ian_whitehead1

There are times when I read this stuff to get a laugh..... this is one of those times!

 

Ian

Hello Adonis,

 

For me carrying two formats is out of the question, I have tried it and its just more weight and anytime I get a pic I want it to be the best possible so it's 4x5 for me full time. But that's just me! It really boils down to what your trying to do with YOUR photography.

 

Ian

It's like a nightmare!

 

One things for sure, you'll never make that mistake again! 300 dollars though! things could have been a whole lot worse. Is your 450 not focusing close enough for you, if so have SK Grimes build an extesion tube for you. They recently built one for me for an Ebony I bought so my 360 can focus to about ten feet.

Hey Lon,

 

I am using a 75 a 150 a 240 and a 355. But I think the idea of a 135

is better, it just seems there is quite a gap from 75mm to 150 that I don't use the 150mm much anymore. Also put a ebony in the mix of choices on your next camera, i just purchased a new rw45 and it is so sweet!!

 

Ian

Hi Todd,

 

As far as mounting goes it really matters what type of photo, inkjet,silver,gloss,matte etc etc.

Be very careful who does it. Most framing shops say they can mount photos but depending on gloss or paper type they cannot.They might use to much heat and that can ruin certain high gloss photos or they might use too much pressure in a vacuum press and that will add to the orange peel effect. I mount a lot of large high gloss photos and have found that Crescent Perfect Mount is the best board for me, you need two pairs of hands to do it.E-mail me if want more info.

 

Ian

Happy New Year to All

 

Anyone using a Slik 713 or 813 with a 4x5 have anything good or bad

to say about it. They are about a hundred bucks cheaper than the

Gitzo 1127. Are they rock solid or somewhat flimsy. I like the

weight....ounces count for backpacking seems as I get older every

couple of years I need to shave some weight off my equipment to get

the same distances.

 

Ian

Hi Steve,

 

For the most part it is over. There are a few pockets remaining but not much. Generally you need to be here around mid October for up canyon to early to mid November for down canyon.

 

Ian

 

www.ian-whitehead.com

Wow!

 

Ian

Hi Christopher,

 

I would agree with Dan. One surface was one thing but if I was doing the others it would probably not have been cost effective. The lens I have had a nice rear element that was clean and did not need any work. There is some risk involved of cracking while it is in the oven as they use quite a bit of heat to apply the coating. Never the less I took the risk that the owner told me about crossed my fingers and as far as I am concerned I now have a brand new Goerz 355 red dot artar with a new copal 3 installed which should be good for years to come. If you have something that is really valuable and worth the work between SK Grimes and Focal Point there is not much that cannot be done.

 

Ian

Hi Richard,

 

I have been there three time and its different each time. Be ready for a cold swim or wade in stagnant water. Also be careful of how you place your feet, the bottom cand narrow down and get tight and your feet can get wedged in, not bad but when you have gear overhead and the water is freezing its a little difficult.

 

Have fun,

 

Ian

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to let everyone know that Focal Point lens repair out

of Co. did a great job on a lens I had. It was a red dot artar 355

and had a lot of scratches in the coating I sent it to them and it

came back looking like a new piece of glass. They Polished off the

coating and re-coated the lens. It is not cheap and between that and

the Copal installation you'll spend a few bucks. You can make an

argument for buying new but its small and light and ounces count

when I am backpacking and that is why I went that way.

Happy Fall Color Shooting

Ian

I shoot 4x5 and I love it! The gear was not cheap but carefully selected equipment and lenses, I have four lenses now and I do not need any more, have lasted me five years now and probably will last another ten years. Thats about how long I think film is going to be around ..at least. I know guys that three years ago bought an expensive 6 meg slr from canon and two years later bought a seven thousand dollar 10 meg slr and now they have to think about getting that 16 meg mortgage your house special. I am becoming more and more thankful for just sticking with my 4x5 gear.

Ian

Those who visit art galleries to actually make a purchase would accept nothing else.

 

Ian

Hi Peter,

 

Have you taken any frame shooting at f16, 22, or 32?

 

Ian

If the camera will take a 75 I suggest using that. I have a 75 and the resulting pics are striking. You can always crop back to 90mm.

It really comes down to taste.It won,t be easy but what I would do is find some pics taken with both and see the effects of each. Money is always a factor but probably should not be the reason here for choosing or you may go for the 90 and then later end up buying the 75 because its what you really wanted, then how much have you saved.

Ian

If a photograph is boring then we have failed as the photographer. I have seen photographs of landscapes that have been photographed thousands of times but they cause the viewer to feel something that the others do not. What you shoot, is not important, if you connect with the viewer.... is.

I actually believe myself that film will most likely be around for a long time just maybe in more limited use.But on the other hand I also have heard that a lot of people that got started with digital are now venturing into film, maybe digital technology has just developed a curiosity for people to try film. Large formats may even increase in use in the near future. I just was intersted in what these people are saying. Thanks

Ian

Did anyone go to the LF conferance and hear what the film companies

had to say about the the outlook for film. I have heard some rumors

that everything is still pretty strong in large and medium format. I

would assume if Fuji is still developing films that they are not

seeing a reduction in sales. What is everyone's thoughts on this?

Ian

Hi Naveen,

You will want to hike to Kanapaiai Falls for a day hike. its two miles to the valley then two miles up the valley (very muddy) so for the day you will do 8 miles but it is absolutely spectacular. You can see a picture on my website www.ian-whitehead.com then go to portfolios and hawaii.

Have fun, Ian

Thanks all for the great info. I really did not know the shen hao needed the bag bellows for the 75mm, that is a factor. The differance in weight is a concern. The 355 I will be using is a Goerz not the heaviest and I would be fabricating an extension board for it and this lens will probably be the least used. Thank you.

I have been packing around a monorail 4x5 on backpack trips for

three years and its time to go to a folding wood camera. I have

somewhat narrowed down my choice to the tachihara or shen-hao. Has

anyone out there had a fairly good chance to really compare the two

for quality such as ridgitity etc or any other plus or minus type

comparisons. The bellows draw I am looking for would be for 75mm

through 240mm and also I am getting a 355mm , which I know I will

need a lens board extension for. Thanks Ian

Hi Gerry,

Its about 300 feet in length. there are ladders and it is tight in a couple of spots. I like the first half of the day for light. Start at about 8:30 am and go up and down getting the feel for choices at about ten until noon its very nice. If it has rained within a couple of days it can be muddy. I have a class there in April. Have Fun..Ian

www.ian-whitehead.com

The worse the weather the better!!

Bear Mountain is nice also.

 

www.ian-whitehead.com

Thanks Jason,

 

Mine is 809576, and I will try the 48mm.

 

Ian

I have recently aquired a Goerz Red Dot Artar 14 inch f9 lens that

seems to be a fairly late model by the serial number and there are

some threads on the front that may be just for the glass retainer or

could they be for filters and would anyone be familiar with the

size? They are a little smaller than the 49mm filter that I have for

my 150mm Rodenstock

Thanks, www.ian-whitehead.com

Ian