first shots from graflex crown graphic

<p>am just starting on my lf photography - it's a world of difference from leica / rollei / nikon<br>

the field of view is similar to my hexar af --- but the camera is not as... discree<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/247767_10201325264357208_967194765_n.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="764" /><br>

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<p>You are right is a whole different animal. How are you developing your sheet film? I seem to see some uneven development in the sky. </p>

 

<p>Yep, there is some trouble showing up in the skies. I normally look at LF images and think "what's so unique about that?" Not yours. That is some outstanding composition and image quality I see here Blake. Good job. Once you get the developing sorted out, you are going to make some fantastic images. Sometimes scanners can give results like what is there in the sky, but it's probably as Michael said, a developing issue. These shots make me want to get another Crown Graphic like the one that I sold many years ago. I'm guessing this is Tri-X?</p>

<p>i sent them to the local lab ---- it may be a film loading / light contamination issue ---- i'll get the darkroom down shortly ----= thanks for the kind words....</p>

<p>this was ilford 400<br>

it was a weird day as well --- it could be a scanning issue as well</p>

<p>Nice shots, Blake. What lens were you using? I have a 127mm Ektar on my 4x5 Speed -- a slightly wide view which I like, but it doesn't allow much of a front rise! Were you shooting handheld with the rangefinder?</p>

The optar that is stock ~ 135 or 145

 

Handheld f16/f8.

 

Am lusting for a beautiful original

graflex wooden tripod

<p>I've used the Crown No. 2, Crown No. 3, and Crown No. 4 tripods. The 3 and 4 should be good enough for a Crown Graphic and fold into a compact bundle, but are inconvenient to use. Tiltall tripod was fairly concurrent with the Crown Graphic, and is much more convenient. </p>

<blockquote>

<p>"That is some outstanding composition" <em><strong>steve m.</strong></em></p>

</blockquote>

<p>I beg to differ, only the "columns" image has appropriate composition.<br>

The other five are unnecessarily centered with too much sky. <br>

Start your reading with Google'ing "<em>the rule of thirds</em>"...</p>

<p>It seems like it takes half a lifetime to learn the rules and another half to learn when to break the rules. Great stuff. I am putting together a Crown Graphic from spare parts. I bought one without a back or lens or lensboard. The camera and the springback I have purchased are in fantastic condition. They look like they are not more than a couple of years old. I have film holders I bought for a buck apiece ten years ago because I knew someday I'd have a Graphic again. I'm getting there, slowly but surly.</p>

<p>The fifth image has classic agitation streaks along the top edge from the holes in the film hanger. I suspect the other dark and light patches in the sky area are caused by developer as well. High activity developers (short dev. times) are the most common culprits. I always use a water pre-soak to swell the emulsion and reduce streaking. Diluted D-76 works well, but my favorite is divided D-76, stay away from any developer that takes less than 5 min for normal development.<br>

The gray streaks on the left side in #5,4,&3 are probably from the scanner, cleanliness is essential!!!.<br>

I think you have a good eye for composition, I like the first 2 best.<br>

Silver halide B&W photography is well on it's way to regain the artistic status it had 50 years ago. I recommend Ansel Adams book "the negative".<br>

Your first effort is impressive, keep it up!</p>

<p>Ron.</p>