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jim_graves1

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Posts posted by jim_graves1

    View Camera Magazine

    in Large Format

    Posted

    <p><em><strong>"View Camera is an incredible publication. It serves the LF community well. It was View Camera Magazine that got my interest in 4x5 going. It was with the article about Chris Jordan in Seattle. I think that was back in 2003 or so. (Dave Luttman)</strong></em><strong>"</strong><br /> Dave ... yes it was in 7/8 of 2003 ... Chris does amazing things with mundane subjects. While his photos might not appeal to pure landscapists or portraitists, that article has certainly made me look a lot closer at ordinary scenes when I'm out and about with my camera. The photos in that article are amazing and they are: a downspout in an alley, a boxcar, a railroad car's knuckle coupling, and a time exposure of the Seattle Marathon. You have to see them to understand what is possible in LF color work. Without VC Magazine, I never would have seen them.<br /> <img src="http://home.comcast.net/~mary.j.graves/Chris%20Jordan%20Hitch%20web.jpg" alt="" /></p>

    View Camera Magazine

    in Large Format

    Posted

    <p> Well, I've subscribed to View Camera magazine for several years and look forward to each issue. I have also purchased copies of some earlier years for reading and reference. I just finished doing a contents list for my own use for the 2001-2005 years (see below.) While the list ends with issues from 5 years ago it is pretty representative of the usual magazine contents.</p>

    <p> After looking over the list of those 30 issues there are large format photos from over 140 <strong>different</strong> photographers ... so I'd expect there to be a wide variety of styles and tastes. There are also a large number of articles on alternative processes, lenses ... specifications and histories, cameras (including comparison articles), shutters, metering equipment & techniques, films and film testing, developers and darkroom equipment, digital sensing equipment, digital printers and work flow, and a whole lot more ... all of it directly related to large format photography ... the only publication that does that. </p>

    <p> It has been published for 21 consecutive years ... which is actually pretty amazing. Large format photography is a niche market and publication of any periodical is a huge undertaking ... not only do you put your heart, soul, and finances into the effort, your product is out there for every public comment ... many of them pretty brutal. If you wonder why there is only one large format magazine ... try publishing one.</p>

    <p> I think the test should be: Does View Camera magazine benefit the large format community? If it does, and I can learn something from it or be inspired to get off the computer and actually take and print some photographs, then it deserves my support. I'm not saying, in any way, that View Camera should be above constructive criticism ... I'm just saying the criticism should be constructive and consider the WHOLE picture (pun intended.)</p>

    <p> If you'd like to review my list of contents from 1/2001 through 12/2005 to see just how much material and whose photos have been published, it is located at the URL address below: (You'll have to cut and paste it into the URL box. I couldn't get the link button to work in the response box ... and you'll need Word or something compatible with Word to read it):<br>

    <strong>http://home.comcast.net/~mary.j.graves/VC Magazine Contents.doc </strong></p>

    <p> </p>

    Just bought a Speed Graphic

    in Large Format

    Posted

    <p>Jay ... you can check the condition of the focal plane shutter (the curtain in the back of the camera) by removing the graflock back (push in on the silver arms at the top and bottom of the back and slide it to the right to remove) ... if the shutter is not at 0 in the little window on the side, trip the shutter(not the one on the lens ... the one on the body) until it gets there ... and the back should be completely open with you looking through the bellows to the back of the lens. Now twist the knob and watch the shutter curtain advance past the 3 or 4 curtain openings (they get narrower as you go) ... when you reach the end, you can trip the shutter and watch the curtain move by ... one trip of the shutter for each slit in the curtain. NOTE: the camera should always be put away with the windows showing O (for Open) or T (Time) and the numeral 1 in the other window ... this helps save the spring.)</p>

    <p> Also, you're missing the leather, belt-like handle ... it threads through the silver mounts on the side. A poster on the Large Format Forum (great resource) recently suggested using a double velcro strip for this ... easily removable when you want to use the tripod mounting hole that usually lies under the belt handle.</p>

    <p> The 127mm Ektar is a very nice and sharp lens but is a little short for 4x5 ... it does cover corner to corner. It was realy intended for the 3x4 Graphic. The press guys really liked using it on their 4x5s because it was wider, had slightly greater depth of field than the longer lenses for typical shots and was very sharp ... and they normally didn't use movements so the slim coverage wasn't an issue for them.</p>

