yes, I would totally agree Nico, I was a 4x5" beginner, but to learn it, I got a sinar F2 and this kit luckily for me, had a zoom 120 back, and with Kodak Gold 200 etc. 120 film I proved cheaply the camera system is light tight, and had a few shoots with it, to get used to it, both setup, weight, etc. TIP, use digital mirrorless with a +2 ev. comp. and spot meter in Aperture Priority mode, this replicates film meters closely, and allows the histogram to show glare, and other issues, so you can 'learn' the analogue meters, but not just controls... but to TRUST them, through your learned 'nouse' in light, film stocks, etc. if your monorail comes with a compendium hood, USE it, esp. in summer, or at EV 12 and over. But beyond anything, as Mat Marrash says do "the Dance" until you know the controls backwards. I also just "pulled the trigger" on two HP5+ sheets (expired '06), but the confidence with the tools, and for me, at least 1Yr or so of "practice" with holder loading, with a changing bag... until I could do it confidently, I just did it for real, out in the field, haven't dev. it yet, but all fingers crossed!!
Very good advice to the beginner 4x5 user. Many people think they have to jump in with the biggest and most expensive unit. For someone new to 4x5 I always suggest second hand and simple. Keep cost low and if you hate it you're not out of pocket. And don't tell me there are no deals out there. In March I purchased a 4x5 Linhof Kardan Color for $120 U.S. The owner was going to send it to a landfill if he could not get it sold. Deals are out there...
Great Video. Usually for beginners the videos out there are on landscape photography. But it seems for portraits you dont need all those movements. Would be great if you could do a video showing how to shoots portraits without all those movements
Of course I am not a complete novice so some of the remarks you made do not apply to me. I have a Linhof color Kardan monorail. It is really lightweight in comparison to most and got it for a great price. I can use this if I don't have to hike too far (I dissemble and fit in backpack). However, if I need to hike a lot or uphill, etc then I use my Intrepid 4x5 which I really like. It is lighter than my Sony a7rIII with 24-105 and as a result I can travel anywhere with it. Intrepid is a great camera company that provides TONS of support. I send an email and get a response within the day (depending upon time). I love the Linhof and the inteprid. They are great tools that I can choose based on the task. The linhof uses the larger lens board where the intrepid uses a small linhof board. I have a large to small adapter that I use on my linhof camera. Then I can use the mounted lenses on both cameras. Can't recommend either too much. I enjoy them and the process that goes with using them.
Sorry, COMPLETE noob here. What’s the word starting with s that he uses to describe tilting to get foreground and background in focus? (says it’s useful for landscapes and tabletop photography)
A new budget monorail is budget for a reason. There were corners cut in the one or other part of that camera. Get one of the old monorails from 50 years or so ago. This technology can't get outdated. You only need to make sure that there is now wiggling in the movements by worn out clamps, screws, threads or rails after decades of use, and that the bellows and light seals are still impermeable.
yes, I would totally agree Nico, I was a 4x5" beginner, but to learn it, I got a sinar F2 and this kit luckily for me, had a zoom 120 back, and with Kodak Gold 200 etc. 120 film I proved cheaply the camera system is light tight, and had a few shoots with it, to get used to it, both setup, weight, etc.
TIP, use digital mirrorless with a +2 ev. comp. and spot meter in Aperture Priority mode, this replicates film meters closely, and allows the histogram to show glare, and other issues, so you can 'learn' the analogue meters, but not just controls... but to TRUST them, through your learned 'nouse' in light, film stocks, etc. if your monorail comes with a compendium hood, USE it, esp. in summer, or at EV 12 and over. But beyond anything, as Mat Marrash says do "the Dance" until you know the controls backwards. I also just "pulled the trigger" on two HP5+ sheets (expired '06), but the confidence with the tools, and for me, at least 1Yr or so of "practice" with holder loading, with a changing bag... until I could do it confidently, I just did it for real, out in the field, haven't dev. it yet, but all fingers crossed!!
I love my F2! I bought it after shooting on an Intrepid for about 2 years as a present to myself.
Very good advice to the beginner 4x5 user. Many people think they have to jump in with the biggest and most expensive unit. For someone new to 4x5 I always suggest second hand and simple. Keep cost low and if you hate it you're not out of pocket. And don't tell me there are no deals out there. In March I purchased a 4x5 Linhof Kardan Color for $120 U.S. The owner was going to send it to a landfill if he could not get it sold. Deals are out there...
Great Video. Usually for beginners the videos out there are on landscape photography. But it seems for portraits you dont need all those movements. Would be great if you could do a video showing how to shoots portraits without all those movements
As someone who wants to shoot fashion and portraits, I think this would be a great idea
Of course I am not a complete novice so some of the remarks you made do not apply to me. I have a Linhof color Kardan monorail. It is really lightweight in comparison to most and got it for a great price. I can use this if I don't have to hike too far (I dissemble and fit in backpack). However, if I need to hike a lot or uphill, etc then I use my Intrepid 4x5 which I really like. It is lighter than my Sony a7rIII with 24-105 and as a result I can travel anywhere with it. Intrepid is a great camera company that provides TONS of support. I send an email and get a response within the day (depending upon time). I love the Linhof and the inteprid. They are great tools that I can choose based on the task. The linhof uses the larger lens board where the intrepid uses a small linhof board. I have a large to small adapter that I use on my linhof camera. Then I can use the mounted lenses on both cameras. Can't recommend either too much. I enjoy them and the process that goes with using them.
Thanks for the video! What do you think it is the cheapest color film.
Great advice, Nico. Cheers!
Thanks!
360p squad! (Also, this question is exactly what I need right now! 😲😲☺)
How long did it take to get your Chamonix Camera after placing your order?
I used to distribute the cameras in Spain, so not long at all.
Sorry, COMPLETE noob here. What’s the word starting with s that he uses to describe tilting to get foreground and background in focus? (says it’s useful for landscapes and tabletop photography)
scheimpflug principle.
@@NicosPhotographyShow thank you!!!
waiting for my weekly news!
Its exporting as I type.
Are there new budget monorails to buy? I know old Sinar, Toyo, Cambo can be relatively inexpensive.
You have a new brand Standard Cameras making them, they are more in line with the new budget cameras. But its a nice cheap option.
A new budget monorail is budget for a reason. There were corners cut in the one or other part of that camera. Get one of the old monorails from 50 years or so ago. This technology can't get outdated. You only need to make sure that there is now wiggling in the movements by worn out clamps, screws, threads or rails after decades of use, and that the bellows and light seals are still impermeable.
@@NicosPhotographyShow thanks, but Standard Cameras 4x5 does not have geared movements.
@@Dahrenhorst yes..the old monorails may have extensive wear. I am not familiar, so may not know how to go about replacing worn parts.
Awesome. Just bought an 45N-2
Change "Newbies" to "Starters"