lloyd_lim

For me, the problem is bulk..

Try carrying 3 boxes of readyloads (60 sheets) - they are really bulky.

 

and then look at a 50 sheet box of Tmax :):)

 

I decided to give grafmatics a try because of the bulk, and so far, carrying 2 grafmatics + changing bag has worked for me, since I seldom shoot more than 12 in a day.

Bill,

 

Dan's calculations are correct...if you want a 12x enlargement and you want it to be critically sharp at 6-8 lp/mm then it stands to reason that you must start with at least 72-96 lp/mm (ignoring lossess from enlargement etc). That is mathematics. There are no 4x5 lenses that can reach 96 lp/mm from center to corner in real life, given that we usually shoot at f22 or so..

unless the photographer is always shooting at f11 and below, and still getting the depth of field needed for the shot. How realistic is this scenario then, in real life shooting?

 

having said that, it is possible to get sharp prints at 40x60", but this means that it would not be at the 6-8 lp/mm resolution asked for. How much resolution is perceived depends on the image, but it will never be at 6-8 lp/mm, hence, never at the level of "critically sharp" that is asked for.

 

The question is : what resolution and photography process will meet the needs of the original poster, given the limitations of current technology?

 

(and yes, it sure smells like a troll :)

I use a Canon Powershot A70 (A60 too) together with either a Crown Graphic or Arca Swiss. The A70 is just a lightmeter and viewing card combo that I use to preview compositions and exposure :). It is the smallest and cheapest digital camera that I found which has manual exposure capability.

I have a Lowepro Photo Trekker AW (The original version).

When using the crown graphic with 3 small lenses, I have no problem with fitting everything in, including the Gitzo 1126 and Arca Swiss ballhead.

I also carry 1 box of quickloads with the holder in the front compartment (This has changed with the new phototrekker as there is now a tripod holder)

 

As the compartments are adjustable, you should have no problems fitting a speed graphic in.

 

My problem:

1. The harness does not fit me very well. I can only carry it for like 1 hour or so. Your experience might vary :)

2. In my case, I bought this only as an airplane carry on, hence there were very few tripods that could fit inside the bag and not hang outside. This limits the size of tripods that can be carried for me.

I use a Digitar 120 on my Crown graphic, sometimes handheld with the rangefinder and other times with the ground glass.

Good points - very very high resolution even on 4x5 (f11 or so)

 

Bad points - not much movements. However, for my style of shooting, I tend not to use much of them anyway.

 

my own $0.02 - If you are shooting landscapes where there is not much front movement (e.g. just a few degrees of front tilt) the 120mm is a superb lens. If your shooting style uses a lot of movements, you might look at the super symmars XL. To be honest, most color films cannot even record above 60-80lpmm. In that case, you might be better off getting a lens with a larger image circle.

 

 

There have been other posts about this.

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0035Cj

 

sample image posted by others:

http://www.photo.net/bboard/big-image?bboard_upload_id=10711184

There is one advantage - you do not need to swap out a ground glass for focusing..can just focus right on the Pentax and take a photo right away.

 

Disadvantage - no real wide angles (55mm/4.5 Grandagon cannot clear the mirror) and the P67 Mirror and shutter are prone to cause vibration, so the 4x5 rear standard has to be very firm.

If you need it to be carry on, then how about your tripod? In theory it should fit inside the bag to be carry on...unless you are checking in your tripod.

 

I have the Photo Trekker AW (Original version) and it is exactly the size for carry on (if you do not fit anything into the front pockets.)

 

The PT AW II has a tripod holder and if you use larger tripods, then it will definitely not fit "Carry on" size.

I have used a Pentax 67 with a Gitzo table top tripod and a Arca Swiss B1, with Mirror Lock up and no wind and Fuji NPH film, the pictures do come up sharp... :(

 

I think the issue is with the kind of photos which YOU want to shoot, and if you always need f16 or so, with Velvia, then your choices are a bit limited...

