ADMIN: WHAT'S NEXT ON THE LF PAGE ?

I would like to invite everybody to discuss which new material we

would like on the Large Format Page, and to contribute some. I'll

suggest some directions for a start here, but I'd be most interested

to hear what you'd be interested in reading or contributing.

<p>

So far, we have a good number of articles about equipment,

but there are still a number of gaps. I was thinking:

<ul>

<li> MF view and technical cameras

<li> LF hand-held cameras

<li> Panoramic cameras

<li> 8x10 cameras

<li> ULF cameras

<li> Rollfilm holders

<li> Digital equipment, including transparency scanners

<li> Camera support

</ul>

There are two types of articles that you could contribute. The first

one is a Survey (like what we currently have for 4x5 cameras), which

requires a bit of market research, but no actual experience with all

the gear.

The second would be a Review,

which is simpler: you own or use a piece of equipment which hasn't been

written

about enough (this can be anything from a lupe or a holder to a

camera) ? Just describe it, how it works, what are its advantages

and drawbacks.

<p>

As you have noticed, I've begun to write articles about technique

this summer. I'll try to finish up the series on setting-up the camera

by discussing view camera movements. It's probably time to think about

other subjects (such as metering), and more specific how-to articles

(such as how to photograph buildings at dusk).

<p>

Where I'd really like to expend the contents is towards trip reports and

photographer's profiles. Hopefully this will bring photographs to the

LF page.

<p>

In a trip report, you'd write about a place you've been,

what you liked about it, what the possibilities were, how you handled

the logistics. It can be anywhere: a wilderness trip, foreign travel,

a road trip, or an afternoon visit to an interesting location in your

town.

<p>

In a photographer's profile, we would read anything you'd like to tell

us about yourself, your subjects,

motivations, philosophy, methods and tricks, equipment,

and photography. You'd provide a small portfolio of representative

photographs.

I was thinking to set that up as a chain. We would create a list of

photographers interested in being profiled. After your own profile has

been published on the LF page, you would pick someone else on the list,

and collaborate with him or her on creating his profile by

interviewing him, and so on.

<p>

What do you think of all those ? Any other ideas ?

Say what you want, hopefully somebody will like to write it !

I think a section on lighting techniques w/LF and MF would be nice.

(just a thought)

I like all of these ideas. I especially like the idea of

photographer profiles and trip reports. I think just more info and

articles in all areas would be great. This is a great resource

already, and I think that these additions would make it even better.

Possibly feature some one' s LF images along with a profile on a

weekly basis. Viewers can flip through images and comment.

If anyone on the list is good at basic cleaning and adjustment of

older shutters that aren't too difficult to work on (Ilex and such),

a few illustrated how-to's would be interesting.

I really appreciate this site and all the work that QTL puts into it.

Its hard to imagine many improvements but I'd hugely support a large

and medium format image critique section. I like the gear and the

technique, must have it, but the end product is the image and frankly,

I could use the help in developing a critical eye.

<p>

RR

I particularly like the idea of more information on digital

processing of LF images including transparency scanning, equipment,

techniques, camera backs etc.

I like the idea of travel reports... building a repository of

logistical information would be very helpful. Sources of film, and

reports of good and bad experiences with processing labs in different

locations would be very helpful in trip planning.

The trip report sounds goods. I usually take at least one long road

trip a year and several long weekend trips that I wouldn't mind

contributing information on. I would also like to hear about other

locations to visit.

I like most of the suggestions, except for the critique, that

usually turns into a cat/dog fight and remarks about cropping, ect.,

the other thing that bothers me is going to med.format, this is

LF site, maybe I am selfish but I would like to see it remain that

and not degenerate into a med.format/35mm site, with all the

bickering and flamming. QTL, I really enjoy the site and hope we

can all contribute to and maintain the quality of the site.

Regards, Pat

I want to second Chad's response for Platinum and alternatives like

Kallitypes. Let's talk about post production!

I like the idea. I like the idea of getting to know something about

the individuals I'm conversing with. It helps in understanding points

of view and backgrounds. I would like to keep this a large format page

but there are those who shoot MF w/movements that can add to the

discussion. We shoot with roll film backs so I think it can be

beneficial to include MF users as long as these point and shooters

mind their manners. Ha Ha. I would also like to keep the critiques to

specific questions about such things as movements or printing. I don't

like questions like "comment on my picture." There needs to be

constructive criticism on more than just cropping or "get rid of the

tree from her head" or "what do you think of my pet duck?" There are

already enough sites like this. And I would welcome any discussion on

ULF or alternative process topics. James

QT,

<p>

Some of the previous posts have mentioned increasing the functionality

of the website to include picture posts, and other aspects that are

not directly related to large format photography. I think we need to

be careful that the mission of the site is not lost, that being the

dissemination of information on LF gear and techniques.

<p>

While I have no problem with the occasional off topic question in the

discussion group, I think we should keep the static content pure to

the realm of LF photography. There are many other sites that offer

picture reviews, general film and chemical information, and other

topics that LF photographers may use, none of this is explicitly part

of the LF realm.

