scott_peters

Well, I am an AZO user, until it runs out of course....

 

I contact print 8 x 10 - There is a tonality to a contact print that can be overlooked, when there is so much emphasis on the 'sharpness'. I find tonality combined with detail to be very compelling. Also, how can an enlargment ever be as sharp as a contact print? (all else being equal?, but whatever...).

 

What I would not overlook, is that I prefer to shoot with an 8 x 10 glass over a 4 x 5 glass....I think I see better and create a better image knowing that it is a contact print. but ymmv. I will say that I have not used my 4 x 5 in years and constantly use my 8 x 10.

 

Contact printing is fun too.

Kerry, how much are they? And how do I go about ordering one? I am interested in several if they will fit my Phillips. How are they in bright sun? I have had 'problems' with other brands with light leaks in bright sunlight, if I don't shield it with my darkcloth....

Are they going to make film holders as well?

Landscape and portraits...210mm, or 180mm for sure as a starter and then I would GO longer. For compression and abstract in landscape. The last lens would be a 90mm, or wider. Caltar's are a great choice. Lot's of choices and don't overlook older, less expensive lenses.

Nikor 450mm or a 19" artar would be good choices. Both have good reps.

I owned a Tachihara for field work. It was fantastic. I purchased a 180mm Rodenstock used for very little (great all around lens). With 4x5 you can really work with an image (i.e enlarge it). I rarely felt too limited. While never a problem with rigidity, I did opt for a Arca Swiss Discovery (heavier for sure) but very nice to work with and fine with a 90mm. You can find used Discovery's too for less than $1,000. You will want a steady tripod and a good head. The spot meter is a must. You can't go wrong with either one. I bought the meter, 180 lens, Tachihara 4x5, ready load back, magnifier 4x, all for less than $1500. All items were used except the meter and magnifier. The camera was $450 - never had a problem with the bellows or rigidity. You do have to maybe double check the tightness of your knobs prior to loading the ready load - I don't know how many times I forgot to tighten everything and then the camera moved when I put the ready load in :(. Sometimes I even forgot to tighten the tripod....Oh well. I will tell you this, I love the 4x5 over my 35 and 120, for lots of reasons....and I believe it has made me a better photographer for sure. For me, I would recommend getting a great all around lens with great glass....Sheider and Rodenstock multi-coats are wonerful. I have purchased all used and have been really happy. Have fun.

I had drum scans done at roughly 200 to 300meg + files to enlarge to 30X40 and 40X50 -

turned out great. Your lab can assist you here based on your enlargement size desires. You can't really tell the diff between the 200meg and 300meg - customers have no idea.

I don't frame it. I have it mounted on gator - 1/2" and have it cold laminated with a matte or luster laminate - you don't need glass - heavy and reflective - and no expensive frame - it looks more contemporary - but allows landscapes to breathe. You can also wipe it with a damp cloth (carefully if need be) and / or easily dust it. It's also cheaper for my clients. Yes, the larger image unframed is less expensive than a smaller framed one. They usually go for the cooler looking larger image. I put a museum mount on the back - it's so light its the easiest thing in the world to hang. Go with black or grey edges on the gator.

Transendence. The sense of wonder. Fulfilled dreams are not fulfilled hopes. Attainments that are the envy of our world, possessions, careers, postions, etc. has deluded many into thinking these are the answers to fulfillment. Deep down there is a stronger longing..not mitigated by ones worldly success. GK Chesterton said that weariness does not come from being weary of pain, but from being weary of pleasure. We are eternal beings, travelers passing through. We are made for something else beyond the here and now. Landscape gives us a glimpse of that sense of wonder (who can look into the grand canyon and not be awestruck?), the realization that we were indeed made for something else. It's also very interesting that photographing a landscape is not just held in the beauty of the landscape itself, but also in our need to create, because we were formed in the image of the Creator. We fill two basic needs while photographing the landscape, the need to create while recapturing wonder.

I originally went with a used Tachihara and a Calter N 180mm, used film holders and inexpensive loupe. The meter was new, but got a good deal on it. The camera and lens were less than $800. So, you could pick up a couple of other great lenses, like a SA 90mm, which others have suggested...then perhaps a fuji 300mm tele, which would work on your field camera....then you would be pushing $2 bills. Definitely look used...there are some great lens buys out there.

Good luck.

 

PS I would look into readyloads as well. It's just plain easier in the field.

Don't miss the slot canyons in Page, Arizona - check out Jackson Bridges photography for awesome tours.

I have used both for 30X40 prints. Can't really tell the difference. But I can tell you that the drum vs. optical scanner used makes a difference, more so than the printer itself. You can see it in the detail overall and the detail in shadows.

 

Scott

Don't forget extra batteries for your meter :) and more film than you think you will need.

 

Have Fun.

 

Scott

You may want to try an inexpensive used Tachi - and go with a telephoto lens...with 4X5 you can work with the negative and enlarge and crop. I have gotten nice results with the Tachi. It really comes down to lens quality and the man behind the camera. You may find that you really like wide angle too. You can save some money on the camera and invest in another lens or two for that matter.

I have just completed the process of doing just this...pricing my work. I am an unknown landscape / abstract image photographer producing larger images (16 X 20 to 40 x 50's - color, digitally scanned and high quality light jet printed from 4 X 5 transparencies). I have an artist "net price" (not Internet) and recommended gallery pricing. Galleries will negotiate with you on price. I have not had much luck with galleries but am having nice success by word of mouth and interior designers. I am pricing my work at the artist net price plus a mark up. Here are some recommendations....it will depend upon your type of images and of course quality. 16 X 20 - $175 to $250; 20 X 24 $225 to $350. 30 X 40's can go from $600 on up - which I am told is too cheap for my work, but it is selling and it is not my main source of income. Remember you may be able to sell some of your images for more than others. I have also found that when I pull out my "ancient, historical, antique", 4 X 5 wood field camera and lens and show prospective customers what is involved in creating the image, it definitely helps sell images! They appreciate it as "art" more than simply "taking pictures". I also explain that the image is truly unique and cannot be recreated. Good luck and don't sell yourself short. A good barometer for whether you should consider selling your work is if people ask where you "got those images" (i.e where did you buy those?)and obviously if they ask if they are for sale:).

 

PS also consider "donating" a piece to a local charity event to build awareness and future sales.

I am considering a purchase of the FUJI 300mm telephoto for my 4x5

field camera. It is bellows restricted (12")and therefore only the

Tele will do. Any experience out there on quality of this lens? I am

leaning toward the 300mm vs. the 400mm. My other lens is a 180mm.

Thanks.

 

Scott