Thank you for taking the time to share this process with us! I may never get around to shooting anything so large but I love learning about the process! Nicely done!!
Brilliant video, Steve. It's great to see your process end-to-end. You are an excellent presenter and speaker - no 'ums' or 'ems' and everything in a logical, well thought out sequence. Keep up the good work.
Sir, this video is awesome and I want to thank you for not bullshitting for 5 minutes up front like everyone on every other photography channel seems to do. Thanks again!
I worked as a London still life Advertising studio photographer 1975-2010. Used every type of camera for 10x8 work, the Sinar P was the most versatile with all the movements. (There was a system and dials to work out depth of field even) and a probe to slide into the camera in front of the ground glass screen to give you very accurate spot readings. I show my 10x8 transparencies to people who have only known Digital, and they are always blown away, especially when it was all shot and done in camera.(pre Photoshop era) Keep posting this work, as when my generation pops it's clogs, the craft may be lost.
Sounds like the equipment was pretty sophisticated for its time Syd, I’ll bet you could work really quickly with it too. I like using digital to record things quickly but don’t feel the same attachment to the results in the same way I do with a slide or negative.
@@SteveONions Yes it was advanced equipment, but VERY expensive , but designed to last a lifetime., A 360mm lens for my 8x10 cost me £600 back in 1979., when digital kicked in I sold it for peanuts. People were using 5x4 cameras with scanning backs, and just 150mm lenses.
I just needed to say again, this was amazing. It doesn’t give me the desire to shoot 8x10 as much as it fills me with respect and admiration for the photographers who have created timeless work using such a difficult process. Thoroughly enjoyed it and subbed. Thanks again!
Steve. Amazing video. You make it all look so easy. Which it is not. However this makes film photography make digital seem like point and shoot. Real photos by a real photographer. Thanks very much. I thoroughly enjoyed every second.
One of the best presentations I have seen on LF photography workflow. I strongly suspect many viewers will now be itching to get started maybe not with 8X10, but of course the same principles apply to 4X5. I remember only too well first using a monorail for product photography so fully appreciate that advice like this is invaluable to those new to the process. Excellent Steve!
Thanks Alan, as you say, 4x5 is pretty much the same just easier. I also used a monorail at first and I’m amazed I carried on after using it in the field (just the once).
Always an absolute pleasure to watch a true craftsman at work. A fine example of how to combine the best of analogue and digital photography. Unfortunately I now spend more time watching repeats of your videos than actually going outdoors and doing it myself. I think I will grab another beer now and watch a few more.
Always good to see I'm not the only darkroom nut. I mostly shoot and print color in 120 formats. I've been kicking around getting a 4x5, as I have quite a bit of film in storage. Mainly recently I've been having to purge some of my color paper, which has gone for the green. I do wildlife..birds and squirrels..and Forrest comps as well. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent! I was not aware of the paterson tank you are using, and that prevented me from going up from 4x5. Now I know how to develop 8x10"! Thank you!!
Excellent, well done. Love your step by step approach. I thought it was a lot of work with my medium format. I really enjoy your process. With your talk about computer slowness I just giggled to myself. I just upgraded to the latest Mac computer with the new Apple silicone. AMAZINGLY fast. I’m sure your about to do the same thing. It totally changed my workflow. Thank you again for sharing your workflow
Salvation arrived in Nov 2020 when I got the new Max Mini with the M1 chip and I’ve never had performance issues since. It works so well with Final Cut Pro that I never need to render proxy copies of each clip and outputting even a long 4K video takes only a few minutes. I also have a 14” MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip and I don’t think the fan has ever come on!
8x10 will be my final destination in photography - slowly working up-to it, and really looking forward to getting there Love your video's btw - excellent sources of encouragement and education
Best video on the entire process available on RUclips...that's an easy subscribe for me. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, I enjoyed your presentation style.
I really like your vlog, it's a pleasure to see a man who really loves what he does. Personally I'd like to see the frame in colour, all the green shades, colours, you know
Thank you Steve for another fantastic video. It's good to see that there are still large format photographers interested in the craft and and the artistry of creating a meaningful photograph, rather than worrying about the latest technology. I thoroughly enjoy your channel. Please keep up the great work.
Very useful video. 100% informative, great step by step explanation of your workflow. Even if not everyone starts with 8x10 or 4x5 now, your scanning and post production steps are very helpful and adaptable to all kinds of film.
Thanks for the video. Getting ready to start large format myself. 4x5 initially. Been shooting medium format for a couple years but find myself longing for those bigger negatives. Plus the workflow of large format suits my shooting style. Always glad to see a new video from you.Thanks again.
Thanks Thomas, the workflow is the same for 4x5 except for the developing stage which is easier with the smaller sheets (plenty of options and tanks/drums).