    <p> The advantage of the Kalart rangefinder you have on this version is that it can be manually reset to different focal length lenses without having to buy (and keep from losing) the cams that are required on the later rangefinders.</p>

     

    View Camera Magazine

    in Large Format

    Posted

    <p> Well, let's see ... they're in their 22d year of publication, Steve Simmons is still giving workshops all over the west, he just juried a really nice show in New Orleans ... and the latest issue was excellent. <br>

    There's always a few naysayers ... but it's all large format, it's nicely done, and continues to survive in one of the toughest businesses going. I look forward to each issue.</p>

    Feisol Tripod Recommendation

    in Large Format

    Posted

    <p>I use the 3441 with the Feisol CB-30 ballhead for 4x5 when I'm backpacking or walking any distance. Incredibly light and, because it has 4 segments ... very small when folded. My camera is a Gowland Pocket View which is considerably light than a Tachihara but I've also used Crown and Speed Graphics and even a wood whole plate camera on the same set-up ... it works fine for the Crown but the heavier Speed and Whole Plate are pushing it's limits .. it works but it is not exactly ideal ... but the weight savings makes it easier to put up with the compromises. [i use the much more robust Feisol 3472 for whole plate and 8x10 field cameras and love it also.]</p>

    <p>The 3441 tripod is plenty sturdy for 4x5 for virtually all shooting ... especially with the center hook holding my day pack. If I were to do it over again I'd get the same tripod but move up a little in size for the ball head.</p>

    <p>The 3301 Sheldon mentioned above that is for sale is a heck of a deal ... as long as the extra folded length works for your packing gear. And, it would likely be a little more rigid than the 3441 because it has one less extension.</p>

    Galvin 4x5

    in Large Format

    Posted

    <p> Hi, Nancy ... I own 2 Gowland 4x5 cameras which, has been noted above, are somewhat similar to the Galvins ... but more common. I consider mine, with 3 lens boards to be worth around $275-375 at auction depending on who is bidding. I think the Galvin is worth more simply because it is harder to find. Because it is so scarce, I think it will be hard to pick an accurate value ... but if I was going to make a wild guess, I'd say the camera, by itself, is worth $300-400 and with the five lensboards should go for $375-525 ... and possibly even more because of the scarcity. </p>

    <p> One piece of advice, if you do decide to break up the set, is to keep at least 2 regular lens boards to sell with the camera. Because the camera is scarce, some buyers might avoid it if they thought they were going to have to search for rare lens boards.</p>

    <p> If you look on ebay right now ... at the completed auction section when you search Galvin ... there are 3 lensboards and the special 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 back that allows a roll film back to be used (this is probably what you have ... but check the photos on the auction) that have recently sold. The regular lens boards went for $40-60 each, a recessed lens board went for $145, and the back went for $75. NOTE: It is hard to find these as ebay keeps trying to change your search to Calvin ... when you get your initial search results, look for: "0 results found for Galvin, so we searched for calvin. [Return to original search]" ... click on the "Return to original search" ... and then click on the "completed listings" box on the left hand side ... and the 4 auctions of Galvin items should pop up.</p>

     

    <strong></strong> Good luck<br />

     

    Gundlach 4 x 5

    in Large Format

    Posted

    <p> Another advantage of the Gundlach as a starter is that until you start shooting you won't know for sure that LF is for you, how you want to shoot, etc., etc The Gundlach will let you sort all that out ... AND you can always (if you're careful with it) get back what you paid for it ... and then get what you want.</p>

    <p> Or, as I found out after 4 years ... I still use my 4x5 bargain camera and have added a whole plate bargain camera and an 8x10 bargain camera ... something I couldn't have afforded to do if I'd spent a bundle on a new 4x5 ... now I'm really having fun!</p>

    Petzval lenses

    in Large Format

    Posted

    <p> Petzval lenses are a bit tricky. For one thing, they are VERY rarely found in shutters ... only barrels. Many people shoot them on Speed Graphics (focal plane shutter), or with Packard shutters, or similar. Don't know where you're located but there is a great workshop in Tonapah, NV in November with one of the few petzval experts ... Jim Galli (workshop is being co-hosted by Per Volquartz and will be a GOOD one ... especially for anyone interested in older lenses.)<br>

