yes, I love 4x5 too, but I use a sinar, F2 with 65 & 90 f5.6 lenses, and 120 film with the sinar Zoom, which allows 6x4.5 all the way up to 6x12 cm negatives (hint, this gives extra rise, for wide buildings, or tall trees 🙂); and is cheaper, especially when starting out. Hint: shoot 120 in a MF camera first, like a bronica, Hasselblad, Mamiya to learn it, learn the light, using film magazines, and the workflow. for timing the workflows, MF takes ~15 minutes for a shot, LF takes 30 minutes to 1hr (depending on if you use movements in the shot, changing light causing you to re-meter, etc.)- but the common thread here is assembly for lf, it takes some, not just lenses, but bellows, rails (if not a field camera), tripod, focus hood, loop, manual metering, manipulating holders. so be patient, and enjoy the process, as once you get something back, which 'works', you will be so proud of yourself, you did it!, no computer in the camera helping you, it was ALL YOU!!
Yes! I think LF helped me appreciate 6x6 more. See my other LF videos. I have the F2 like you also. The key for me is to make negs good enough to contact print! (See that video..I no longer have a bathroom!)
The main strength of the sheet film ( 4X5, 5X7, 8X10 ) photography, excluding the technical side of the movements of the standards, and in particular with regards to B&W film is that every single exposed sheet can be developed optimally and differently to each other to maximise the tonal range and resolution. You also have the option of switching from B&W to colour almost at will if you have loaded the holders with colour and B&W film. Good show, BTW.
@@archerpiperii2690 And you can switch in digital edit or in some cases in the digital camera itself. But I do not know of any 4 x 5 digitals so there you go. ;o)
Hi, I have to agree the Intrepid is the cheepest route into 4x5 photography, but I have to take you to task on pricing. Camera - £350 OK Lens board - £20 OK Lens - If you know where I can get a standard focal length 4X5 lens with working shutter for £100, I’m all ears! Maybe £200 is a better estimate. Film holder £10 - £15 for one, but if you’re going to take 10 images you’ll need 5 of them. Either that or struggle with reloading one in a changing bag every second image. If you can nip into a cafe and use a table fine. No fun half way up a mountain or on a deserted beach! Tripod - £20 maybe in an auction house or charity shop if you get lucky, but I reckon nearer £100 for a one sturdy enough to support a 4X5 camera. It won’t be a lightweight one either. Meter - £20 possibly but at that price you have to wonder about it’s accuracy. Maybe an app on your smart phone, but the accuracy will depend on the quality of your phone. Sunny f16? Film comparison Fomapan 100 4X5 (B&W) 50 sheets £45 (10 sheets £9) Fomapan 100 35mm 36 exp 1 roll £5 Portra 160 4X5 (Colour neg.) 10 Sheets £82! I suspect colour photgraphy is out of the question for most of us. (prices from Process supplies London) Do we want to get into the cost of processing the film? A Paterson 35mm tank will cost £24 and uses 300ml of solution to process one roll. You may have one already! A Paterson Multi reel 3 tank and a MOD54 Processing Tank 5X4 Insert will cost £72 and uses 900ml of solution to process 6 sheets. A 120 roll film back for the camera will save on film and dev costs, especially if you already have a tank capable of processing 120 roll film. It will put another £100 on the cost of equipment though.
Hi thanks for doing the numbers in more detail. I was trying to go from the angle of new user (everyone seems to shoot Portra 400 when they start!), and prices per Ebay for used stuff. Great point on film holders, the tripods were not sturdy for £20 for sure. I did find cheap lenses but yes £200 is a great average for common FL/ brands.