Many thanks for this Steve. Very well illustrated throughout. Informative and educational. My largest format is 4x5 with the negs processed in an old paterson 8x10 print drum - 2 sheets at a time - rolled about on my kitchen table. Primitive, but it works.
I’m all in favour of simple processes that work Ray, one of the best things about film photography is being able to knock up solutions using basic materials.
Thank you, this was a great way to go through the process. You did a terrific job of balancing the amount of detail, and have created a great resource for people interested to learn.
Excellent image and process walk through 👍 I like to use a finger nail to lift film edge once loaded to check for correct loading. Inspiring idea with Autumn just around the corner 🙂
Great vlog, thank you very much, Steve. You have one of the best photography related channels on youtube, very informative and easy to watch. I really like your no-nonsense approach to photography.
Excellent work, full of great information and presented in a user friendly way. Steve, you are so good at what you do. Motivation to get out with my 8x10 today!
Hi Steve, great Vid. Up until this year I was shooting with 4x5 regularly, unfortunately I couldn’t justify or afford 10x8 but I’ve had some amazing images from the 4x5. I have now sold all my 4x5 gear and just use Medium Format, 35mm and Digital. I miss the tactile enjoyment of 4x5 but not the weight and restrictiveness of large format to “fair” weather photography. Thanks again Steve and keep up the good work. Regards Graham.
Thanks Graham. I do enjoy using large format at times but overall it is just too restrictive for most situations. 120 and 35mm are a lot more practical for the climate here.
I scanned over 60 rolls of medium format film in the Epson software. I never realised I could tweak the histogram. I will try the next time, thanks for making me aware of this!
Excellent video Steve! I love watching film photographers work in the digital age. You have the restraint to make a tasteful photo without resorting to the garish, in your face HDR look that most of the modern You Tube photographers do.
Hi Steve. It is great to see your complete process and work flow. As always an easy and smooth presentation with clear discreption of your thought process. Reminds me that I must get out my intrepid 4x5 mk2 and put it to some use. Great video Steve.
Steve, thank you. I'm inspired. I have two large format cameras I've never used. One is a Pentacon Mentor Panorama 1 with a Carl Zeiss Tessar f4.5/300mm lens (the largest piece of CZ glass I've ever seen!) and the other a "one-off" unnamed, un-serial numbered jewel of a wooden camera with all 3 dozen assembly screw slots tighted to align in the same direction (!), proprietary-sized film holders, and a Laack-Rathenow Doppel Anastigmat f4.5/18cm lens. (Pictures on request) After seeing your 6-step demo, I simply HAVE to try using both these cameras. I'll use my Covid-cancelled vacation cash to buy what I need.
Those cameras sound like works of art - is definitely have them on permanent display. The lenses sound terrific too, I bet they are stunning to use. What items do you need to get them up and running again?
@@SteveONions Thanks for replying, Steve! Yes, they really are works of art, as you say. The Pentacon rail camera exudes an East Germany industrial motif and the one-off wooden field camera is simply gorgeous in design and assembly. What items do I need? The cameras are intact and have multiple film holders. The one-off has its own wooden tripod that's a simple and artistic support. I have a heavy-duty Manfrotto for the rail camera. I also have a handheld meter (non-spot sadly), focusing shade cloths, and the scenic state of Arizona to search for targets. So I don't think I need anything but practice. Steve, I direct the Multimedia Technologies Institute at Estrella Mountain Community College where I teach Photoshop and a few other Adobe products. After pulling my cell phone from my pocket and admitting to my students that I take my "precious snapshots" with it, I tell them that, when I've become saturated with the whole cell phone/DSLR digital workflow, I slow myself down, pull out one of my manual film cameras, and rejuvenate my photographer self by doing all the pre-production recon/settings stuff before going "Click." Some of them "get it" and try film for the first time. I've shot everything from an early Kodak "pocket" folder to a Contax G2 4-lens system to a Mamiya RB67 3-lens system. I've just never shot large format. I think it's time. If you want to see my two biggies and what I eventually produce with them, you can email me at my college at James.Heinrich@estrellamountain.edu Now I'm going to load some outdated 4x5 Portra 160 in the Pentacon. Wish me luck!
@@jimhenry9022 It sounds like you are going to have great fun with the two cameras Jim, providing you find time to press the shutter in between all the people who will be asking you about the amazing devices! I'd be really interested to see the results if you get time to email a few scans - please include shots of the camera's themselves too. I sometimes shoot digital and love my iPhone but I only really feel comfortable shooting film in whatever format I have with me. Being able to make black and white prints in the darkroom is the icing on the cake and something I never fail to be thrilled by. All the best - Steve
I love that you went through the entire process giving details of how to scan a large negative and tips on using Lightroom . I never tried adjusting the histogram, I will have to try that next time. Great Vlog as always! Maybe we'll see 8x10 pinhole in the future?
