Large Format Photography - An Introduction
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- Опубликовано: 5 фев 2025
- #photography #filmphotography #camera #filmcamera #film #ilford #ilforddelta #largeformatphotography #viewcamera #presscamera #fieldcamera
You've seen the cameras, or at least heard of them. So what's the deal with large format? Interested? What do you need to know? Hopefully, I'll sort some of that out in this video. We'll cover the different camera types, lenses, film holders, and get into some examples of what view camera "movements" are and what they do.
AND, our first "wall feature" photo is an excellent shot from Dominic Scott of New Zealand! The submissions are coming in, and they're all fantastic. And I'd love to feature YOURS in a future episode. Just send me a digital file at vintagecameradigest@gmail.com. That's it. Super easy. Also tell me a little about the technical details - such as camera gear, location, and film choice. (And just to clarify, the copyright will always reside with the photographer. Not me.) Have any questions? Let me know at that same email.
Now, on with the show....
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Its so refreshing to see a large format video by someone experienced enough to possess actual knowledge. And SO well explained. Clear, succinct, thorough.
Ah, so much is age dependent, young man. I was the high school yearbook photographer, 1965-67, and that first year, covered basketball and football games with a 4x5 Speed Graphic and Super-XX film. Due to budget constraints, I had only two film holders ... taught me to be parsimonious and anticipate action. The second year, a new yearbook advisor and a new camera, a YashicaMat. TWELVE exposures to cover an event, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven!
I regularly use a 4x5 Speed Graphic and the 5x7 version and Graflex 4x5 Super RB. I'm getting a bit long in the tooth and don't hold them as steadily as the old days. Digital is for wimps.
Sports on a 4x5! I know it was done, but even for me I’m awestruck. Another gentleman here commented that he used to do weddings with one and generally took about 100 exposures. But you and your two film holders…see that’s teaching anticipation and wisdom. I’m guessing you made good use of some flash bulbs. But… since you mentioned it, wouldn’t THAT be a unique challenge for today? :-))
This is a great video! Id love to see a part two for how to pick lenses (the right image circles etc) and more of the nitty gritty stuff. Thats the things I struggle with the most trying to build my dream setup that I will (hopefully) get someday.
Yes, that is a deep rabbit hole for sure, lol. And that means there’s always room for more videos!
Great video easy to understand.
Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful.
Very inspiring.
You mentioned we get used to the vertical distortion. This is very true and when you showed the corrected shot after the front standard had been raised, the church suddenly looked miniaturised.
Fascinating . Thanks
Thanks for watching! Yeah, it’s crazy how our brains adapt to these things.
Great Introduction and teaching about the Big format camera; thank you is very interesting and didactic | Alex
Thanks so much! And thanks for watching!
True old school! And the best part of it, you can't get same quality with digital ones
I do think digital still has a way to go to compete with a “well-scanned” LF negative.
If nothing else, you have given me the best education in how to use a tilt-shift lens that I have ever had. Of course, even for free these lessons can become expensive....
They can indeed, lol! But glad it was helpful!
Another great video, especially the segment that demonstrates the tilt shift abilities of a large format.
Your timing is right. I’m almost finished with my darkroom and can’t wait to shoot some sheet film and develop the negatives from my Graflex 4X5 SLR and Crown Graphic. While the Crown is a light weight version, minus the focal plane shutter, of the infamous Speed Graphic press camera, it also has the ability to tilt and shift the lens, plus has a drop bed.
Thank you for you informative videos and inspiring others to pick up a film camera, any film camera, and go out and have fun shooting film. … can’t wait for your next episode.
Thanks so much! Yes, the “Graphics” do have most of the same movements (maybe all of them?). I did a cosmetic refurbish on a Speed Graphic once for a friend. A 1/1000 shutter speed on a 4x5 is pretty impressive, I’ll admit. Now the 4x5 SLR - holy cow what a camera!
Really awesome. Love the way you did the comparisons with the standard movements!
Thank you! Cheers!
I used to take my wedding photography with a 4x5 in grafmatic holders ( 6 sheets) in the late 50’s, and I enjoyed listening to you. Then I moved to the 6x6 Rolleiflex. Thank you !