That’s why you go with a Stearman Press 445 on the development. That takes 4 sheets, uses 500ml and the sheets load as they would in a normal film holder. There’s a Stearman Press 645 nowadays as well, which takes 6 sheets. Edit: In general I agree with you though. You don’t do 4x5 because it’s cheap
I use Horseman VH VH-R and 985 fieldcamera for 6x7 and 6x9 with Fujinon 4x5 inch lenses . A 4x5 inch camera is still a bridge to far for me . A Horseman 6x7 / 6x9 camera begins with 300 Euro . Fujinon lenses do very well on 6x7 Ilford Delta 100
As much as I like my ToyoView, I have been using my Super Speed Graphic a lot in the last two weeks because of it quick field deployment and lighter payload. I steered away from Intrepid when I was shopping because it takes longer to set up with threaded screws, however the version two with the tiltable rear standard is a huge plus for me as I photograph architecture most of the time with my technical cameras, so thank you for pointing that out, Matt! Also, I ran some math the other day, since my field camera buddies shoot a ShenHao 617, if we both shoot Foma 200, I would come out cheaper per shot in 4x5 than he would in 6x17 lol
Hey Rex thanks! Yes the new Intrepid has the bonus of the rear tilt. Super light too if you need that. Mine is now in the bathroom however haha. Yes I was surprised when I did the maths on the film too!
Chieftain o' the PhotoVideo Clan. I will never go 4 x 5 but it sure is interesting to follow through your presentation - excellent as usual - and learn something. And, again, thanks.
Yes the other major thing that slows you down is the fact that the image on the ground glass is upside down and reversed. I love these type of cameras even over a digital camera. I used a MPP Mk7 many years ago. Another camera I have always wanted is Mamiya 23 strictly not large format but still a lot of fun with a ground glass back. Limited amount of movements though. Great channel and content!
Thanks! Strangely I think you soon get used to the GG image so that doesn't slow me down at all. It's more the setting up, fine tune focusing etc for portraits. MPP are nice! You might have spotted mine in the video. I did a previous video on this (see 4x5 playlist)
Sometimes you can find out dated film at a discount. Some of it has been in refrigerators at institutions like schools and colleges, or even from old photographers. Once in a while, you can get xray film from hospitals. You can cut it down, and it comes in a thick base to boot.
Excellent video ... very good memories with you and the guys in London ... I still did not make my mind about this 4 x 5 but maybe as I found a 6 x17 120 film back for this Intrepid ..... We will se ....
My Linhof and all the associated gear, film backs, lenses etc was given to me by a pro photog when he retired.. that makes it the least expensive and best film camera I've ever owned... the Leica stuff was at the other end of the spectrum although I got the M6 TTL and 50 cron for what would be 1k in your money so very close 2nd.. the resolution using Velvia 50 sheets in the Linhof is super-planetary
I have an MPP Micropress camera with a Schneider Xenar 135 mm f 4.7. I.use it with Fomapan 200 sheet film I prefer my Ricoflex TLR camera because I have an enlarger to print it with. A Gnome condenser enlarger with a 100mm F 5.6 Schneider Componon S enlarger lens.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I know that nominal ISO is 800, but that is ment to be for slow lenses in PS cameras. It was discussed that faster lenses on 4x5 cameras may need the ISO correction towards 1600 in strong daylight.
Grinning, but it can also be expensive. Has a Carbon Infinity 4X5 with regular bellows and wide-angle bellows, as well as 6X12 roll film back and 5 Nikkor lenses. That camera manages from 47mm to 600mm and everything you can think of. Made to last for a few hundred years.
Great video and a good reminder that I should use that camera more. A bit looking for a lens that is bright and good wide open, which very few LF lenses are. That's because I want to take a B&W photo of the Aurura Borealis that we have here all winter.
Ha yes, it can be cheap(ish) but once you get into it it gets expensive quick if not careful haha. It sounds like you have a killer setup! My fav is my Linhof.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom The Schneider Xenotar 150mm f/2.8 is perhaps even more expensive, but sharp wide open. The price is now equal on these two - + $10k. But there are sensible alternatives.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Considering selling mine. The eBay price is about $5K but without the wide angle bellows and lens board, and I have 12 of those in titanium. Unfortunately, it is difficult to get an acceptable price here in Norway.
