alec

We're still on for tomorrow. Hope to see a lot of you!

 

--A

Attention LFers - we're doing another Central Park meetup this upcoming

Saturday. We'll be meeting at the Bethesda Fountain at 9:00am and again (for

those coming from longer distances) at 11:00am. Rain date will be August 5.

I'll post last minute updates / changes here, on the LF forum, on APUG, and on

the Northeast LF Mailing list.

 

Cheers!

--A<div></div>

Absolutely you can! Just keep in mind that LFers aren't quite as quick as other-format photographers.

 

That reminds me....if you're even interested in learning about large format you'd probably have a good time and you'd get to see a lot of different equipment.

 

--A

An update: We're still on for this weekend. The deal is that we are going

WITHOUT a permit. It seems that the city and Central Park Conservancy does not

issue photo permits for the weekend. I was told, "We don't permit any

filming/photography on weekends (this is because the Park is much busier and

there are always events happening throughout the Park)."

 

"...however, I would suggest coming into the Park without an official permit. We

don't require individuals (non-professionals) to apply for permits if they come

in with a simple tripod set-up."

 

I'm bringing a copy of that email with me.

 

We'll be meeting at 9:00AM at the Bethesda Fountain, and we'll meet up again

(for those traveling from outside the city) at 11:00AM at the Bow Bridge.

 

Per the email from the CPC fellow, the rules for shooting in the park are

simple: Be sure to keep all equipment on paved pathways and do not block any

area of the

Park.

 

Weather forecast for Saturday (thus far, which means little) is Partly cloudy.

Highs in the low 30s and lows in the low 20s. The day before it's supposed to be

in the low 40s, so we'll see. If the weather is truly miserable we'll postpone

until Feb 10. (I'll post updates here the night before) Look forward to seeing

you all!

 

Cheers!

--A

An update: We're still on for this weekend. The deal is that we are going without a permit. It seems that the city and Central Park Conservancy does not issue photo permits for the weekend. I was told, "We don't permit any filming/photography on weekends (this is because the Park is much busier and there are always events happening throughout the Park)."

 

"...however, I would suggest coming into the Park without an official permit. We don't require individuals (non-professionals) to apply for permits if they come in with a simple tripod set-up."

 

I'm bringing a copy of that email with me.

 

We'll be meeting at 9:00AM at the Bethesda Fountain, and we'll meet up again (for those traveling from outside the city) at 11:00AM at the Bow Bridge.

 

Per the email from the CPC fellow, the rules for shooting in the park are simple: Be sure to keep all equipment on paved pathways and do not block any area of the

Park.

 

Weather forecast for Saturday (thus far, which means little) is Partly cloudy. Highs in the low 30s and lows in the low 20s. The day before it's supposed to be in the low 40s, so we'll see. If the weather is truly miserable we'll postpone until Feb 10. (I'll post updates here the night before) Look forward to seeing you all!

 

Cheers!

--A

Ruddy (and model) / Josh: Look forward to seeing you both. Josh, if we get as good a turnout as I hope, you'll find a lot of really knowledgeable people that would love to show you their equipment and answer your questions.

 

Cheers!

--A

Hey Guys,<p>

 

A few of us are planning a large format group shoot in Central Park on February

3. Anyone can show up with any camera, but non Large Format photographers should

keep in mind that the LF folks cover a lot less ground in a lot less time.<p>

 

At this point we're just beginning the conversation about how this will work.

Thus far it has been suggested that we meet up at the boathouse (warm, has

coffee) and then go out and shoot.<p>

 

It would be fun if a few people are willing to let others try out their camera,

since renting various cameras can be expensive and there's nobody in the field

to show you how they work. Just an idea. If people are interested in that I'm

thinking it would be helpful to know ahead of time. If there was a model I was

particularly keen to try I'd rent some film holders in that format and load them

up before I went. I for one would be willing to let people have a go with my

11x14 Wisner. I only have five film holders for the day, so if you actually

wanted to shoot some film with it you'd need to dig up a holder. (on second

thought, if someone has a large changing tent that might do as well...)<p>

 

Anyway, if you're interested feel free to respond to this post or sign up for

the Northeast LF Event Mailing List I started by going here:

<a

href="http://alec.com/mailman/listinfo/northeastlf_alec.com">http://alec.com/mailman/listinfo/northeastlf_alec.com</a>

<p>

Your email should be secure, and I don't sell addresses!<p>

 

Cheers!<br>

--A

Went to their site, looks great... Thank you!!

