doug_broussard2 Posted September 29, 2000 Share Posted September 29, 2000 I'd be extremely interested in both reading and contributing to travel reports. I'm also very interested in the idea of objective surveys and reviews. <p> Great ideas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_quigley1 Posted September 29, 2000 Share Posted September 29, 2000 Brilliant site. I like the idea re 10x8 section as I feel that this will be the next area manufacturers will attempt to drop their support in, ie films, pro lab d&p etc etc. Forget medium format as this site has the best for want of a better word atmosphere! and no flaming. If I want medium format help I will go to the MF forum. This site is so good that any none equipment problem is normally answered here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill_glickman Posted September 30, 2000 Share Posted September 30, 2000 QT Great site...great following... If there is one improvement I would like to see...it would be when there is a paticular thread (question) of interest, that one can tag this thread and have any of the responses go directly to thier email. This will make the threads more sensible, whereas when someone may disagree with the last poster, he may not go re check this thread for long time, hence many other posters fog the rebuttal...whereas if the original poster read the rebuttal, he could go back on and explain or conceed his point...I think everyone would benefit by this system. It also would help us track the items of interest without scrolling through the Q&A page each time... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_malnes1 Posted October 1, 2000 Share Posted October 1, 2000 QTL <p> Many compliments on the wonderful creation and maintenance of the LF site. It's truly a great resource for all of us involved in the medium. As for suggestions, I'd like to second several comments that have been made regarding LF photographers who are increasingly using the 6x9 format on their LF cameras. Any articles regarding roll film would be greatly appreciated. After shooting 100% 4x5, I've found myself shooting about a 50/50 mix of 4x5 and 6x9. With pro films getting faster and with ever finer grain structures I've found very little difference between the formats when enlarging to 20x24 or when presenting the images to editors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_bailey1 Posted October 2, 2000 Share Posted October 2, 2000 I was fortunate to find your web site and have been enjoying it thoroughly! I began in MF and still do quite a bit of shooting with that camera and those lenses. My urge to get to bigger images began when I bought a Fuji 617 and have shot extensively in that format. A bit later, I came into LF with a Sinar P and have now stepped up to a new P2. <p> My story and evolution is probably not usual. Nor have I given up on shooting the other formats-I have merely rotate as the circumstance and mood occurs. I would welcome, discussions, links, articles and sharing of information on MF and Panoramic so that I don't have to dart between a lot of other sites. Also, I am always one to forget conversions and equivelencies between formats so lens comparisons and the like, would be a welcome addition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_gordon1 Posted October 3, 2000 Share Posted October 3, 2000 I think the idea of a photographers profile would be great. Also Id like to see write-ups of any LF courses that readers have been on...what the teaching was like, tips that they could pass on etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert_pellegrino Posted October 5, 2000 Share Posted October 5, 2000 I feel that this forum should work towards the goal of becoming an inclusive " View-Camera Users Forum " rather than concern itself with film format. The challenges and rewards of view camera photography, extend well beyond mere film size. Each film format has its advantages and disadvantages and can be debated ad-nauseum. The common thread of this forum should be based upon view camera technique and NOT film size. The view camera experience is unique unto itself, their is no confusing it with any fixed lens camera regardless of format. I myself chose an Arca 6x9 view camera over a 4x5 model, will merely changing the rear standard to a 4x5 unit fundamentally change my perspective on photography? I think not. I find that the dialog on this forum is far more relevant to my photographic style, than that of any traditional medium format forum. For those who say ?large format, for large formats sake?, I think that you are short changing yourselves. Inclusion into the view camera fraternity rather than exclusion based on film size, should be the guiding premise. For those of you that I've offended I offer my condolences, for I believe your way of thinking is endangered. But I certainly do not offer an apology for holding this opinion. I shall now set off my soap-box, thank you for you time and consideration. Bob P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_goldfarb Posted October 5, 2000 Share Posted October 5, 2000 I think Tuan has been doing a great job of editing the site, so if it expands to include more on rollfilm view-cameras or MF cameras with lens movements or even TS lenses for 35mm, I'm not too worried. I don't see a slippery slope here leading to a Canon-vs.