Once again, great video! Years ago, I bought a turn of the century (19th to 20th) Korona 8x10 from a studio closing shop. Put a new bellows on it while I was at it. My intent is to use it for platinum/palladium. I also found an old Goerz Dagor red dot sans shutter for the camera. You have now inspired me to dig it out and get it set up. Just need to mount the lens. With these focal lengths and fields of coverage a shutter may be superfluous. Just a lens cap and the ability to count off the seconds. ;-) Thank you again for the inspiration.
Thanks Jeff, my ancient Dagor is currently having its shutter repaired then I’ll be out using it again. I’ve also got an old brass barrel lens that I plan to use with a lens cap, simple but effective.
@@SteveONions Absolutely agree. My Dagor is a brass barrel. I also have another brass barrel lens possibly 210mm? I can't remember the manufacturer, as it is in storage. I think what might be fun is to scan the negative into Lightroom, then apply a preset to mimic pyro. Should make some beautiful prints. Thanks again for your wonderful work.
It is curious. I was just thinking whatever happened to Steve as I hadn't seen a video in a while. All of a sudden I got notification of a video from you. I really appreciate the entire workflow for the large format. Thanks and please keep the videos coming as you think of topics.
I like your channel. You shoot with a variety of cameras even pin-hole. I am an old guy, I have been in photography since 1969. I have had formal training in photography and used all types of cameras and worked professionally for studios and labs and freelanced. I am retired now. I notice many You Tube video channels that teach photography really should not be on You Tube. Some do not know enough to teach, but you do a very good job. I looked to see how you loaded your holders; I saw a former You Tube video where some guy from the UK was teaching how to shoot with a 4x5" camera. He loaded the holders backwards. When he loaded the film he had the black slides out and after he exposed the film he had the white or silver slides out. I told him he was doing it wrong, but he was telling me that he was doing it correct. I guess if you're doing photography by yourself as a hobbyist, it really dose not matter. You just need to be consistent with yourself. However, if you work for a lab or a studio or another photographer you better use the industrial standard. I always found it easier to load 8x10" over 4x5". It seemed the sheets went in faster. I was working for a catalog studio and loaded film for other photographers. If I loaded the film wrong, a lot of money would be wasted. I just want to conclude that you do a good job on featuring various films and cameras. Since I like color, I would like to see you shoot Kodak Ektar 8x10." The UK has a lot of overcast skies. Soft saturated color would look just great. I live in Arizona, it is usually sunny and no rain.
Thanks Lonnie and I agree on the consistent approach that should be adopted for large format. If I didn’t stick to the rules I’d waste a lot of film. Good case in point, I shot with the 8x10 last week after a long layoff (2 years) and I knew that two of the holders had a good sheet still loaded in each thanks to my standard notes on the slide. Sure enough I took the pictures and both developed just fine.
Thanks for video Started with crop sensor following full frame then dump digital went for 35mm film once this felt small went with medium format 6x6 next 6x7 followed with 6x9 once felt need for even more details went with 4x5 yep now eyeing 8x10 👍😎😂
Never thought about widening the threshhold to capture more highlights and shadows in the Epson scanner software. Thank you very much for sharing the tip and your workflow, Steve. Subscribed few days ago! :)
Lovely presentation, Steve! I was kind of surprised that you did this image without any filter. But I remember one line in Adams about some angel telling him don't use a filter :)
I don’t think it would have made much difference Gene and I didn’t want to slow the exposure down any further. The negative was just about OK but I did err on the side of caution, 4 or 6 seconds would have given me a bit more in the shadows.
8x10 is the ultimate size! It is rich in detail. I've seen actual Edward Weston prints! He contact printed with a light bulb. They were really not sharp, light is better focused "Calier" effect. EW corners were tragic. Lousy lenses. Those are the faults, but the actual print seen was magnificent. Your system almost captured me! Alas too old and too weary to haul that box.. Bravo.
Excellent video that has totally put me off 8x10 so thankyou!!! Delamere is my home stomping ground too! Was going to ask if you've tried Doolittle Moss but when I searched Google to check my spelling, I saw that it was your photos that came up :) Well presented as others have said with a gentle humour that makes me smile. Hope to bump into you one day!
