henry_stanley

For small setups shooting very shiny objects -- lots of highlights & reflections -- I use 3400 degree K. photofloods with an 80B filter (filter factor 1X -- open one stop). Works great for chromes and color negs. I've even screwed up and used 3200 K bulbs and 80B filter (200K off) with color neg film and the printer made the corrections automatically, no sweat.

 

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If you shoot a lot of Polaroids with strobes for the shiny stuff, all is good, but the floods make highlight and glint control so much easier. Also build tents with white full weight muslin, with the lights outside.

 

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Putting all the hot lights on one foot switch so you can turn them off and on with no hassle keeps temps and tempers down.

Right now, I'm planning on purchasing an M7 outfit. However I keep seeing references to the M7's apparent knack for getting its rangefinder out of adjustment. Is this very common...and if it does get out of line, is it easy to re-calibrate or is it a hassle to send it in? It does appear, over on the Mamiya Forum, that they profess to offer good, timely repair service.

Often on this and other sites, people have suggested trying LF ("why bother with MF?"). I have shot 35 and MF for years and now I have three projects requiring 4x5 format and/or a *moderate* amount of architechural perspective control.

 

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I have concluded that I could get my feet wet with a good quality Speed Graphic and a few good lenses, then upgrade to a more modern field or view camera later on. While I have much to learn about this format, I would like to obtain a selection of very good lenses that would work well with this camera as well as with the future camera.

 

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(1) Any comment on this approach? (2) I would be interested in your recommendations for 4x5 lenses in the W/A to short-tele area..."sharp lenses at good values." (I have an Ektar "normal" lens and am aware of its low-contrast shortcomings. Also I have a Super Angelon 90mm f9 (used). Your favorite lens recommendations please...

(3)As for the future camera (at reasonable cost and portability in mind), what would my next-step camera be (field or view, brand, etc.)

 

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As always, thanks for the comments and advice! ---Henry Stanley

Interesting. I basically asked the identical question over on photo.net forum. I'm following the same approah to getting into LF -- basic setup with a mint Speed Graphic (couldn't find a Super) and now beginning to build a nice set of lenses that will be of good quality with a better LF camera later. Will re-ask my question over here and would appreciate your comments. --henryStanley

I'm about to buy either a Mamiya TLR or a Pentax 67 for those times I need a larger format, but can't use the 4x5. Both are great, and I really like everything I have read here and in other locations about the Pentax 67. But I've also read SO MUCH about the P67 requiring a big tripod bean bags and MLU! So my question to you all -- who have been so helpful -- can I shoot handheld withour MLU in good light at shutter speeds (1/60+ etc) if I really have to, for print sizes not exceeding 16x20"?

 

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Also, is the prism viewer a necessity, or can I usu the WLF which I prefer? What other accessories are basic needs for this camera?

 

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Thanks guys! ---Henry