edward_denison Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 I have been taking architectural photographs with a Canon 24m TS lens for several years and it has served me excellently, but I am seeking to upgrade to enter the professional market. I guess I need to make the leap to 4x5in format. What equipment would you recommend for a first time large format user? Size/weight is important, as I travel a great deal. Could I get away with just a medium format, or do architectural photo libraries really only prefer large format? Your help would be hugely appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stuart_todd Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 Here's my $0.02... I'm currently at university training to hopefully become a landscape and architectural photographer. What I have been told is that I'll need both 4x5 and medium format cameras. However a 4x5 on it's own is good starting point. Get yourself a view camera as most field cameras have limited movements, brand-wise... I hear Linhofs and Sinars are good. I use a Plaubel Profia. I don't think the body is that much of a concern... it's the lenses you got to worry about. If you can afford it, start off with a 150mm or 120mm and a 90mm. If you can't afford two, go for a 90mm. You'll find the 90mm will quickly become your standard lens. Third and forth lens choices... give yourself 6-12 months of shooting first. But I'll be inclined to go for a 47mm/65mm and something long like a 500mm+ (or around 150mm in '35mm land'). Also as a learner I'd recommend a roll film back. Cheap way to learn. Or if you have the money, a Polaroid film back and some type 54 film. A great, bl**dy, big, stable tripod will help. As much as I love my ball head for everything else, I've felt a 3 way pan head works best with architectural shots. Also a couple of bubble levels help too. And to top it off, an airport trundler for suit cases. At the end of a long day of shooting, you can really start to curse at Newton for his stupid laws (gravity + LF gear hand carried all day = sore back, arms, neck...). It can make carrying around gear much more easily. Just make sure you've got lots of padding inside your case thou. Stu :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_h._hartman Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 If you can swing it I�d recommend a 75mm lens as a first lens. This is just a personal preference. If you can pickup a 4x5 enlarger and setup a darkroom you can learn a lot from printing your own negatives. Your final goal may be 4x5 chromes but don�t discount the learning experience of printing your own negatives. A 6x9 roll back is a great idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yakim_peled1 Posted January 31, 2004 Share Posted January 31, 2004 <P> Try <a href="http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/hartblei45.shtml">this one</a>. </P> <P> Happy shooting , <br> Yakim. </P> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff_sturm Posted February 13, 2004 Share Posted February 13, 2004 Stu-- Where does one train to become a landscape/architectural photographer? Sounds like an interesting program. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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