Hey! Changed jobs (used to be pretty near the photo district) and now I need a

good place near 6th Ave & 45th St that does dip & dunk processing. I'm right

near ICP, but they don't develop film for you. Have 120 Color Neg film.

Suggestions appreciated!

 

--A

 

PS: Yeah, I could hop the subway and go somewhere else, but that becomes a real

PITA on a weekly basis!

Trying to get some Northeast people together to hang out or shoot photos.

Decided to create a mailing list, as this will be more efficient for all of us

rather than checking 4+ message boards each day. Info + original post to the

largeformatphotography.info forum below:<p>

 

<b>Re: East Coast LF Group - maybe it can work this time</b><br>

Taking this concept to the next level. I've created a mailing list on my site

that people in the area can subscribe to. I'm new to creating one of these, so

please forgive me if it's configured badly...<p>

 

<a

href="http://alec.com/mailman/listinfo/northeastlf_alec.com">http://alec.com/mailman/listinfo/northeastlf_alec.com</a><p>

 

Cheers!<br>

--A<p>

 

Please feel free to spread this around to other places.

Jim, your site is really REALLY cool, and opened my eyes to older lenses. I've found a few on the bay which were kinda neat, but still not exactly $65. Whare are you finding those $65 lenses?! Flea market? =)

 

I'm torn between the 355 G-Claron and the 360 Symmar S. I've heard great things about both, but have two negative comments about the G-Claron: Flare problems and poor background blur. The latter problem is somewhat subjective. The only negatives I've heard about the Symmar S is size & weight. Both are a consideration, but not a technical problem with the lens.

 

The other interesting factoid is that the 360 Symmar S lenses appear to abound, while I've only found a couple G-Clarons out there. Could either be that people like the G-Claron lenses, or perhaps there were too many Symmar S lenses produced.

 

Still on the fence. My camera is gonna be in the shop for a little while longer, so I have time to think it through.

 

--A

This is my lens, for sure. Just need to find a source. I've found a few new ones, but I think I can do better on the used market. Just missed one on E*ay that went for under $600 with a Copal shutter. Thanks all for your help!

Clay,

 

Interesting you mention the 355 G-Claron. This would have been my first choice, outside of coverage. The data I found on this says it has a 444mm image circle at f22, which doesn't provide much (if any) movement on 11x14. Does this fall under the category of Schneider understating it's coverage? I've heard they do that often. If so, can you tell me what kind of image circle I can expect from this lens? Would I need a center filter to compensate for light falloff?

 

Thanks!

--A

Thanks Guys. Pico, I'm looking to do some landscape photography (indeed, little movement needed for that) and some architectual photography, mainly of buildings here in NYC. I need a lot of movements for the latter. Even if I could get by with something fairly wide, I want the added comfort of being able to compensate for more difficult shots.

 

The Schneider 550mm Fine Art lens fits the bill, except for pesky requirement #2. =(

 

--A

I'm not all that worried about focal length, really. That's why it's #6 on the list. Anything over 600mm starts getting a bit narrow for my taste for 11x14. If I had it my way I'd Like something around 300-350mm, but I'm keeping an open mind about it.

Hi there,<p>

 

Looking for a lens for my newly acquired 11x14 field camera. Here are my

requirements in order of priority:<p>

 

1) Must cover 11x14 with good room for movement. I'd like an image circle of at

least 600mm wide open.<br>

2) Under $2000<br>

3) Can take a standard size filer, such as 77mm or so.<br>

4) Has a shutter. If no shutter, shutter can be purchased and installed & the

whole thing still meets requirement #2.<br>

5) Lens is coated<br>

6) As wide a lens as possible given the above requirements<br>

7) Light weight<p>

 

Any ideas?<p>

 

Thanks!<br>

--A

Dunno if anyone is still reading this post, but have a gander at this.... The 550 XXL was listed on B&H not that long ago for something like $7200. Found this post saying it's priced (somewhere) at $4995. Badger Graphic has it listed today for $5495. B&H's price (today) is now $9129!!!!! What the hell is going on with pricing here?!

 

--A

Fair enough; thanks guys. It's nicer to know that going in than it is to learn that after a purchase. Richard Ritter appears to be highly esteemed on this board, so I might also touch base with him before purchasing.

 

Thanks again, this was very helpful!

