View Cameras

[tony_salce]

I've been reading Ansel Adams' book "The Camera". He talks about the beauty of using a View Camera. Anyone on this forum used one ? If one was starting out, any recommendations on purchasing one ?

 

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Regards,

 

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Tony Salce

[MTC Photography]

View camera is a different world, lens tilt, back tilt, Scheimpflug,

hinge rule, even the DOF is calculation is different

<p> If you are interested, there is a forum dedicated to large format

photography

 

http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a.tcl?topic=Large%20format%

20photography

[jason]

The view camera is a slow,ponderous beast.No matter how you place the

camera,the image is upside down!OK if you have the Sinar system,that

has those cute binocs to see better.

Truthfully,try using your Leica as a view camera.Place upon tripod,use

the slowest film available.Stop down o f16 or f22 at all times.Add a

deep red filter and polarizer for black and white.for colour maybe a

4x or 8x neutral density filter.That will get you into all those

really slow speeds.Shoot very short rolls.Say 12 exp.In this way with

some of the limitations you can get used to what view cameras are

about...

Ansel Adams in later years,due to failing strength,used Hasselblad and

some 35mm.......

I tried 4x5.It was for me a disaster.I traded the 4x5 for a 6x6SLR

not Hassie,that was the worlds worst camera.Luckily there was a

miracle in the event.The @#$$% camera was exchanged for a M3.

35 years later,we're still together.

M3-Ziggy,he gotta name after all this time,is my 'view' camera.

[lacey_smith6]

I do. For fun.

 

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It is two different activities entirely, and though I may take 1

Leica/lens with me when I 4X5, it is a mistake to carry both and think

switch back and forth. And, of things like street photos and travel,

better be prepared to see one thing at a time, and have a very

tolerant wife/partner. The quality of good 4X5 (and I'm not sure I'm

there) cannot be rivaled by any 35. (In silver -- digital is changin

all the rules, and much of the fabulous Art/Commercial photog done

previously by studio/location 4X5 is now digital -- but the set-up,

consideration aspects are the same).

 

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I have a view camera with all movements -- and If I want a "studio"

quality exercise, I can count on 1-3 hours just setting up, lighting,

precisiosn, and get 4-6 photos, with the intent of having 1. The

ngeatives are huge, quality is high, etc., but I could have probably

made almost that same neg quality jump by sticking to medium format

(I'm out). This is Deliberate Photography -- only bizarres setups

allow the "decisive moment" or the happenstance of the fleeting

expression. It is fun, but it is not 35 mm photography.

 

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There is some advatnage to vactioning between systems -- a completely

diffferent way of seeing. I don't see that much diffreence between 35

and MF in terms of subject and handling (except obtrusiveness),

butreally differente. Some folks water color as well as photogrpah --

same alternative art view, I would guess.

I do have an old speed grpahic, which, if set up, is almost as quick

for single pictures as the Leica, But the second picture does not come

so quick. It does alow those WeeGee type B&Ws -- look at old 40s and

50s press photos to see 4X5 in this speed setting.

[jay_.]

I've still got a 4x5 Calumet monorail and a 4x5 Speed Graphic but I

haven't used them in ages. All my serious landscape work is done

with Hasselblad. The Flexbody gives you all the movements you'll

need for Scheimpflug, unless you're shooting architecture or product

shots a true view camera is overkill. For a while I owned a Horseman

VH-R, which is a 2x3 (takes cut-film or rollfilm in 6x7 or 6x9)tech-

field (less movements than a monorail view)with a viewfinder and

rangfinder coupled (via changeable cams) to several different

lenses. It was a very nice system, but I had an issue with lack of

film flatness with their rollfilm holders and was tired of cutting

down 4x5 sheets into 2x3.

[lacey_smith6]

oh -- this is also a very deliberate decision, and you should look at

a view camera on a trial basis, if you can. Image on groundlglaaa,

upside down and all, is not for everyone.

 

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Cost is there too. Camera/lens/holders aside, if B&W by you, then a

new enlarger will be needed. E-6 Chrome shots (Provia/Velvia in 4X5

is a delight to hold in your hands), will cost around 3-5 dollars per

single sheet for small box (retail) and professional developing (not

on your corner 1 hour lab).