I can not imagine shooting a wedding on 4x5. You, sir, are the real deal!
@ Hi ! We did no more than about 100 “candids, The formals were taken in the studio after the church…I learned so much during that period, I was young ! Did some serious photography in the service also
used the lab at Ft Monmouth, NJ.
Still….100 candids…wow!
One of my projects is getting lens boards made for my Busch Pressman 4x5. I have 3 lenses that need tune ups. I picked up a bunch of film holders and a 6x7 roll film back to practice with. It's a deep rabbit hole.
They are not that hard to make actually , a hole saw and a file was all it took for me .
Indeed! I’ve discovered more than my fair share of rabbit holes with this. But what fun!
A couple of years ago I was gifted with a bunch of misc darkroom/camera stuff (no cameras tho) from the widow of a photo professor from Florida. In there amongst all the stuff, was a genuine Busch lensboard with a Copal 1 size hole. Never knew they even existed. But that has become one of my prized possessions, lol. I’ve yet to mount a lens on it, but the day is coming.
I didn't know anything about big format photography until today, and I didn't even have any interest in digging a little in the subject. But the way you present and explain it's particularly interesting and crystal clear so, I can't say that I will do that movement, on a near future but, we never no. The truth is that I was watching on a smartphone and felt the need to stop watchin right before you start the photo session, just to turn on the computer, to watch properly and in full glory. And how those gorgeous images beg for it. You are right, that's a different level of image quality. Thanks a lot for introducing this photo pinnacle to "common 35mm shooters". Cheers
That’s right - never say “no” :-) If you love the “process” of film photography, shooting LF just takes it to the next level. Slow and tedious. But there’s always the possibility of being rewarded with an incredible shot. And that will certainly seal the deal!
I enjoy your videos, this on especially! You have a lot of useful information.
Several years ago, I purchased a Horseman 980. My reasoning was that since it is essentially a miniature view camera it would be a good way to learn how to use a view camera's movements. It was actually very useful for that purpose, so I bought an Intrepid 4x5. What I discovered was that the Intrepid was so much easier to use simply because it larger and much easier to see the ground glass and to use the knobs and rotating back. I've been enjoying 4x5 photography immensely for about five years now and my only regret is that I should have started forty years ago!
Same! But 40 yrs ago it would’ve been more expensive :-)
I looked at the Horseman cameras for a bit last year - really got into it and was just about ready to hit the “purchase” button. But at the last minute, I chickened out and went another direction. My thoughts were like yours though. View camera movements on roll film - sounds like a good value, honestly. I’m sure I’ll revisit the idea again at some point. Because I’m really interested in the medium/large format combo.
@vintagecameradigest When I started shooting 4x5 I thought that I probably wouldn't use the Horseman anymore but I have still been using the 980 quite a bit. Even though I shoot primarily black and white film,w ith the price of 4x5 color films it makes sense to shoot color roll film instead. Also I have been using the rangefinder more often. I can go for a walk without carrying a lot of gear, usually just a tripod and light meter.
Gotta agree on the cost of 4x5 color films…sobering, to say the least. So that’s definitely a benefit of the Horseman I can see. I’ll go ahead and predict that I’ll end up revisiting my Horseman search.
Thank You for a very informative video. For quite sometime now I've been wanting to make the plunge into 4x5 photography, your presentation has given me the push I needed. Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful! And welcome to the world of LF!
I love my large format cameras , going back to them has improved my photography immensely. Also reinvented my passion. Thanks for the video.
Very welcome! I was late to the LF game, but man, I was hooked right away.
Btw I'm loving your channel. I watched your Nikon F2 review on my big 4k TV last night and boy were those national Parks photos stunning! Very good color
Many thanks! Those parks were incredible in person, too!
at 15:05 a few film loading tips: use thumb and index finger to rest on the track inside, so you guide the film UNDER the darkslide track, and INTO the film track; second: with a fingernail, or pad of finger, pull up on the inserted film edge, if it buckles, its not in the track, its pulled out, and can fall out of the holder inside the camera!