    Here's a good discussion for someone considering a petzval: <a href="http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=23184&highlight=petzval" target="_blank">Link to thread</a><br>

    And here's a good link to petzval photos with lots of examples: <a href="http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=25483&highlight=petzval" target="_blank">Link to photos</a></p>

    <p> </p>

    Tachihara 4x5 and Linhof lenses

    in Large Format

    Posted

    <p> Ahhh ... I missed that earlier thread. The funny thing is ... I have both lenses ... a 90 mm Angulon and a 90 mm Super Angulon. I use the Angulon far more just because of the portability and the way I shoot. Not for everybody, no doubt, but acceptable for me.</p>

    <p> And, I've always enjoyed Bob's posts ... here and on the LargeFormatPhotography.info forum. A lot of excellent information, freely shared ... I appreciate that.</p>

    Tachihara 4x5 and Linhof lenses

    in Large Format

    Posted

    <p>We're not really talking different things ... I agree with virtually everything you've posted. I merely thought the initial response left the impression that the lens will not cover a 4x5 negative. It does.</p>

    <p>I cited to Thalmann's page because he has actually tested 5 different 90mm Angulons for coverage and resolution and recommends it as a very compact lightweight 4x5 field lens with acknowledged but acceptable (in his opinion ... and mine) limitations.</p>

    <p>And, as you said, "it depends on what level of quality you are willing to accept." I have, what I consider at least, "acceptable" quality 11x14 prints from 4x5 negatives taken with my 90mm Angulon.</p>

     

    Tachihara 4x5 and Linhof lenses

    in Large Format

    Posted

    <p>The SCHNEIDER KREUZNACH Angulon 1:6.8/90 (Compur Shutter ) does cover 4x5 ... even wide open. It does not cover it by much ... so movements are very restricted and corner detail is limited somewhat. I have the exact same lens/shutter combination and it is my standard 90mm for 4x5 for backpacking because of its small size and light weight.<br /> Here is a link to a lens chart that includes coverage information: http://www.allenrumme.com/lensdb/Wide%20Angle.html<br /> <code></code> <code><br /> </code></p>

    Thornton Pickard

    in Large Format

    Posted

    <p> Greg ... I'm assuming from your post that your camera is a half-plate. There would probably have been a number of options for original lenses ... and those would have changed over the years.<br>

    Here's a link to a lens database. If you click on the "General Use" hyperlink and scroll down to Beck Symmetrical you'll find an 8-9" focal length listing which, according to the chart, will cover half-plate when focused wide open (f/8 in this case)<br>

    http://www.allenrumme.com/lensdb/DBIntro-1.html<br>

    I believe TP may have also used Ross lenses and Ross' half-plate lenses were in the 7"- 8" range. If you scroll down the listings looking for lenses from different manufacturers that match your plate size, you'll get a pretty good idea of the normal range of FLs.</p>

    Chamonix and Beginner Questions

    in Large Format

    Posted

    <p>Marvin ... if you haven't already, check out the Large Format Forum:<br>

    http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/<br>

    Great place for information, advice and used equipment. Safer place to buy lenses than ebay because they're being sold almost exclusively by LF photographers who are familiar with the equipment and can accurately describe condition and features.<br>

    As for a 1st lens ... depends a lot on what you're going to shoot and how you see. If you're experienced in another format, I'd suggest taking your favorite lens and getting the same ratio in your fist LF lens ... then you can move in or out from there. If you're in a large community you can even rent LF lenses ... great way to evaluate.<br>

    Also, check for a photography group in your area to hook up with some other LF shooters ... nothing helps more in evaluating gear than getting to see it first hand and talk to the user.</p>

     

    What size is 10x8 ?

    in Large Format

    Posted

    <p> Well ... after Nick's note above ... I took the "10x8" negative out of the plastic sleeve to measure (I didn't do that yesterday) .... and sure enough ... it's 9 15/16 x 7 15/16 just like he says. Doh!!</p>
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