 

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I'm not really argueing quality of final image as the factor (tone

gradations form a nmegative are better for a 2X enlargemetn 8X10 than

a 8X)-- but, unless you routinely do 16X20, you probably will be

happy with Leica 35 (and even then...) -- and, as mentioned, digital

is changing everything. However, if you want to consistently have

that Ansle Adams lustrousness and range of tones, you can get it if

you master large format, zone system (treating each negative as truly

unique-- fomr taking exposure through developing), big film, slow

exposures. But, you'd better be ready to trade 1/250th second

crispness for 1 second, hope the wind doesn't blow, exposures (f/16

may the MOST wide open you shoot).

 

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Unless you opt for the "purity" of the large format art, really enjoy

the technophilia that the large format can induce, most your shooting

will still be Leica.

[MTC Photography]

I began with a view camera, then change to 6x6, then Leica, now

Minox.

[thomas_nutter]

A view Camera takes some perseverance and some dedication.

 

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I shoot portraits with a Toyo Field 45AX ---fairly quick to set for a

view camera. It's worth a try. My first 4X5 was a crown graphic

which I got with a 135mm lens for about two-hundred dollars.

One of those will still accept a polaroid back and all of those

other gizmos you might want to try, and I suggest if you're

interested, try one of those first. If you're going to do things like

portraits with the thing-- get used to some failures in focus and

composition and shoot extra film to compensate.

 

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Good Luck.

[bobtodrick]

Many photo schools start their students out on a view camera and then

move them 'up' to 35mm and medium format. The view camera requires

much precision and forethought when taking an image - good things to

learn. But for many people it is a difficult beast to work with in

all but a few applications (landscape, tabletop, etc). I love the

photographs of Jock Sturges (I'm not talking about the subject

matter), for the fact that his subject all look relaxed and

spontaneous and yet most were photographed with a 4X5 and even 8X10

camera. Amazing!! But definitely try one before you purchase. I

bought one and tried for a couple of years to do the Ansel Adams

thing and ended up with a bunch of 'postcards'. If your brain works

'Leica-like' you'll hate it.

[ralph_barker]

Yep, I use a view camera, too, and actually find it to be a good

companion for the Leica in the field. What?! you say? Well, just as a

Leica nudges one to "see" differently (that's why I bought mine), so

does a view camera, but in a different way. Working with a view camera

is decidedly slow and methodical - a mode of operation that isn't for

everyone. But, if you are malleable on technique, and want even more

control over the subject, a view camera may be right for you.

 

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If you want to experiment a bit, and are in a major metro area with

rental shops, try renting a field camera to start with. If you are

looking to buy, I have a <a

href="http://www.rbarkerphoto.com/ViewCameraInfo.html">short

article</a> about the basic considerations, along with pointers to a

few large format resources, on my site. I use a Toyo monorail in the

studio, and a Toyo 45AX field camera (you guessed it) in the field.

There are less-expensive field camera alternatives, but I like the

durability of the Toyo metal body, and the ability to use my lenses on

either the studio rig or the field camera without having to change

lens boards. A LowePro backpack makes it reasonably convenient to take

the beast into the field, and the M6 and a couple of lenses in a

smaller bag goes along, too.

 

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Now, all I need is a friendly fitness model to carry the Nikons with

the long telephoto lenses, and I'll be all set to photograph anything

in the field. ;-)

 

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Look, Ma, no converging verticals! ;-)

 

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<center>

<img src="http://www.rbarkerphoto.com/travel/Masonic1bw-300mf.jpg">

</center>

[schopke]

I have a HANDMADE KB Canham and I love it. It is made in Arizona and

Keith B Canham himself is actively involved in the design and

manufacture of each and everyone. Look up his site:

 

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http://www.canhamcameras.com/

 

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He makes wood and metal cameras ranging from 4X5 to 11X14.

 

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I like my wood 4X5 very much. I use my 4X5 to relax. It is very slow

but very rewarding

 

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I bought my Hassie...then my 4X5...the my leica. My two favorite

cameras are my 4X5 and my Leica. Talk about both ends of the spectrum.

 

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Keep the Leica and buy a 4X5.

[joshroot]

View cameras are really very amazing tools. As you can see from the

responses above, they aren't for everyone. But you can do things with

them that you can't do with any other camera. I really enjoy mine

because I love having the ability to put the focal plane anywhere I

want.

 

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As for buying. The only way to go (I believe) is with an Arca-Swiss.