Glad to be of service! It’s a good idea to go into large format with your eyes wide open, it could be a real shock to get all the equipment then realise what a total pain it can be 🙂
It is quite a big jump Praki, unlike other film or digital formats there are so many things you need to get right. Once you get the hang of it though it becomes second nature and you forget about all the steps involved. Hope you give it a try soon 🙂
Thanks for showing your whole process, it's very informative for all beginners and also advanced photographers. My advice (I did a lot of research for improving medium format scanning with Nikon scanners): Don't adjust your curves twice in scanners software and lightroom. Try to scan in linear mode and do the rest in lightroom. Otherwise you can loose headroom data for your adjustments in lightroom. Subscribed ;-)
Wonderful video Steve, love the composition of the image you picked. How did you avoid getting Newton rings on your film scan. It seems like every time I scan directly on the flatbed I noticed newton rings throughout the image.
Thank you. When I do scans directly on the glass it is only ever with Ilford B&W films and the Matt side is in contact. I’ve yet to have a problem with Newton rings this way.
i get my first 4x5 film tomorrow and me and my graflex are going to the woods. perfect timing on this video. is there any kind of formula for bellows extension compensation?
Thanks Chris, and good shooting tomorrow. There is a formula for bellows compensation but I just enter the measurement in to the Reciprocity Timer app on the iPhone and let it work it out 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to share this process with us! I may never get around to shooting anything so large but I love learning about the process! Nicely done!!
Brilliant video, Steve. It's great to see your process end-to-end.
You are an excellent presenter and speaker - no 'ums' or 'ems' and everything in a logical, well thought out sequence. Keep up the good work.
Thank you 🙂
Sir, this video is awesome and I want to thank you for not bullshitting for 5 minutes up front like everyone on every other photography channel seems to do. Thanks again!
Thanks Richard 👍
Brilliant, Steve. Old school, very watchable, informative and a top presentation.
Thanks Tad 👍
I worked as a London still life Advertising studio photographer 1975-2010.
Used every type of camera for 10x8 work, the Sinar P was the most versatile with all the movements. (There was a system and dials to work out depth of field even) and a probe to slide into the camera in front of the ground glass screen to give you very accurate spot readings.
I show my 10x8 transparencies to people who have only known Digital, and they are always blown away, especially when it was all shot and done in camera.(pre Photoshop era)
Keep posting this work, as when my generation pops it's clogs, the craft may be lost.
Sounds like the equipment was pretty sophisticated for its time Syd, I’ll bet you could work really quickly with it too.
I like using digital to record things quickly but don’t feel the same attachment to the results in the same way I do with a slide or negative.
@@SteveONions Yes it was advanced equipment, but VERY expensive , but designed to last a lifetime., A 360mm lens for my 8x10 cost me £600 back in 1979., when digital kicked in I sold it for peanuts. People were using 5x4 cameras with scanning backs, and just 150mm lenses.
I just needed to say again, this was amazing. It doesn’t give me the desire to shoot 8x10 as much as it fills me with respect and admiration for the photographers who have created timeless work using such a difficult process. Thoroughly enjoyed it and subbed. Thanks again!
Steve. Amazing video. You make it all look so easy. Which it is not. However this makes film photography make digital seem like point and shoot. Real photos by a real photographer. Thanks very much. I thoroughly enjoyed every second.
Thank you 🙂
Stunning detail with large format 👏🏻
THX for sharing all this genuine info on the INTREPID @ 8x10 Format ...
One of the best presentations I have seen on LF photography workflow. I strongly suspect many viewers will now be itching to get started maybe not with 8X10, but of course the same principles apply to 4X5. I remember only too well first using a monorail for product photography so fully appreciate that advice like this is invaluable to those new to the process. Excellent Steve!
Thanks Alan, as you say, 4x5 is pretty much the same just easier. I also used a monorail at first and I’m amazed I carried on after using it in the field (just the once).
Always an absolute pleasure to watch a true craftsman at work. A fine example of how to combine the best of analogue and digital photography. Unfortunately I now spend more time watching repeats of your videos than actually going outdoors and doing it myself. I think I will grab another beer now and watch a few more.
Shame you can’t get out more Alan but if it means you stay in and watch my videos then that’s a silver lining, for me at least 🙂
Hi Steve,
Your clear instruction is truly appreciated, thanks for sharing. love from China.
Thanks Juno 😊
Always good to see I'm not the only darkroom nut. I mostly shoot and print color in 120 formats. I've been kicking around getting a 4x5, as I have quite a bit of film in storage. Mainly recently I've been having to purge some of my color paper, which has gone for the green. I do wildlife..birds and squirrels..and Forrest comps as well. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Brent, your film is probably worth quite a bit now. Paper is more of a problem, especially colour which does seem to go off after a while.
Excellent! I was not aware of the paterson tank you are using, and that prevented me from going up from 4x5. Now I know how to develop 8x10"!
Thank you!!