These are a few 'sanity' checks to do before packing up the film, and going into the light, so you can be assured its done right.
I love “sanity checks”. There are several places in the workflow where things can go wrong, and these tips are excellent!
Super helpful video for someone like me looking to make the jump past 6x9 120
Good to hear! It’s the next logical step. Good luck and keep us posted.
Such a coincidence, I presently have 2 Busch Pressman cameras ! Went down the large format rabbit hole about a
decade ago , lenses , enlarger , etc , haven't looked back . Really enjoy how it forces me to focus . Enjoy your channel.
Thanks so much! I think the Busch cameras are great and are much better built than the Graflex press cameras. The only drawback they have, IMO, is the small front standard. But otherwise a joy to use.
Excellent presentation. Thank you
Thanks for watching!
A couple years ago I took the "leap" into 4x5 when I spotted a new-in-box Toyo 45G rail camera for sale locally at a good price. I couldn't say no even though I had no intention of learning it yet. However, soon as I got home and unwrapped the thing I ordered some Nikkor lenses, lens boards, film holders, a Stearman developing tank and a few flavors of film. I eventually picked up a Minolta light meter (Spotmatic F)and stopwatch to round out the kit. f.64 makes a backpack big enough to carry it all - I 3d printed a stubby rail section to keep the camera compressed. My first outing with the camera delivered - the shots were awesome! If you are a someone who has an interest in large format - take the plunge!
I’ll echo that sentiment. I was hooked after my first sheet of film!
Excellent. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Oh, I've been waiting for this one!!!
Hope you like it!
Thank you very much for interesting video!
Thanks for watching!
Excellent introduction! We learn something new everytime. Just enough to make me consider taking the plunge into large format.
Great to hear! If you love the process of film photography, LF just takes it up a notch. Slow…methodical…but rewarding, no doubt.
I hope to get into my first large format camera the first of the year. I've lusted after one for decades, but never took the plunge. Medium format is a gateway drug.
It is indeed :-)) LF is in a category of its own. I predict you’ll enjoy every minute of it.
@@vintagecameradigest I think I have a tank for 35mm and 120 in my garage somewhere. I have not been able to find a source for Rodinal or HC110. So, I might have to mix them or go with a Caffenol recipe.
I'll have to buy a 4x5 tank, when I get the camera. That can wait or I'll watch for a deal.
The Bronica experience has me looking for a Fujica GL690.
Thanks for your work. I appreciate it.
Thank you! For processing my 4x5 I use a large Paterson tank with a MOD54 insert. It’ll allow six sheets at a time.
Thank you for this video.
You bet!
at 12:10 a tip to expand on this point, ALWAYS test fire the shutter, cock it, and hit the cable release, if it DOESN'T work, the "preview" lever is open, you tell this by the cable only moving a mm or so, not the full 1/4" or more till the button hits the outer sleeve; hence you have saved the shot, reset the preview lever, recock, and pull the slide in complete safety.
NB: some older not compor, or Compound shutters (ones branded by LINHOF), have a second method of focusing, that of an "interrupter", a ratchet pawl, which catches the cocking lever when set to B, hence keeping the shutter open.
Fantastic tip! And a sure way to avoid losing a sheet. Will add this step into my pre-flight list. Many thanks!
Loved this, I think one day I’ll get one, love the process. Most of you will know, but to whoever doesn’t, ‘the camera’ by Ansel Adams is a highly recommended read, even if you don’t shoot large format. Great content as usual 👏
Many thanks!
I like to see that you make mistakes like not blocking the tripod. My friend and I do 4x5 and we laugh at our mistakes and to see that you too feel less alone lol It's a great pleasure to do x45, don't stop.
If anyone is gonna make mistakes it’ll certainly be me, lol. And working with large format and all the steps necessary to not screw it up, well, it’s bound to happen. But hey - I didn’t lose a shot this time :-))
great field demo, PS: if your monorail can take the bellows set in the ground glass frame, use it!, I have a sinar F2 and it can, and I have the binocular finder and goggles too, yes fantastic for studio focussing, but for field work, I shoot architecture, I use the bellows and a rod/bracket to hold it there (saves a heck of a lot of space in the bag).
