Film loading and tripod choice

Ok i got a new (used) linhof 45s kardan color at a garage sale, for

75 bucks with a lense in great shape, so i am giving the LF a try, i

got soem film holders and a cheap tripod, and i have film (delta)

 

i am trying to figure out what side faces out, like in the dark,

does it matter? sorry for the ignorant question, but this is my

first venture into LF

 

Also looking for a tripod, as my 50 dollar pile o junk is not that

great anymore, and will not work with this camera. I dont mind

spending 200-300 on a tripod, as i will use it for 35 and 120 use

also. and weight is a matter, but not a big one

 

thanks much

All sheet film has notches on one of the short edges. When the notches are facing up and on the right side you are looking at the emulsion which is what should face then lens. Scan down a few questions and someone else just asked this, and there was a nice picture to illustrate.

The dark edge means it exposed.<P>

<I>does it matter? </i><p>Not really.

As for a tripod I have a Manfrotto 075, great for 4x5 but I'd be damned if I would haul

that

puppy around for use with my 35mm gear. I do not think there is a tripod that can be

used both for 4x5 and 35mm in the 200-300 range and have weight as a major issue.

$300 is not quite enough to do it well. Worthwhile options near that price point are the Gizto 1340 and Ries C100 or C600. Figure another $200 to 300 for a head capable of fully exploiting any of those tripods.

 

If your budget can't expand, the best option is probably Manfrotto/Bogen 3021 legs with a 3047 head, though I would rate that combination as adequate for 4x5 only in near ideal conditions (some will disagree with me on this, but bear in mind my assessments are based on shooting in weather where a 3021 has a hard time delivering sharp shots from a 35mm with 50mm lens).

For a lot less tripod money, you might look at a Slik DX300 (abt $100US), or the Slik Able 300ST (same tripod, less fancy head, abt $70), extremely well made and solid, excellent for 4x5, and in a pinch will even hold my 8x10 Cambo.

and check ebay - there are some good prices on things like regular (not CF) Gitzos and the like, as well as heads. The CF tripods come up, bot not usually as bargains

 

I got a virtually brand new big, heavy weight gitzo (forget the model number) for my Deardorff for $100 + two different heads for $40 each

Also -- check Shutterbug for trade shows in your area. There are always big heavyweight tripods there for under $100. I'd rather save my money for a good lens than spend it on a Bogen. (Though if anyone is giving one away......)

It absolutely matters that you get the correct side of the film facing out when loading it. You want the emulsion side facing out (i.e. facing the dark slide). If you have the base side facing out you'll make a severely underexposed negative if you make any negative at all. You tell which side is the emulsion side by the position of the notches that are in one corner of the film. If you hold the film horizontally the notches should be in the lower right corner. If you hold the film vertically the notches should be in the upper right corner. If the notches are in that position when you hold the film sheet then the emulsion side will be facing you and that is the side that should face the dark slide (i.e. should be facing out).