It looks great in black aluminium with a red bellow or the Hardwood Edition in Walnut ! I would go for a 8x10, imagine a contact sheet from a 8x10 negative !!! For new Cameras, these are cheap !
Hi Matt, You had already uploaded the video as I have also watched it. 😁😁By the way, my 1.4/40 S.C arrived today, I don't know if you've tried it out yet, I'm curious, but a great video as always👌 Lg Anderl
Sorry I changed the cover photo (it's normal for RUclipsrs to do this if people are not clicking). Thanks for watching. I have the 40/1.4 MC not the SC. Both are nice I think. Enjoy!
@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom is not a problem, since I have already seen it, I just noticed it and wanted to point it out to you as a little tip, so to speak, can happen what is not bad👌 Lg Anderl
Really Matt??!! I just sank a bunch of money into a rangefinder and now I see this video tempting me to go large format. Ugh! The GAS is real. :) Hello from Phoenix, AZ.
Haha i'm sorry! I was playing with 4x5s a lot a few months back and this video is late to get made. In the meantime vintage RF mania kicked in so i've been all over the Leica III. Not that it helps you but the 2 systems can pair well as I always want a small fast setup to go with my bigger slower 4x5 kit. (You don't need 4x5 ..until you need new GAS, then try it! Revisit the 4x5 playlist in 12 months haha!) :)
I guess the definition of words like “affordable” and “inexpensive” are relative.. for me, $650 to $1000 is very expensive. I’ll have to stick with my old Graflex Crown Graphic and Toyo View 45G, both of which cost me about $150 per (on evilBay).. and the film of course.
Thanks, yes it's the cheapest new 4x5 camera but you can buy used for much less luckily. My MPP was less. You have a nice setup already so that's all you need. I think any 4x5 camera is a win! :)
Yes! I stopped using my Durst and now use the Intrepid. I know darkroom video get even less views than 4x5 videos.. which is like my view and my Mum and that's it haha..but I will make one down the line once I have time to play and do more prints.
Thanks, I did a quick search and found it new for the equivalent of £30-£35 for 50x 4x5. Washi sell their rebooked version for £30 for 25 4x5. I'll keep an eye on it and perhaps try some vs Foma at some point when I get a chance. Many thanks!
You sell an illusion here and illusion will create frustration. Large format is not made for everyone and we should repeat it again and again. And the rest of the video is not honest and reality. Tell me the price of this lens: 10:10 ?
Thanks for your thoughts Chris. I probably do come across as annoyingly positive in my videos but I just enjoy what I do. Yes 4x5 isn't for everyone but then again people wont know until they try. I explain the prices based on the cheapest listed on eBay for each item but say from* so people know it can cost more. The CZJ Tessar lens I picked up on eBay a few years ago (6ish) for a few hundred. It has no shutter of course so that makes it cheaper. I hope that helps.
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yes, I love 4x5 too, but I use a sinar, F2 with 65 & 90 f5.6 lenses, and 120 film with the sinar Zoom, which allows 6x4.5 all the way up to 6x12 cm negatives (hint, this gives extra rise, for wide buildings, or tall trees 🙂); and is cheaper, especially when starting out.
Hint: shoot 120 in a MF camera first, like a bronica, Hasselblad, Mamiya to learn it, learn the light, using film magazines, and the workflow. for timing the workflows, MF takes ~15 minutes for a shot, LF takes 30 minutes to 1hr (depending on if you use movements in the shot, changing light causing you to re-meter, etc.)- but the common thread here is assembly for lf, it takes some, not just lenses, but bellows, rails (if not a field camera), tripod, focus hood, loop, manual metering, manipulating holders. so be patient, and enjoy the process, as once you get something back, which 'works', you will be so proud of yourself, you did it!, no computer in the camera helping you, it was ALL YOU!!