Glad to be of help Thomas 👍
First time seing the process of pre-digital photography. Loved it! (Ben Hur 😂)
😊
Excellent, well done. Love your step by step approach. I thought it was a lot of work with my medium format. I really enjoy your process. With your talk about computer slowness I just giggled to myself. I just upgraded to the latest Mac computer with the new Apple silicone. AMAZINGLY fast. I’m sure your about to do the same thing. It totally changed my workflow. Thank you again for sharing your workflow
Salvation arrived in Nov 2020 when I got the new Max Mini with the M1 chip and I’ve never had performance issues since. It works so well with Final Cut Pro that I never need to render proxy copies of each clip and outputting even a long 4K video takes only a few minutes. I also have a 14” MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip and I don’t think the fan has ever come on!
8x10 will be my final destination in photography - slowly working up-to it, and really looking forward to getting there
Love your video's btw - excellent sources of encouragement and education
Thank you, glad you found it useful.
Best video on the entire process available on RUclips...that's an easy subscribe for me. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, I enjoyed your presentation style.
Glad it was helpful!
@@SteveONions Oh and the fresnel tape made a massive difference. Have to thank you for that too!
I really like your vlog, it's a pleasure to see a man who really loves what he does. Personally I'd like to see the frame in colour, all the green shades, colours, you know
I would love to shoot it in colour Leo but at over £25 a sheet I think I’ll stick to 4x5 and 120 for that 🙂
Oh. 25£ - that's cruel
Fascinating insight into the 8x10 film process in your style, thanks.
Thanks Chris.
Thank you for making this excellent run through of the image making process. A great demonstration of skill, control and patience.
Thanks Greg.
Thank you Steve
Another great video!
Thank you 😊
Thank you Steve for another fantastic video. It's good to see that there are still large format photographers interested in the craft and and the artistry of creating a meaningful photograph, rather than worrying about the latest technology. I thoroughly enjoy your channel. Please keep up the great work.
Thank you for the kind words Rene, I really appreciate it.
A great educational journey; and what a fabulous result Steve. Thanks!
Very useful video. 100% informative, great step by step explanation of your workflow.
Even if not everyone starts with 8x10 or 4x5 now, your scanning and post production steps are very helpful and adaptable to all kinds of film.
Thanks Sandra, I hoped it would be useful to show the entire process.
Thanks for the video. Getting ready to start large format myself. 4x5 initially. Been shooting medium format for a couple years but find myself longing for those bigger negatives. Plus the workflow of large format suits my shooting style. Always glad to see a new video from you.Thanks again.
Thanks Thomas, the workflow is the same for 4x5 except for the developing stage which is easier with the smaller sheets (plenty of options and tanks/drums).
This is really cool, always wondered how the big format worked from end to end, nice job!
Thanks Randy 👍
What a nice video.. I do really like this one.. 8x10 is just awesome. thanks for the detail of your workflow...
Thank you 🙂
Many thanks for this Steve. Very well illustrated throughout. Informative and educational. My largest format is 4x5 with the negs processed in an old paterson 8x10 print drum - 2 sheets at a time - rolled about on my kitchen table. Primitive, but it works.
I’m all in favour of simple processes that work Ray, one of the best things about film photography is being able to knock up solutions using basic materials.
Perfect accompaniment to my post Sunday lunch laziness. Interesting and engaging as always.
Cheers Phil.
Steve, thank you for all the info. I'm making the move from 4x5 to 8x10 and this video was extremely helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you, this was a great way to go through the process. You did a terrific job of balancing the amount of detail, and have created a great resource for people interested to learn.
Thank you, I am glad you liked it.
Bravo, Steve. This was really useful. Thanks for taking the time to explain how you apply front standard tilt.
I’m glad you liked it Bernard.
Really enjoyed seeing the process from loading film to final print. Thanks
Thanks Steve.
Excellent, love your videos and work.
Excellent informativ piece!!!
Excellent image and process walk through 👍
I like to use a finger nail to lift film edge once loaded to check for correct loading.
Inspiring idea with Autumn just around the corner 🙂
Always important to ensure the film is correctly seated. I’ve also suffered once or twice from having two sheets stuck together in the holder.
Recently bought some new Toyo 8x10 holders and found the film gap really tight
Patience was needed to feed in the film
Mine are fairly worn and very easy to load. Those new ones are really expensive.
Excellent video Steve. I always look forward to your uploads.
Thanks John.
Another great video.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Steve. Fun to see how to work with a large format camera. As usual, you offer a good video.
Thanks Lars.
Great vlog, thank you very much, Steve.
You have one of the best photography related channels on youtube, very informative and easy to watch.
I really like your no-nonsense approach to photography.
Thank you Victor, it is very kind of you.
Excellent work, full of great information and presented in a user friendly way. Steve, you are so good at what you do. Motivation to get out with my 8x10 today!
Glad you liked it David, I need to get the 8x10 out for some exercise too 👍
Love your videos I learn huge amounts thanks
Thanks Stephen.
