edward_denison Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 I have been taking architectural photographs with a Canon 24m TS lens for several years and it has served me excellently, but I am seeking to upgrade to enter the professional market. I guess I need to make the leap to 4x5in format. What equipment would you recommend for a first time large format user? Size/weight is important, as I travel a great deal. Could I get away with just a medium format, or do architectural photo libraries really only prefer large format? Your help would be hugely appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_blackman1 Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 Edward,to be honest with you, you'd be better advised to go digital. It would seem that LF is only expected now at the very top end of the market. If you do decide to take the plunge, I'd advise a mono-rail, as they tend to offer more movements than a field camera. You will, of course, allso need to invest in Wide Angle lenses. I would stongly advise you to examine the market you intent to enter and see if you can find a friendly pro (probablu one who isn't in your proposed territory) and ask if you could act as an assistant for a while - you'll learn more that way than any other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_sampson Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 Get the book "Photographing Buildings Inside and Out" by Norman McGrath. It's a comprehensivelook at the field by an acknowledged master (and a former teacher of mine). Despite the post above, most architectural photography is still done with a view camera and film. A monorail camera will be the most useful, as architecture often requires lots of movements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oskar_ojala Posted January 28, 2004 Share Posted January 28, 2004 I used (and still use) a PC lens in 35 mm, then got into LF with a monorail with architecture as one of my primary goals and I really recommend getting a view camera, like the poster above noted. There is simply no comparison with 35 mm and LF, in part due to neg size, in part due to the flexibility afforded by the movements. Of course, LF does not necessarily replace 35 mm, since the latter has considerable mobility and costs/picture are low. An MF view camera might be an idea if you don't want to go up to 4x5", but in practice I think you should have the capability (and skill!) to use 4x5" if you're thinking about the professional market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_blackman1 Posted January 29, 2004 Share Posted January 29, 2004 Mark, I stand by my comment about digital, but add a caveat - I'm refering to the UK market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d_g Posted January 29, 2004 Share Posted January 29, 2004 today french market looks digital too, i should say nearly virtual ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne_crider4 Posted January 29, 2004 Share Posted January 29, 2004 What about Calumet's view camera converter for 35mm cameras. A little pricey from what I remember tho. You'll want something with a bag bellows and a wide lens 90mm or under. Arca Swiss are nice. Btw, there is an interesting thread over in the MF forum on commercial photography; You might want to read it first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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