Yes! I think LF helped me appreciate 6x6 more. See my other LF videos. I have the F2 like you also. The key for me is to make negs good enough to contact print! (See that video..I no longer have a bathroom!)
The main strength of the sheet film ( 4X5, 5X7, 8X10 ) photography, excluding the technical side of the movements of the standards, and in particular with regards to B&W film is that every single exposed sheet can be developed optimally and differently to each other to maximise the tonal range and resolution. You also have the option of switching from B&W to colour almost at will if you have loaded the holders with colour and B&W film. Good show, BTW.
Actually you can do the same using bulk film and loading short (4 or 5 exposures) lengths of film in the cassette.
@@archerpiperii2690 And you can switch in digital edit or in some cases in the digital camera itself. But I do not know of any 4 x 5 digitals so there you go. ;o)
@@archerpiperii2690 Have you ever compared the quality of a 4X5 negative to that of 35mm or even 120? a universe apart.
Thanks and good point. I tried to give a brief overview of the fun that is possible with 4x5 but as you say we have the movements etc too.
Bulk loading is great to load a few frames to test a camera. I bulk load.
Hi, I have to agree the Intrepid is the cheepest route into 4x5 photography, but I have to take you to task on pricing.
Camera - £350 OK
Lens board - £20 OK
Lens - If you know where I can get a standard focal length 4X5 lens with working shutter for £100, I’m all ears! Maybe £200 is a better estimate.
Film holder £10 - £15 for one, but if you’re going to take 10 images you’ll need 5 of them. Either that or struggle with reloading one in a changing bag every second image. If you can nip into a cafe and use a table fine. No fun half way up a mountain or on a deserted beach!
Tripod - £20 maybe in an auction house or charity shop if you get lucky, but I reckon nearer £100 for a one sturdy enough to support a 4X5 camera. It won’t be a lightweight one either.
Meter - £20 possibly but at that price you have to wonder about it’s accuracy. Maybe an app on your smart phone, but the accuracy will depend on the quality of your phone. Sunny f16?
Film comparison
Fomapan 100 4X5 (B&W) 50 sheets £45 (10 sheets £9)
Fomapan 100 35mm 36 exp 1 roll £5
Portra 160 4X5 (Colour neg.) 10 Sheets £82!
I suspect colour photgraphy is out of the question for most of us.
(prices from Process supplies London)
Do we want to get into the cost of processing the film?
A Paterson 35mm tank will cost £24 and uses 300ml of solution to process one roll. You may have one already!
A Paterson Multi reel 3 tank and a MOD54 Processing Tank 5X4 Insert will cost £72 and uses 900ml of solution to process 6 sheets.
A 120 roll film back for the camera will save on film and dev costs, especially if you already have a tank capable of processing 120 roll film. It will put another £100 on the cost of equipment though.
Hi thanks for doing the numbers in more detail. I was trying to go from the angle of new user (everyone seems to shoot Portra 400 when they start!), and prices per Ebay for used stuff. Great point on film holders, the tripods were not sturdy for £20 for sure. I did find cheap lenses but yes £200 is a great average for common FL/ brands.
That’s why you go with a Stearman Press 445 on the development. That takes 4 sheets, uses 500ml and the sheets load as they would in a normal film holder. There’s a Stearman Press 645 nowadays as well, which takes 6 sheets.
Edit: In general I agree with you though. You don’t do 4x5 because it’s cheap
4x5 sheets finally arriving by post tomorrow if all goes well should be ready to photograph some pretty trees very soon! :)
Hoorah! 4x5 party coming soon then! :)
I use Horseman VH VH-R and 985 fieldcamera for 6x7 and 6x9 with Fujinon 4x5 inch lenses . A 4x5 inch camera is still a bridge to far for me . A Horseman 6x7 / 6x9 camera begins with 300 Euro . Fujinon lenses do very well on 6x7 Ilford Delta 100
Nice! I love 6x9 backs on my 4x5
As much as I like my ToyoView, I have been using my Super Speed Graphic a lot in the last two weeks because of it quick field deployment and lighter payload. I steered away from Intrepid when I was shopping because it takes longer to set up with threaded screws, however the version two with the tiltable rear standard is a huge plus for me as I photograph architecture most of the time with my technical cameras, so thank you for pointing that out, Matt!