Fantastic video, i always love what you do Steve ! You're a big inspiration and you craft is just on the edge of perfection.
Thank you Thomas 🙂
Thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and your steps in conception, to final print. Beautiful image indeed. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Tony.
very good vid, have not for years done any conventional LF stuff. enjoyable. and also a nice print
Cheers Bob.
Hi Steve, great Vid. Up until this year I was shooting with 4x5 regularly, unfortunately I couldn’t justify or afford 10x8 but I’ve had some amazing images from the 4x5. I have now sold all my 4x5 gear and just use Medium Format, 35mm and Digital. I miss the tactile enjoyment of 4x5 but not the weight and restrictiveness of large format to “fair” weather photography. Thanks again Steve and keep up the good work. Regards Graham.
Thanks Graham. I do enjoy using large format at times but overall it is just too restrictive for most situations. 120 and 35mm are a lot more practical for the climate here.
I scanned over 60 rolls of medium format film in the Epson software. I never realised I could tweak the histogram. I will try the next time, thanks for making me aware of this!
Glad you found it useful Uwe.
Excellent video Steve! I love watching film photographers work in the digital age. You have the restraint to make a tasteful photo without resorting to the garish, in your face HDR look that most of the modern You Tube photographers do.
Thanks Richard, I am certainly no fan of the HDR look or anything else overdone.
Hi Steve.
It is great to see your complete process and work flow. As always an easy and smooth presentation with clear discreption of your thought process. Reminds me that I must get out my intrepid 4x5 mk2 and put it to some use. Great video Steve.
Thanks Phillip and I hope you have great results with the Intrepid.
Steve, thank you. I'm inspired. I have two large format cameras I've never used. One is a Pentacon Mentor Panorama 1 with a Carl Zeiss Tessar f4.5/300mm lens (the largest piece of CZ glass I've ever seen!) and the other a "one-off" unnamed, un-serial numbered jewel of a wooden camera with all 3 dozen assembly screw slots tighted to align in the same direction (!), proprietary-sized film holders, and a Laack-Rathenow Doppel Anastigmat f4.5/18cm lens. (Pictures on request)
After seeing your 6-step demo, I simply HAVE to try using both these cameras. I'll use my Covid-cancelled vacation cash to buy what I need.
Those cameras sound like works of art - is definitely have them on permanent display. The lenses sound terrific too, I bet they are stunning to use.
What items do you need to get them up and running again?
@@SteveONions Thanks for replying, Steve! Yes, they really are works of art, as you say. The Pentacon rail camera exudes an East Germany industrial motif and the one-off wooden field camera is simply gorgeous in design and assembly.
What items do I need? The cameras are intact and have multiple film holders. The one-off has its own wooden tripod that's a simple and artistic support. I have a heavy-duty Manfrotto for the rail camera. I also have a handheld meter (non-spot sadly), focusing shade cloths, and the scenic state of Arizona to search for targets. So I don't think I need anything but practice.
Steve, I direct the Multimedia Technologies Institute at Estrella Mountain Community College where I teach Photoshop and a few other Adobe products. After pulling my cell phone from my pocket and admitting to my students that I take my "precious snapshots" with it, I tell them that, when I've become saturated with the whole cell phone/DSLR digital workflow, I slow myself down, pull out one of my manual film cameras, and rejuvenate my photographer self by doing all the pre-production recon/settings stuff before going "Click." Some of them "get it" and try film for the first time.
I've shot everything from an early Kodak "pocket" folder to a Contax G2 4-lens system to a Mamiya RB67 3-lens system. I've just never shot large format. I think it's time.
If you want to see my two biggies and what I eventually produce with them, you can email me at my college at
James.Heinrich@estrellamountain.edu
Now I'm going to load some outdated 4x5 Portra 160 in the Pentacon. Wish me luck!
@@jimhenry9022 It sounds like you are going to have great fun with the two cameras Jim, providing you find time to press the shutter in between all the people who will be asking you about the amazing devices! I'd be really interested to see the results if you get time to email a few scans - please include shots of the camera's themselves too.
I sometimes shoot digital and love my iPhone but I only really feel comfortable shooting film in whatever format I have with me. Being able to make black and white prints in the darkroom is the icing on the cake and something I never fail to be thrilled by.
All the best - Steve
Great accompaniment through the stages Steve.
Very enjoyable !
Thanks Gary.
Impressive ,great video,I wish you and your family a Happy and Peaceful Christmas ,all the best, waiting for a great light in 2021!!!
Thanks Nat and all the best to you too 🙂
@@SteveONions 👍
Really enjoyed this Steve thanks .
Thanks Mark.