 

Lloyd.

As most of the respondents have said - it really depends on what kind of photos you want to take.

 

Monorails have a lot of movements and are easier to use (without esoteric ways to adjust front tilt etc) but are not very portable, unless you are willing to pay big bucks for Toho or other big names.

Hence, they are easy to use in the studio but not when backpacking.

 

Flatbeds are portable, but are really not easy to use for extreme movements. As landscapes usually do not need much movements, flatbeds are ideal.

 

A good solution would be to get both a monorail and a flat-bed camera and an adapter board that allows lenses to be used on both.

 

As stated above, a GV/GV II would be a good monorail and a Speed/Crown/Super Graphic would be a cheap flat-bed if you are ok with the limited movements. Adapters for GV and Speed Graphics are usually available at that auction site.

 

After all, the most important part is the lens, not the camera - spend your money on them :)

You can always get a 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 speed/crown graphic and a 6x7 or 6x9 back.

By using the rangefinder (assuming it is not spoilt), you can get photos without focusing on the ground glass. Unfortunately, the rangefinder needs cams or calibration for different lenses and the wider lenses are really expensive, unless you don't mind older lenses like the Super-Angulon 65mm/8

 

This may be a lower cost option for you compared to buying a new outfit.

If you are scanning the film, it may be a good thing that the negative is a bit thin. This is because most affordable scanners do not gave great Dmax and hence cannot "see" into the darker areas :)

Gitzo 1126 and a hook on the center column. I've also used a Gitzo 0011 with a waist level finder :)

I would say the easiest way would be to place in Eb**, start at like $40 or so and let the bidding start :) That way, it is up to the buyer to offer you a good price for it.

There is a used AS 6x9 for sale in Singapore at one of the used camera shops (Camera Workshop)

 

I saw this about 8 months ago and it has not been sold yet (as of 1 week ago). Based on my (5 minutes) experience, this 6x9 has very loose focusing knobs and a short rail (not telescoping).

I was interested in it then to complement my AS 4x5 F-Classic.

 

The price when I asked about it was $2250 singapore dollars (About $1270 US dollars)

Tim,

 

I have a F Classic which I bought from Ebay at $1300 together with a rodenstock 135/

5.6 This was a real great deal, and when it came with bent focusing axles due to

shipping problems, Arca Swiss was kind enough to send me replacements for free.

They do stand behind their product :)

 

I would suggest trying it out with the lenses you use. Each photographer has different

priorities, so you may prefer something lighter or with more extensible all-in-one

bellows.

 

the lensboards are quite big so you should get an adapter to reduce the size and

weight.

 

For me, this is the best compromise for weight, bulk and stability. BTW, I usually use

the leather wide angle bellows due to the range of lenses I have.

I hope you are not using a Graflex back - as that may not work with the Ready Loads /Quick Loads. That said, I use the latest Kodak Single Sheet Loader on my Crown Graphic (Grafloc Back), however, the grafloc tabs are not locking tightly and there is movement with the holder. I have to use the kodak holder with the spring back/ground glass on my crown graphic. (There goes my lightweight-handheld dream, by about 300g :)

David,

 

There are 2 main stores that sell LF equipment:

Both are at the area around Peninsula Plaza,

1. Cathay Photo

2. Ruby Photo.

 

LF Equipment:

1. Cathay is the distributor for horseman, linhof, rodenstock, arca swiss.

2. Ruby can order Calumet stuff for you.

 

Film:

So far, I've only managed to get Provia F Quickload and EPP Readyload from Cathay - the supply is limited as the market for LF photographers here is small.

 

Ruby had some Tmax Readyload a while ago, but I'm not sure if there is still any stock left.

 

Even for 4x5 sheet film, I've only managed to find EPP, Provia, Tmax 100, EPT and Fuji 64T.

 

As for polaroids - no T55 :(

 

So far, I've been ordering from BHPhoto and BadgerGraphic when I need Quickloads/Readyloads

 

Send me a mail if you need more info :)

I just went to the Esplanade with my Arca swiss 45.