I have a Discovery and find it to be SOOOOOOO much better than

anything else out there. It is a monorail camera though, so if you

are looking into a field camera, you'll want something different.

Feel free to e-mail me if you would like.

[david_mark]

I, also, an an enthusiastic user of a K.B. Canham view camera,

in my case the metal DLC 45. It was my first (and only) view

camera. I found it relatively easy to learn on, but there are

simpler view cameras to set up and use. I would urge you call

Keith Canham in Arizona (480.964.8624) and talk to him about

his cameras. Keith is very knowledgable, very helpful, and a real

gentleman. Also making view cameras in the united states, in

wood and with more traditional styling, is Ron Wisner. Wisner

has an excellent website.

 

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As far as learning how to use the view camera, which will at first

seem terribly awkward and cumbersome, type "A large format

phtography home page" into any search engine, such as google

(sorry, I don't know how properly to post the address). This

website is a treasure trove of practical information about using

the view camera. I particularly recommend the article on

focusing the view camera, which will teach you how to use view

camera movements effectively in the field.

 

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If you are an impatient person, stay away from large format!

However, if you are patient and methodical, large format will

reward you with images whose detail and richness of tone

cannot be duplicated in the smaller formats.

 

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David Mark

[bill_henick]

If you enjoy the precision and build of a Leica, you may prefer

the Linhof. I understand there is a significant rebate program going

on now.

[jackflesher]

Tony:

 

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I use the view camera pretty extensively. The most important question

to answer first, is what type(s) of photography do you plan on doing

with it? A field camera is a very different beast from a studio

monorail. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and perhaps

more than with any other format in photography, there are more

tradeoffs to be considered with an LF camera. The big things to

consider are bellows extension, weight and portability. Of course,

lens considerations also play a role in the decision. But bellows

extension needs are largely based on desired lens use, so some

thought needs to be given there first. I think with a bit more

information, we could better steer you in a promising direction.

 

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Also, you might find it worthwhile to check out this site:

 

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http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~qtluong/photography/lf/

 

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Great wealth of information for a starting point.

 

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:-),

[art_karr]

Tony:

 

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If you have to ask, it is unlikely that you have seen an 8 x 10

chrome. Nuff, said.

 

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Art

[martin2]

I shoot alot of portraits and landscapes with a 4X5 camera. The

detail is outstanding and, if done well, can produce seemingly

hyper-realistic images. However, I think it has to be your "thing"

because each shot can become truely a production. But knowing

that photographers experienced these rituals for the past 150

years adds a bit of historical perspective and kinship with our

craft's past . As an aside, while in the field with a 4X5 (you're

under a black sheet most of the time), I've been approached,

confronted,cheered on, and looked at like I was a dinosaur with

my various large format cameras. It's as though you're a frieght

train in the distance; people see you coming! Not much

spontaneous stuff goin' on here. Equipment: I've owed a Crown

Graphic, Arca Swiss, and now own a 4X5 rangefinder. Yes a

rangefinder! Kinda like a 10 pound Leica. I've got a 30 year old

Linhof Technica III with coupled 150mm ( normal lens) 90 mm,

and 210 mm Schneider lenses. It folds up into a nice little

cement block. As stated, I went with a Linhof so I think it's a great

system. It's almost as fun as my M3 but yes a whole other beast.

Good luck with any 4X5!

[emile_de_leon9]

I just got a 3.5 lb Anba Ikeda 5x7....man is it sweet! Ultralight

and 5x7....it just doesnt get better than this for enlargeability.I

also just got done seeing and photographing the great jazz guitarist

Pat Martino in concert with a 35mm 1.4 asph wide open as well as

other lenses, all shot wide open...not stuff for the Anba! Get the

view camera if you want big prints and for movements.Start cheap so

if it doesnt work for you, you can get out easy.

[tony_salce]

Thank you for your enthusiasic and comprehensive replies to my

question.

 

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I'll stick with my M3 for the time being but View cameras are

something I'll have to try at least to satisfy my curiosity as to the

quality.

 

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Thanks again for your direction.

 

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Kind Regards,

 

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Tony Salce

[philip_woodcock]

At university I had the pleasure of working with Hassleblad, Mamiya

RB and RZ and also great big Horseman and old MPP field / view

cameras. I found that if i did 5x4 portraits i tended to approach it

in the same way i do with my Leica. View cameras i feel allow you to

make pure images, compositionally and technically as well.

 

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One day I'll buy one...