Thanks for that Steve, great to see the whole process. i'm looking forward to getting my 4x5 & starting my large format journey 👍
Good luck David and I hope you enjoy the journey 👍
Thank you for this vlog. It was very informative and almost as good as Ben Hur ...😁
Hehe, thanks 😀
very good vlog really enjoyed it
Thanks Graham.
I love that you went through the entire process giving details of how to scan a large negative and tips on using Lightroom . I never tried adjusting the histogram, I will have to try that next time. Great Vlog as always! Maybe we'll see 8x10 pinhole in the future?
I’m glad you found it useful Dorothy. I’d definitely consider doing
Pinhole with the 8x10, I have on on a lensboard somewhere.
Thank you Steve, very interesting and informative as usual.
Thanks Andrew.
Excellent information.
Thanks Paul.
Thankyou Steve for a very informative and interesting video.
Once again, great video! Years ago, I bought a turn of the century (19th to 20th) Korona 8x10 from a studio closing shop. Put a new bellows on it while I was at it. My intent is to use it for platinum/palladium. I also found an old Goerz Dagor red dot sans shutter for the camera. You have now inspired me to dig it out and get it set up. Just need to mount the lens. With these focal lengths and fields of coverage a shutter may be superfluous. Just a lens cap and the ability to count off the seconds. ;-) Thank you again for the inspiration.
Thanks Jeff, my ancient Dagor is currently having its shutter repaired then I’ll be out using it again. I’ve also got an old brass barrel lens that I plan to use with a lens cap, simple but effective.
@@SteveONions Absolutely agree. My Dagor is a brass barrel. I also have another brass barrel lens possibly 210mm? I can't remember the manufacturer, as it is in storage. I think what might be fun is to scan the negative into Lightroom, then apply a preset to mimic pyro. Should make some beautiful prints. Thanks again for your wonderful work.
This was fantastic! Thanks for this. Inspiring me to get a large format camera.
Thanks David, I hope you enjoy the journey.
Brilliant. 60 years since I handled 10x8
Thanks Alan, that’s a fair while ago.
Excellent video Steve, a lot of useful information!
You are very welcome 🙂
Great presentation and a fantastic image!
Thank you Aram.
Great video Steve, and a lovely picture.
Thanks Carl.
Thank you for the wonderful video! I’m just thinking about branching out to large format and you answered so many questions!
Glad to be of help Jim.
It is curious. I was just thinking whatever happened to Steve as I hadn't seen a video in a while. All of a sudden I got notification of a video from you. I really appreciate the entire workflow for the large format. Thanks and please keep the videos coming as you think of topics.
Glad you liked it Erich.
Great job; always very interesting, enjoyable and educational....thanks; keep it up!!!
Thanks Milan.
I have an 8x10 enlarger but a 4x5 camera. Got to work on that 😝
Could be worse Terry, imagine the other way round!
Fantastic video! Very clear and concise! I just ventured into 4X5 and this makes me now want to try 8X10 :)
Have fun with the 4x5 Dave, 8x10 is just all the same problems but bigger!
Love those ferns.
perfect sir
Thanks Kamel.
@@SteveONions you're welcome
Great video, Steve! I've always been interested in large format photography although I've never actually tried it. Very informative and inspiring.
Thanks Terry.
thank you for reuniting me with Tears For Fears, Everybody. and for teaching me about large format
I like your channel. You shoot with a variety of cameras even pin-hole. I am an old guy, I have been in photography since 1969. I have had formal training in photography and used all types of cameras and worked professionally for studios and labs and freelanced. I am retired now. I notice many You Tube video channels that teach photography really should not be on You Tube. Some do not know enough to teach, but you do a very good job. I looked to see how you loaded your holders; I saw a former You Tube video where some guy from the UK was teaching how to shoot with a 4x5" camera. He loaded the holders backwards. When he loaded the film he had the black slides out and after he exposed the film he had the white or silver slides out. I told him he was doing it wrong, but he was telling me that he was doing it correct. I guess if you're doing photography by yourself as a hobbyist, it really dose not matter. You just need to be consistent with yourself. However, if you work for a lab or a studio or another photographer you better use the industrial standard. I always found it easier to load 8x10" over 4x5". It seemed the sheets went in faster. I was working for a catalog studio and loaded film for other photographers. If I loaded the film wrong, a lot of money would be wasted. I just want to conclude that you do a good job on featuring various films and cameras. Since I like color, I would like to see you shoot Kodak Ektar 8x10." The UK has a lot of overcast skies. Soft saturated color would look just great. I live in Arizona, it is usually sunny and no rain.
Thanks Lonnie and I agree on the consistent approach that should be adopted for large format. If I didn’t stick to the rules I’d waste a lot of film. Good case in point, I shot with the 8x10 last week after a long layoff (2 years) and I knew that two of the holders had a good sheet still loaded in each thanks to my standard notes on the slide. Sure enough I took the pictures and both developed just fine.
