight of the gear. It truly has to be a labor of love.

That's an ambitious price point but you should be able to get close if you stick to the 4x5.

I do a lot of experimentation when I shoot so for me film just isn't practical.

 

[BeanAnimal]

I know my Speed Graphic's are somewhat limited and have always wanted to find a more modern medium format setup. By "more modern" I would even settle for an old Hasselblad 500 C/M outfit. I just don't have the space for a darkroom anymore and fear the idea of becoming interested in a new diversion. I have a beseler 2C3 somewhere in storage (since maybe 91) and would not even begin to know how it compared to modern offerings.

Recommendations for a budget medium format in the price range listed? Is the old Hasselblad 500 still worth a look?

 

[Reef Bass]

Wow, I haven't heard the term "large format film" in some time. I did 4x5 b&w back in high school 30+ years ago. Had to "check out" the camera. Loading film required complete darkness as I recall. Shot film. Developed negs. Printed pics. The results with the right subjects were amazing. An 8x10 print is a 4x5 negative magnified only 4 times! Compare that with enlarging a 35mm negative to 8x10. Incredible clarity and detail.

 

[IPT]

I have used 4x5 and 8x10. I used some ancient equipment that my uncle had. Of course the image quality was incredible, but the cost of development (and a a few other things kept me from it). Will you be shooting B&W of slide? At this point I imagine both will expensive as they are slowly phasing away from it so the chemicals will slowly become scarce and expensive.

That aside, the issue I had was the focus. Like doug, now I am ususally on the move, trying many focal points and points of view so I like the mobility. However, when I did take those large formats I liked that I had to have a plan, slow down, take in the entire process. I did however find it difficult to focus on the ground glass screens (even with a loupe). I am sure it was just me, but that was an issue for me. Maybe if my darkroon could've handled LF (I only went up to 6x9's MF) I would have continued to experiment.

Anyway, can't help you much about the equipment as like I said mine was borrowed and has since been sold. I imagine you are aware of places like B&H and KEH for used gear? I have had good experiences with bith vendors buying used.

 

[IPT]

Oh yeah, looking at the camera above I also remember (I think) that I used a "view" camera so the only choice was using the ground glass. I believe the one above is a "range" camera. Not sure if they have the same ability to alter the plane of focus.

 

[BeanAnimal]

The camera above is a "range camera" (both the crown graphic and speed graphic are). I also have ground glass backs for them (and polaroid backs, and 110 backs, etc). Very nifty cameras indeed.

 

[BlueCorn]

As an interesting side commentary, the large format folks are the one's crying over Polaroid's decision to stop producing instant film. That genre is about to get more expensive since being able to take a test shot is going away.

 

[Reef Bass]

The end of an era for sure. I remember when my dad received a Polaroid SX70 Land Camera as a gift back in the 70s. The instant print thing was super cool and the camera folded relatively flat when not in use.

 

[griffithimage]

I would suggest you shoot 6x7 cm if you want to do the film route. It still gives you a big size but you can use roll film (much better). Pentax 6x7 's are very cheap used right now. For studio work, I love my Bronica GS 1.

 

[IPT]

FWIW, I agree with the last post. You will still get excellent image quality from enlargements, and if you get the right body you will be able to upgrade to an afforadable digital back (someday - at least way before a LF digital back became available and affordable).

 

[Iostream]

I still shoot an old Crown Graphic from the 50s on occasion. There are bags you can get for loading film in the field. One thing I like about shooting 4x5 is that you really have to think about your shot. There is no shooting a ton of photos and picking out the good ones, it is both cost and time prohibitive. Unfortunately there is a shortage of labs in the area that are capable of processing, and I find myself shooting it less and less.