qtluong Posted September 27, 2000 Share Posted September 27, 2000 I would like to invite everybody to discuss which new material wewould 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 firstone is a Survey (like what we currently have for 4x5 cameras), whichrequires a bit of market research, but no actual experience with allthe gear. The second would be a Review,which is simpler: you own or use a piece of equipment which hasn't beenwrittenabout 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 techniquethis summer. I'll try to finish up the series on setting-up the cameraby discussing view camera movements. It's probably time to think aboutother 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 andphotographer's profiles. Hopefully this will bring photographs to theLF 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 handledthe logistics. It can be anywhere: a wilderness trip, foreign travel,a road trip, or an afternoon visit to an interesting location in yourtown. <p>In a photographer's profile, we would read anything you'd like to tellus about yourself, your subjects, motivations, philosophy, methods and tricks, equipment, and photography. You'd provide a small portfolio of representativephotographs. 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 hasbeen published on the LF page, you would pick someone else on the list,and collaborate with him or her on creating his profile byinterviewing 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 ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocky_aaron Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 Add a large format photo critique forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chad_jarvis1 Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 Alternative printing processes: Pt/Pd, POP, gum, cyanotype, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bernard_r._negrin Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 I think a section on lighting techniques w/LF and MF would be nice.(just a thought) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_munson Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_anton Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 Possibly feature some one' s LF images along with a profile on a weekly basis. Viewers can flip through images and comment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_goldfarb Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robb_reed Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven_seitz Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 I particularly like the idea of more information on digital processing of LF images including transparency scanning, equipment, techniques, camera backs etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenn_kroeger Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pat_kearns1 Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pat_krentz Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 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 thatand 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott walton Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 I want to second Chad's response for Platinum and alternatives like Kallitypes. Let's talk about post production! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sergio_caetano Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 I reinforce Pat4s post. This is a LARGE format site.(Or isn't?). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james___ Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael_mutmansky1 Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 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.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vnc1 Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne_crider3 Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruce_pollock1 Posted September 28, 2000 Share Posted September 28, 2000 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_buechler Posted September 29, 2000 Share Posted September 29, 2000 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_schuster1 Posted September 29, 2000 Share Posted September 29, 2000 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_kirk1 Posted September 29, 2000 Share Posted September 29, 2000 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christiane_roh Posted September 29, 2000 Share Posted September 29, 2000 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karl_wolz Posted September 29, 2000 Share Posted September 29, 2000 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.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocky_aaron Posted September 29, 2000 Share Posted September 29, 2000 The problem with this site is enough blah, blah, blah! Let's see some real good pictures. This is what LF all about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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