Thanks for video
Started with crop sensor following full frame then dump digital went for 35mm film once this felt small went with medium format 6x6 next 6x7 followed with 6x9 once felt need for even more details went with 4x5 yep now eyeing 8x10 👍😎😂
It’s a slippery slope 😀
Enjoyed your process, you are right on. I've yet to scan any of my film, still enjoy the darkroom for that.
Thanks Steve.
Never thought about widening the threshhold to capture more highlights and shadows in the Epson scanner software. Thank you very much for sharing the tip and your workflow, Steve. Subscribed few days ago! :)
Thank you, I’m glad the information was useful.
Thanks for putting in such a great effort in producing such a brilliant vid.
Thank you.
Great intro to LF Steve. I recon theres going to be a few new users about now :) Cheers Diz
Thanks Diz.
Thank you, Steve!
You’re welcome Ammar.
Lovely presentation, Steve! I was kind of surprised that you did this image without any filter. But I remember one line in Adams about some angel telling him don't use a filter :)
I don’t think it would have made much difference Gene and I didn’t want to slow the exposure down any further. The negative was just about OK but I did err on the side of caution, 4 or 6 seconds would have given me a bit more in the shadows.
keep on your good work, it is great and informative.
Excellent work, I am very jealous I have always wanted to try 8x10
Thanks Derek, it’s not as hard as it seems.
8x10 is the ultimate size! It is rich in detail. I've seen actual Edward Weston prints! He contact printed with a light bulb. They were really not sharp, light is better focused "Calier" effect. EW corners were tragic. Lousy lenses. Those are the faults, but the actual print seen was magnificent. Your system almost captured me! Alas too old and too weary to haul that box.. Bravo.
There's so much detail it really is overkill Jason, 120 roll film does 95% of what I need.
Excellent video that has totally put me off 8x10 so thankyou!!! Delamere is my home stomping ground too! Was going to ask if you've tried Doolittle Moss but when I searched Google to check my spelling, I saw that it was your photos that came up :) Well presented as others have said with a gentle humour that makes me smile. Hope to bump into you one day!
Glad to be of service! It’s a good idea to go into large format with your eyes wide open, it could be a real shock to get all the equipment then realise what a total pain it can be 🙂
Most excellent! Now I am a bit terrified of making the jump from medium to large format after watching this.
It is quite a big jump Praki, unlike other film or digital formats there are so many things you need to get right. Once you get the hang of it though it becomes second nature and you forget about all the steps involved. Hope you give it a try soon 🙂
@@SteveONions Thanks for these videos again and I hope you keep making more. I have been watching one or two everyday and really enjoying them.
Thanks for showing your whole process, it's very informative for all beginners and also advanced photographers.
My advice (I did a lot of research for improving medium format scanning with Nikon scanners): Don't adjust your curves twice in scanners software and lightroom. Try to scan in linear mode and do the rest in lightroom. Otherwise you can loose headroom data for your adjustments in lightroom.
Subscribed ;-)
That’s very good advice, thank you. It is always a challenge making good scans especially if the negative is overexposed.
Thanks for the great video!
Thanks Miley.
I might be a bit late to view this video but nevertheless what an interesting and informative video. Thanks 👍
Glad you found it useful Jake.
Thanx much for this.
My pleasure!
I’d love to try 4x5. 8x10 seems crazy though - such huge negatives!!
Hard to beat 8x10 contact printed.
Perfect watch, although I dont have this equipement or plan to use such in the future, its still interesting to see your workflow, thanks.
Thanks Robin.
Thank you, Professor Steve for showing all this process.
Is there a way to make the print with more shades of greys?
Hmmm, that’s a new one for me - the answer is yes 🙂
Great ! Great ! Great !!!!!!
Wonderful video Steve, love the composition of the image you picked. How did you avoid getting Newton rings on your film scan. It seems like every time I scan directly on the flatbed I noticed newton rings throughout the image.
Thank you. When I do scans directly on the glass it is only ever with Ilford B&W films and the Matt side is in contact. I’ve yet to have a problem with Newton rings this way.
i get my first 4x5 film tomorrow and me and my graflex are going to the woods. perfect timing on this video. is there any kind of formula for bellows extension compensation?
Thanks Chris, and good shooting tomorrow. There is a formula for bellows compensation but I just enter the measurement in to the Reciprocity Timer app on the iPhone and let it work it out 🙂
Fascinating as always Steve, but I missed the bit where you inserted the memory card? 😀😀👍
It was an 8x10 memory card from the mid 80’s Julian, the 64k is just enough to hold two images 😀
@@SteveONions Retro!!! lol