<p>

For example, covering alternative methods, although mostly practiced

by LF photographers, is a clear shift in the emphasis of the site.

There are some excellent sites and discussion groups that cover this

topic, and I don't think there is a need to re-hash the topic. Adding

a page of links to alternative photography sites should be sufficient.

I print in platinum/palladium, so I'm not biased against alternative

methods, I just don't want to see the site lose it's high level of

purity.

<p>

However, ULF is a very appropriate topic, and is one that has very

little good information available on the net. This is a unique branch

of LF in that the gear used, and also some of the techniques, are

often old, out of production, out of date, and undocumented. For

example, there are precious few modern lenses that are suitable for

use on a 7x17, 8x20, or 12x20 camera. This means that the ULF

photographer must purchase old lenses. There is not a great deal of

information on older lenses, and it certainly isn't all in the same

place.

<p>

Ultimately, I don't think you want to do anything that requires you to

become a full time webmaster for the site. This eliminates

everything but static pages, and the basic q&a board you currently

have. Personally, I'm satisifed with that. As long as there is a

continuous increase in the amount of LF information offered here, and

the relevant pages are updated from time to time (lens specs., etc.),

this site will continue to remain one of the best on the web.

<p>

---Michael

<p>

(Let me know if you would like some help with ULF... I may have some

time for that.)

Some possible areas where little information is available on the web

include studio lighting and setup techniques used in still life

photography, ultra large format, alt processes.

<p>

I like the idea of photographer's profile, photo essay etc.

All great suggestions. I'd add a grass roots movement thru

suggested petitions to influence manufactures to consider making items

we could use, such as Reala in sheet film. I'd also try and format

down the road a contest where maybe we could gain recognition for our

photography thru this forum to be used as an awards reference.

There are very few web sites that I visit every day, but this is one

of them. There's always something interesting to learn - thanks for

all your hard work to maintain it.

<p>

I agree with most of the previous postings. The only other area I'd

like to see emphasized a bit more is architectural stuff (both

exterior and interior, including lighting issues) and the challenges

of doing it with LF equipment.

The "Misc 2x3 View Cameras" section is extremely sparse, so if

expanding it is what's intended by "MF view and technical cameras"

then I think its an excellent idea.

<p>

Most of the books I've seen define large format as 2x3 and up. 6x9

format is all but dead in the MF world, but there's quite a number

of 6x9 cameras being made by the LF manufacturers.

<p>

Its also obvious that there's a growing interest in 6x9 on this forum.

I'm starting out with an old 2x3 Technica (although I'm also getting

my feet wet with a 4x5 Crown Graphic). There's arguments pro and con

about whether 6x9 is a good way to get started in LF photography, but

the fact remains that for many beginners its an appealing transitional

step. I've also seen numerous posts from professional LF photographers

who use 6x9 exclusively. It belongs here.

I'd like to see a beginner section for platinum printing and selenium

toning. I also like the idea of hand held LF photography. Darkroom

techniques also sparks my interest at this moment.

<p>

GREAT SITE! I'D be lost without it!

<p>

paul schuster

First off, let me say that I agree with Wayne, for the petitions

ideas. I also think that having a few more beginers pages would be

great - e.g. Platinum processin (including info on how or where to

get LARGE copy negs done - a short list to labs providing that

service UK and Europe, not just the US would be nice). Other good

beginers topics could include setting up the camera and other

ancillary equipment for different applications (e.g. portraits, still

life, landscape, other people shots not falling into portraits - i.e.

group shots and the like, nudes, product). And it would also be a

good idea to have sectiond on digital capture, and the scanning in of

negs/ chromes.

Also I think that having 'shoot reports' would be very helpful -

giving you some nice photos for the page, and some more exposure for

the photographer.

Hi,

<p>

I'm new to view camera and finding your LF site has been of great

help. After many hesitation, I've bought an Arca-Swiss 6x9, so I'd

welcome more information concernig that format.. For me the dividing

line isn't between LF and MF but wether the camera allows movement or

not.. There are specific questions related to 6x9 format and I'd like

to see them treated, does it make a difference in the tripod choice

or loupe choice ? what about the best suited lenses for 6x9 ?

<p>

As for a critic section, my first reaction was positive, but reading

some sceptic comment about it, I'd say that it is a good idea, as

long as we can keep it focused on special LF themes : what kind of

movements were used, in order to correct perspective, or to increase

(or decrease) the depth of field..

<p>

I'm less interested by alternative process, since I'm mostly scanning

the negs.. as for digital printing, there are already a lot of other

sites/lists devoted to those topics.. (see the digitalsilver list at

http://www.topica.com or the Mitchel Leben lists at

http://www.leben.com/lists

<p>

Thank for all the helpfull information put on the LF pages.

<p>

Any way thanks for offering all those ressources.

Travel reports? Sounds interesting, so long as they are farly well

written (same as anything else, I suppose). If enough of them

acccumelate, they could be divided into categories (area, season,

etc.)

The problem with this site is enough blah, blah, blah! Let's see some

real good pictures. This is what LF all about.