-Nikon-24-200mm-zoom free for all, and maybe a single page on TS lenses might be a way of introducing some 35mm users to LF. By the same token, some topics might be added in the spirit of "Large Format" on the grounds of film size alone like LF TLRs (Gowlandflex and such, but not MF TLRs) or LF panoramics (Cirkut Camera, but not Widelux) without losing the spirit of the enterprise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david4 Posted October 7, 2000 Share Posted October 7, 2000 A comparison of MTF/contrast quality of 210 mm lenses woud be helpful. For example, does the G-Glaron f/9 210 mm with aperture set at f/22 provide MTF curves at infinity focusing comparable to the f5.6 Apo-Symmar with aperture closed down to as low as f/8? Does the 210 f5.6 XL provide superior MTF's to the Apo-Symmar, and if so, how significantly? How much better if at all is the G-Claron or 210 XL at 1:1 than the 5.6 Apo-Symmar? At what size print enlargement are the advantages if any readily detectable to the nak Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary_ross Posted October 9, 2000 Share Posted October 9, 2000 I like this website...lots of good information...Critique would be lpfullgreat..discussions on composition also would be welcomed. also maybe some kind of chat room would be helpfull. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roger___3 Posted October 9, 2000 Share Posted October 9, 2000 I'd like to add my interest in camera support. As one who is trying to get equiped in LF on a budget (which I'm starting to wonder if that's an oxymoron) it would be very easy to spend close to a thousand dollars plus on a Gitzo Mountaineer, a good ballhead, and quick releases. Also as a hiker, the heavier and less expensive options are not something my knees relish. I know there are less expensive alternatives, like Slik carbon fiber tripods and Giotto ball heads, but just don't know how they perform. I think some of us neophites might benefit from a review of this sort of equipment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben_calwell Posted October 12, 2000 Share Posted October 12, 2000 My thanks to QTL for this wonderful site devoted to large format photography. I like the idea of photographers writing about their travels or projects they've undertaken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_f._stein Posted October 15, 2000 Share Posted October 15, 2000 The photographers' link page is getting unwieldy. Make up an arbitrary 6 or 7 categories (no, not EVERY site will exactly fit but choose the best one) and ask the linking photographer to choose one. Maybe, some sites require pruning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdmcglasson Posted October 22, 2000 Share Posted October 22, 2000 I am experenced in large format 8x10 kodak Masterview as well as 11x14 and regularly use an 14x17 improved empire state from the 1880s. Most of my lenses are 80+ years old too. <p> I would really like to see pages devoted to ULF/LF discussions including lens selections/availability/sources and cost, older shutter care and use, transportation of this type of equipment, sources of reliable repair and maintainence and allternative printing processes. <p> I would agree that their should be a place for MF view cameras too. But if topics were organized by format size navigation would be easier. <p> Finally, I have developed some knowledge of LF/Ulf cameras and the available lenses that will cover these formats such as dagors,protars, plasmats,artars,tessars etc and am willing to participate in conversations and share my limited knowledge with those of similar interests. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pmarcus Posted October 22, 2000 Share Posted October 22, 2000 Glad to see a page on this unusual (for most photogs) subject. I shoot both modern and ancient lenses. The discussion on 8x10 and older lenses really helps. Not many living people with information anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glen_hoversten Posted October 29, 2000 Share Posted October 29, 2000 As much as I hate to deny it, digital is coming and in fact has arrived to large format. I think this page should supply some information or at least links to the large format digital web pages. The primary limiting factor is cost. Digital backs for 4x5 cameras are $20,000 or more and the scanners, especially transparency scanners are at least as expensive and printers are in the same ballpark. But like everything else that is digital the price is going to come down and be available to even the amateur large format photographers. Information on this new technology should be available even if the equipment is too expensive now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doremus_scudder1 Posted October 31, 2000 Share Posted October 31, 2000 This is a more technical suggestion: The one thing that would be most helpful to me on this site is a good search engine and catatloging system. That would make this valuable photographic resource even more so. I'm surprised that so few others have suggested it. Regards, ;^D) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry_ellison Posted December 16, 2000 Share Posted December 16, 2000 This is one of my favorite web sites. I enjoy the entire range. Profiles and trip reports are exciting ideas. I would like to add my opinion of what constitutes large format. I have two 5x7 cameras, two 4x5 cameras, a Galvin 6x9 view camera, a Tachihara 6x9 field camera, and a Mamiya Seven. I consider all my cameras to be large format except the Mamiya Seven. But many times the situation I must place myself in to take the desired photograph precludes the use of a tripod, and at those times I am grateful for my Mamiya Seven. A question, does a Wista 4x5 cease being large format as long as it has a roll film back attached? Regards. Jerry Ellison Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian_brocklebank1 Posted January 8, 2001 Share Posted January 8, 2001 I use a Linhof Technikardan S23 with 6x7cm backs, and I insist on calling myself a large format photographer, if that's all right with the rest of you!;-)Seriously, though,I really want to say just how impressed I am with this site. The information carried here is immensely valuable, and I love all of it. Even though I intend to keep on with 6x7cm, as my present camera suits my purposes very well, I am very interested in ULF issues, as it's so very hard to find out anything.As far as seeing other people's work, the links to LF photographers here are excellent: there is no need for criticism, just look. The only real problem here is the limited resolution on the web in any sensible timescale, which means that half of the point of LF is lost at the outset - there is really no substitute for seeing the original work.I am very happy to tell anyone anything about my camera, but I have little experience with other 6x9's, so it could not be truly comparative: anyone still interested? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carsten_corleis1 Posted January 17, 2001 Share Posted January 17, 2001 I am just begun Large-Format-Photography, especially the "old way" with a Dryplate-Camera in 13x18cm and two old Voigtländer ("Avus" and "Bergheil") in 9x12cm (Plates & Planfilm) and 6x9cm with Rollfilm-Back. In germany i have found no websites obut this topic (it is possible that i am really the first guy in germany, that had "ressurect" a old dryplate-camera?? :-)Now i am searching for informations about this "old style photography" around the world. I think, it was a good idea to add a little forum for this old art. Beginning with collodion wetplates, dryplates and old fashioned printing-technics like Argyrotype, Ambrotype, Albumen-Printing etc. <p> Greetings from germany <p> Carsten Corleis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
armin_seeholzer Posted March 2, 2001 Share Posted March 2, 2001 Tips for travelling and good locations with 1-3 pictures, would be always very helpfull! But not MTF curves all thes theoretical staff we don`t need! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald_l._marvin Posted November 12, 2001 Share Posted November 12, 2001 Here's my vote for more coverage of MF view cameras and work. There seems to be a few more MF view cameras on the market now as compared to a few years ago. The working methodolgies are the same for LF or MF view cameras. For me, the lower film and processing costs are attractive, and its wonderful to have the view camera movements to boot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken_woodard Posted December 2, 2001 Share Posted December 2, 2001 I have only recently become aware of this fine site, you are all to be commended for the content. In my lifetime 4 x 5 has been considered to be "medium format" so I hope that I'm not excluded from LF when I include 2 1/4 x 31/4 sheet film cameras on these pages. Yes, I know that we are "red-headed stepchildren" these days. Kodak has completely abandonded us and only Ilford currently catalogs film, and that a single offering. I am able to use the format for survey field work to set up 4 x 5 trips and for B&W copy work. Currently I'm building a copy camera in 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 using a Polaroid MP-3 bellows and focus mechanism. Yes, I'll probably use some roll film holders on it but have no cure for the inherrant film flatness problems. <p> With that off my chest I would like to endorse David Goldfarb's suggestion for a subject of lens maintenance since the vast majority of my intrest is in field photography and all my lenses are 1960s and older. All are essentially open to the weather. I'll leave the adjustment to Steve but would love to have a general and brand specific owner performed maintenance reference considered as a subject. <p> Gnit Pickers and English Majors; Please disregard. I never could spell and at my age I never will!!! Thanks, Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew pell Posted December 31, 2001 Share Posted December 31, 2001 I like the forum for the wealth of information on it but I sometimes wish for some usability improvements to be added. <p> I get the impression that you don't want to become a full time webmaster / moderator and from what I've read, the members do a decent moderating job if somebody steps out of line (rarely, I know), but I'm a member of another bbs (www.scoobynet.co.uk & follow the link to the forum) and I like how this is set up w.r.t. displaying the most recent and replied to posts (i.e. the most recently replied to post returns to the top of the pile and things are allowed to die a natural death by dropping off the bottom of the page into an archive if they are not posted to for a while). We've found the data on number of posts and the nuber of times the threads are viewed enlighening as it lets you keep up with the "hot topics" <p> I'm no computer techie and this probably would include a lot of work to set up but hopefully would run itself (things like smilies and inserting graphics possibly could be disabled to cut down data sizes etc). <p> As for ruling out posts due to film formats, there was a comment made that it should just be based on whether the camera has movements or not. I think this is a good suggestion as we're all in the same boat then - when I bought my 4x5 I was told that the market was dropping off for this size as professionals (I'm not one) were switching to smaller formats like 6x9 to suit ccds in digital systems and had no need for "cumbersome" 4x5 systems. I only hope that this forum doesn't become overrun by digital topics - I've nothing against it as it's another technique, it's here and I can see some good uses for it but cost prohibits a lot of people (plus logistics for outside work) and there's life in us silver workers (and alternative process people) yet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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