Here is what happened:

 

I set up my tripod (Gitzo 410) and got ready to take the shot at the main entrance.

A policeman came by and asked what I was doing.

Once I explained that I was taking a photo, he was ok with the explanation and told me to go ahead.

 

Later, I went inside, the same policeman approached me and advised me not to take any photos inside with the tripod.

 

So I see that there were no problems with taking photos of the exterior.

 

So I would say this: I do not see the restrictions as overly restrictive - rather, this seems to be just like a lot of other countries.

As photographers, we just have to be polite and follow the rules that the management of a property has decided upon, and write ahead if we want to be exempted from the rules.

James,

 

I have been living in Singapore for the last 20+ years and also in the US for 1 year.

 

I have been taking photographs in Singapore for at least 10+ years and for the last 2 years with a large format camera. I have never been stopped while taking photos.

 

To clarify, there are certain places in Singapore, for example, CHIJMES, where using a tripod or "Professional" cameras would incur extra permits and fees. These places are considered private, hence, usage of these premises would be under the conditions that the management of the building sets.

 

I guess a good solution would be to lug my Arca Swiss 45 down to the Esplanade with the largest tripod I have :)

 

I'll post an update after I've done this...

Brad,

 

A Compur 00 shutter on the 90mm SA has a smaller diameter than a Copal 0. So if you get a copal 0 board - the board will be too big!

I think mpex is still selling compur 00 boards (they call it a pilot hole, IIRC)

 

I use the center of a floppy disk because

A) I'm cheap!

B) I'm currently in Singapore and it is a hassle to get some stuff shipped from the US.

C) It works well for me :)

I'm 31. Been using 4x5 for about 3 years now, 6x7 for about 8 years and 35mm for 20 years :)

And I'm currently in Singapore, where using a large format camera gets a lot of stares!

I think that Paul has shown great vision in his photography.

Yes, there may be others who would prefer outlandish colors, and who are we to argue with them, after all, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"?

 

I stand by my personal opinion - Paul, Great work! Keep on inspiring me!

To answer your questions:

 

1. The big old element will fit into the camera, however, you cannot close the crown graphic. On the other hand, the front standard would be quite close to the end of the rails that run on the bed when focusing the 90mm at infinity. (I hope you get what I mean)

A shorter lens would have problems with the bed showing.

 

2. I have the SA90mm and I'm using it on both the Crown Graphic and a Arca Swiss F. The compur 00 shutter is a bit of a problem, but I have mounted like this:

 

a. Find an old 1.44 Diskette that you are willing to trash.

b. Tear the back of the diskette away. You will have 1 sheet of plastic with a hole in the middle and a slot for the magentic head.

c. Cut about 1/2" around the middle hole.

d. This would be your adapter for Compur 00 to Copal 0.

 

Alternatively, you can buy a crown graphic 00 board (I think it is referred to as a pilot hole)

 

3. There are 3 types of holes I have heard about - a Copal 0, Copal 1 and a pilot hole (which should fit a compur 00) unfortunately, I do have this.

 

4. Use a dark cloth...so far, my experience with it has been positive, even in low light after sunset.

 

I find it to be a great lens, even single coated, as the sharpness and color rival my newer Rodenstock Apo-Sironar-N 135/5.6

Wijaya,

 

I have not found any Toyo stores in Singapore, but I have ordered from www.badgergraphic.com in the past and they have been excellent, unfortunately the exchange rate is not your best friend right now :(

 

As for LF camera stores, it is basically Cathay Photo for Horseman,Arca Swiss,Linhof,rodenstock lenses, Ruby Photo across the road has cambo/calumet, and Prima Studio for schneider lenses.

That kind of sums up the sorry state of LF photography in Singapore...

I have the Kodak single sheet readyload holder and I've been using both Fuji and Kodak films in it with no problems. Velvia, Astia, EPP, etc.