I like saving space! Another great tip.
It took me a while to realise that rise and shift are really just cropping operations. It all seemed magical until I got that. Your lens circle on large format is usually much larger than the film, rise and shift just change the area of the image circle that your film crops in to. I don't hear too many people describe it as cropping, but it helps me.
Well, see, you just taught me that. I hadn’t thought of it that way. But, yep. Makes perfect sense.
4x5 would be increadible for portraits and street photography with a 300mm lens. I love these shots and the ability to tilt and shift to taylor the focal plane.
It would be unique for that style for sure. A Press style with a rangefinder focusing would be your best bet for that. Using the ground glass is just so slow and tedious. Plus, with the RF you could use it handheld.
Hi there, this was an excellent video, I've been shooting large format for a long while, but you put it forward in a way that made me watch it to the end, always a few tips to be learned from others. What model is that minolta spot meter?
Thank you! The meter is a Spotmeter F.
when you wrap up, you also forgot the shift has a magic trick up its sleeve, that, when front and rear are combined, it allows you to shoot a mirror without being in the shot, or the camera, for that matter (a concept used in early forensic photography).
Cool. That’s never occurred to me. Now I’ll have to try it out :-). Thanks for ALL of these great tips. I’ve learned a lot from you today! Thanks so much!
Thanks for this intro. I have been wanting to try LF cameras. What are your thoughts on the Omega 45f mono rail camera?
The Omega View cameras are basically the same as the Toyo cameras. I think they’re just branded differently. And since I have the Toyo version, I think it’s a great one.
yes, at 27:30 a good tripod, and for the monorail, that video fluid head, not just for smooth movements, but that pan bar!!- extends mech. advantage, as for 150/210/300 and up lenses the length of the camera goes up, to accommodate the infinity point of the lens (focal length), so is heavy to move, and a ball head just won't cut it (esp. with 2kg+ up top).
Exactly. And this pan bar will extend up to 23”. This tripod also has a counterbalance system, so even when not locked down, the camera will never dive/drop forward or backward by accident.
😮😮😮
😁
I inherited a Linhof Technika 4 😊 can’t recommend a better camera.
The Linhofs are some of the absolute best!
4x5 is my favourite format.
I’ve not tried anything larger, myself. I’m afraid I’d like it, and then there I’d go….
Excellent vid for those who never , ( that’s me). Are the lenses for the monorail & view cameras interchangeable? Thanks for any replies.
Indeed they are. Most LF lenses will fit across all brands and even some formats. The thing that will be different for each camera will be the lens boards that the lenses are mounted in. And each brand may have a different design for their boards. The important thing to know when considering which lensboards to get will be the shutter size of the lens. They’ll usually be marked “Copal 0” or “Copal 1”, etc. And that is the actual diameter of the shutter mechanism on each lens. But LF is an extremely modular system. It shares common film holders, film backs, and more.
@ Thank you do much.
I have a speed graphic I bought a year ago I've yet to use it came with an old flashgun and bulbs and at least ten holders (most if not all have rotted seams) overall a gorgeous camera as far as I can tell 100% operational
Oh also it has a military placket on the front designating it property of the government which is just such a cool add on as a history nerd
Indeed it is!
I’ve used gaff tape on some old holders to fix those hinges before. Seemed to work ok.
I want one :).. And I want mono rail one :).. And I might send you a photo ..
I think you need one :-)
I’d just like to say that I’d LOVE a photo from you.
I really need a tripod like yours. I got a Calumet rail camera for cheap, but it eats plastic tripod heads for breakfast.
I’ve used several different ones over the last decade, and this is the best by far concerning stability and the ability to deal with the weight. I know that Calumet has to be on the heavy side. But a classic for sure. This being a video tripod with a leveling bowl makes it easy to level, plus it has a counterbalance system that really helps stabilize a larger camera. This one is a Smooth Camera Gear Sleek T6. And I think they’re currently running some Black Friday sales on their site.