 

--A

Hi! Was toying with the idea of buying a used ULF (bigger than 8x10) Wisner

camera that I heard about. Yes, I've read the posts here about Wisner and I

understand that things (parts, repairs, etc.) may take forever. I'm willing to

take that risk because I think the cameras they make are outstanding. So please

put that aside for a second.<br><br>

 

What I'm curious about is the future of Wisner. I'm "younger" and have every

plan to use a camera like this for life. Does anyone know if there is a "backup

plan" should Ron Wisner decide to retire? I'd call and ask, but it would be a

bit awkward question: "Hi, Mr. Wisner. I don't actually own any of your cameras

yet, but before I do I'd like to discuss your retirement plans." Or, "Hi Mr.

Wisner...when you say 'Lifetime Warranty' would you be referring to my lifetime

or yours?" That's not exactly the way I want to start off a relationship.<br><br>

 

So if anyone out there knows anything about the future of the Wisner Company,

I'd be much obliged if you'd let me know.<br><br>

 

Thanks!<br>

--A

LOL, John! My wife is very good about helping me out, usually out of pity. (and that's with my current medium format system) But what you describe brings back images of the good old days of the early 20th century when the Brits had the locals carry their furniture into the jungle. Who needs a lapdesk when you can have you're regular desk/armoire transported into the forest? Sadly, those days were well before my time. The photos of such expeditions always make me laugh, though.<br><br>

 

I'm in NYC, so my "local camera stores" are pretty cleaned out of any deals on older systems, and the "dark corner" is usually hopping. But I'll keep my eye out when we leave the metropolis.<br><br>

 

Cheers!<br>

--A

Thanks everyone, your responses were very helpful. I guess Michael Briggs summed it up when he said, "The LF market doesn't seem large enough to support a retailer that stocks new cameras from all of the makers." Nonetheless, the places you pointed me to look great and I'll check them out.<br><br>

 

Alan, I appreciate your comments on the differences (or lack thereof) between many models. I realize there are many cameras out there that are gorgeous, yet offer the same amount of movements as less expensive versions. I'm looking for a field camera (hemming and hawing over size), and weight is a big deal. Yet I still want the camera to have some rear movements as well. I'll try very hard to keep your comments in mind whilst shopping. It will be difficult!<br><br>

 

In the meantime, I'll dig up some view camera magazines (LOL, or read them in the Newsstands) and see what I can find there. Thanks again for your thoughtful responses! I'll keep checking back if anyone thinks of or finds another place.<br><br>

 

Cheers!<br>

--A

Hi Folks,<br><br>

 

I've been oogleing over large format cameras for some time now, and have been

doing a lot of reading about them. Yet when it comes to comparing prices and

features the internet appears to stop short...the only place I can see them and

read about them is eBay, which is not really a comprehensive source of all

models. B&H and Adorama have the typical Wistas & Horsemans, but I can't seem

to find any place that sells all kinds of models from Shen Hao to Zone VI to

Wisner to Phillips. I'm particularly interested in the Phillips; I've read some

wonderful things about them yet can't seem to price them/see them anywhere.

Wisner has an informative sight but I've read that if they don't have one in

hand to sell you then don't bother. Should I be looking in large format

magazines?<br><br>

 

Your help is much appreciated.<br><br>

 

Sincerely,<br>

Alec Simonson

Wanted to thank you all for your advice. I developed three rolls of film tonight without incident. The two bath developer (at five minutes per bath) worked like a charm. Bath 1 was the NH-5 fixer and bath 2 was Photo Formulary's TF-4 fixer. I haven't tried cutting off the film leader (risky business with 120) but I WILL try it on some rolls of film of less importance. To make sure that bath 1 was still good, I added a little undiluted fixer to it after each use.

 

Really thrilled to have some good negs come out of the bath again -- thanks again everyone!

 

--A

Thanks, guys, I'm sold on the two bath fixer thing. I'm going to get some TF-4 tonight because it seems to do the trick better (never had this problem with TF-4).

 

Larry, you say you use the film leader as a test. So do you trim off the film leader post-development / pre-fixer? I'm working in a not-so-light-tight bathroom and I'd be worried about pulling the film out of the light-tight container to do such a test.

 

Does anyone know of any problems I might have of using the NH-5 fixer for bath #1 and the TF-4 for bath #2? I'd hate to toss the rest of my NH-5, but I'll do it if necessary.

 

Thanks again, this is really helpful. From looking at that article it seems as though my fixing time was too short as well.

 

--A

Fair enough, I will give that a try. Typically, how many rolls of 120 film can you get out of 500ml of (1:4 seems standard) rapid fixer?

 

Thanks guys. Test #2 will be tonight with some new fixer I made this AM...

 

--A