Also, I ran some math the other day, since my field camera buddies shoot a ShenHao 617, if we both shoot Foma 200, I would come out cheaper per shot in 4x5 than he would in 6x17 lol
Hey Rex thanks! Yes the new Intrepid has the bonus of the rear tilt. Super light too if you need that. Mine is now in the bathroom however haha. Yes I was surprised when I did the maths on the film too!
Chieftain o' the PhotoVideo Clan. I will never go 4 x 5 but it sure is interesting to follow through your presentation - excellent as usual - and learn something. And, again, thanks.
Thanks Sandy! :)
Yes the other major thing that slows you down is the fact that the image on the ground glass is upside down and reversed.
I love these type of cameras even over a digital camera.
I used a MPP Mk7 many years ago.
Another camera I have always wanted is Mamiya 23 strictly not large format but still a lot of fun with a ground glass back. Limited amount of movements though.
Great channel and content!
Thanks! Strangely I think you soon get used to the GG image so that doesn't slow me down at all. It's more the setting up, fine tune focusing etc for portraits. MPP are nice! You might have spotted mine in the video. I did a previous video on this (see 4x5 playlist)
Excellent video Matt.
Making photography fun again.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks Rob! The audio in one part was terrible so I had my hard hat on ready for the comments but I left it in to try to show the fun on the day.
Sometimes you can find out dated film at a discount. Some of it has been in refrigerators at institutions like schools and colleges, or even from old photographers.
Once in a while, you can get xray film from hospitals. You can cut it down, and it comes in a thick base to boot.
Thanks Michael! Yes second hand film is a much better price if you can find it.
Excellent video ... very good memories with you and the guys in London ...
I still did not make my mind about this 4 x 5 but maybe as I found a 6 x17 120 film back for this Intrepid ..... We will se ....
Thanks Grom, yes it was great to have you with us. Yes that 6x17 looks great
My Linhof and all the associated gear, film backs, lenses etc was given to me by a pro photog when he retired.. that makes it the least expensive and best film camera I've ever owned... the Leica stuff was at the other end of the spectrum although I got the M6 TTL and 50 cron for what would be 1k in your money so very close 2nd.. the resolution using Velvia 50 sheets in the Linhof is super-planetary
Wow what a gift! You’re one lucky guy! Enjoy!
I have an MPP Micropress camera with a Schneider Xenar 135 mm f 4.7.
I.use it with Fomapan 200 sheet film
I prefer my Ricoflex TLR camera because I have an enlarger to print it with.
A Gnome condenser enlarger with a 100mm F 5.6 Schneider Componon S enlarger lens.
Great Neil. I love my MPP too!
Excellent video 😊!
Thanks Stephan!
Thanks for sharing Matt, when using Lomograflok, please what ISO is fitting the best for light measurement in daylight (Fujifilm Instax Wide film)?
Thanks. Instax film is ISO 800
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I know that nominal ISO is 800, but that is ment to be for slow lenses in PS cameras. It was discussed that faster lenses on 4x5 cameras may need the ISO correction towards 1600 in strong daylight.
Did you back the new shutter and lens for 4x5 from intrepid that was kickstarted recently.
Not yes, I'm back to 35mm currently but they are doing great things for LF.
Grinning, but it can also be expensive. Has a Carbon Infinity 4X5 with regular bellows and wide-angle bellows, as well as 6X12 roll film back and 5 Nikkor lenses. That camera manages from 47mm to 600mm and everything you can think of. Made to last for a few hundred years.
Great video and a good reminder that I should use that camera more. A bit looking for a lens that is bright and good wide open, which very few LF lenses are. That's because I want to take a B&W photo of the Aurura Borealis that we have here all winter.
Ha yes, it can be cheap(ish) but once you get into it it gets expensive quick if not careful haha. It sounds like you have a killer setup! My fav is my Linhof.
Zeiss 135mm f3.5 Planar is spectacular! ..but you might need to sell your car :S :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom The Schneider Xenotar 150mm f/2.8 is perhaps even more expensive, but sharp wide open. The price is now equal on these two - + $10k.
But there are sensible alternatives.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Considering selling mine. The eBay price is about $5K but without the wide angle bellows and lens board, and I have 12 of those in titanium. Unfortunately, it is difficult to get an acceptable price here in Norway.
It looks great in black aluminium with a red bellow or the Hardwood Edition in Walnut ! I would go for a 8x10, imagine a contact sheet from a 8x10 negative !!! For new Cameras, these are cheap !
yes agreed to red bellows! 8x10.. maybe one day, eek!
Hi Matt,
You had already uploaded the video as I have also watched it. 😁😁By the way, my 1.4/40 S.C arrived today, I don't know if you've tried it out yet, I'm curious, but a great video as always👌
Lg Anderl
Sorry I changed the cover photo (it's normal for RUclipsrs to do this if people are not clicking). Thanks for watching. I have the 40/1.4 MC not the SC. Both are nice I think. Enjoy!
@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom is not a problem, since I have already seen it, I just noticed it and wanted to point it out to you as a little tip, so to speak, can happen what is not bad👌
Lg Anderl
Really Matt??!!
I just sank a bunch of money into a rangefinder and now I see this video tempting me to go large format. Ugh! The GAS is real. :)
Hello from Phoenix, AZ.
Haha i'm sorry! I was playing with 4x5s a lot a few months back and this video is late to get made. In the meantime vintage RF mania kicked in so i've been all over the Leica III. Not that it helps you but the 2 systems can pair well as I always want a small fast setup to go with my bigger slower 4x5 kit. (You don't need 4x5 ..until you need new GAS, then try it! Revisit the 4x5 playlist in 12 months haha!) :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Good idea!
I guess the definition of words like “affordable” and “inexpensive” are relative.. for me, $650 to $1000 is very expensive. I’ll have to stick with my old Graflex Crown Graphic and Toyo View 45G, both of which cost me about $150 per (on evilBay).. and the film of course.
Thanks, yes it's the cheapest new 4x5 camera but you can buy used for much less luckily. My MPP was less. You have a nice setup already so that's all you need. I think any 4x5 camera is a win! :)
The enlarger kit , now that is a great value. I will have to remember those. 💪🏻
Yes! I stopped using my Durst and now use the Intrepid. I know darkroom video get even less views than 4x5 videos.. which is like my view and my Mum and that's it haha..but I will make one down the line once I have time to play and do more prints.
I miss poloroid Type 55
Me too! Sad I missed it
Cut your own X-ray film it really becomes cheaper than shooting 35mm at 10 cents a sheet. Fuji hr-u is a great stock
Thanks, I did a quick search and found it new for the equivalent of £30-£35 for 50x 4x5. Washi sell their rebooked version for £30 for 25 4x5. I'll keep an eye on it and perhaps try some vs Foma at some point when I get a chance. Many thanks!
You sell an illusion here and illusion will create frustration. Large format is not made for everyone and we should repeat it again and again. And the rest of the video is not honest and reality. Tell me the price of this lens: 10:10 ?
Thanks for your thoughts Chris. I probably do come across as annoyingly positive in my videos but I just enjoy what I do. Yes 4x5 isn't for everyone but then again people wont know until they try. I explain the prices based on the cheapest listed on eBay for each item but say from* so people know it can cost more. The CZJ Tessar lens I picked up on eBay a few years ago (6ish) for a few hundred. It has no shutter of course so that makes it cheaper. I hope that helps.