dan_brittain

I just bought my first 4x5 and will hopefully take my first photos

this weekend. I will not have a darkroom set up until later this

year so I will have to rely on my local pro lab. I have used them

for 35mm and MF stuff so I am comfotable with them. My questions is

how should I take my negatives in the be processed? In the holder?

I only have two right now so that would limit me to only 4 pictures

an outing. I do not have an extra box right now and the lab didn't

have any extra. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Dan

I live in Knoxville and frequently visit the Smokies. It helps to learn some back roads and the suggestion to walk around Cades Cove is an excellent one. Sometimes just a few feet off the main road is where you can really see some wildlife. And weekdays can be much easier than weekends.

There is an ongoing debate about what to do about the traffic and crowds. When the park was established it was in the charter to be free to all. Personally I wouldn't mind paying a small fee to visit but I don't know if that would help any (except bring in some much needed money). Around Cades Cove a tramway or shuttle bus has been brought up for years but then you need a huge parking lot for it. I think all the need to do is widen the loop road but there are others that would disagree.

And with it being the peak season there are the largest crowds of the year. I was up at 6am this morning at Look Rock on the Foothills Parkway (overlooking the Smokies) to catch some sunrise pics and there were about 15 people there. All of use trying to get that perfect picture.

Does any one know the weight of one of these older mono-rail

cameras? I have found some information on them but could not find

out how much they weigh. I know, heavy, is the answer I will get but

approximate weight in pounds would be more useful. I am thinking

about taking "the dive" and money is very tight. I would like more

movements than a speed graphic offers. I see these older mono-rails

for sale pretty cheap, and hear they are pretty good quality.

 

Thanks,

Dan

This pertains to film in general, not just 4x5 but I thought it was intresting. It is a snip from another forum .....

"Strange, but I've met many students raised with digital cameras and Photoshop that switch to film SLRs in college. It appears they've had enough of computers and electronics and enjoy getting their hands "wet" in the darkroom. I've also noticed a similar trend among workers stuck on a computer all day at work. It's nice to have a hobby--photography--away from the dad burn computer screen. Thus, they'll keep buying film cameras too."

Not to wish you bad weather or anything but if it rains, Rainbow Falls just off the Roaring Fork Motor trail outside of Gatlinburg is incredible when the water is flowing good. 5-6 miles round trip and a little steep in places but definitly worth it. Dont bother unless it has rained recently. I went there one summer and the dang thing was nearly dried up. Went another time in the rain and it took my breath away.

 

Dan

I am getting ready to take the step into medium format and was

wondering if one of the old folding cameras would be good. I do not

want to spend much and first thought about a TLR. I hear so many

good things about the folders and most of the time they seem to come

pretty cheap. Are folders good to get your foot in the door? Which

ones would be preferable?

Thanks

Dan

I am getting ready to start doing my own darkroom work at home. I had some darkroom experience in college but I would like to ask for a few hints. For a beginner, what would be a good combination of film and developer to start with. In school they preached T-max films and developer. Maybe this is best for beginners, I dont know. I would like to use something that is economical because I am on a tight budget. What ever I end up using, I plan to use for a while so that I can get use to it. What about stop, fixer etc.? Does it matter?And yes, I have looked over the archives here and there is alot of useful information. I just wanted to narrow my search.

Thanks

Dan

How are the 4x5 Burke & James Press cameras as compared to the Graphlex models? Looking to get into LF on a tight budget. Would this be a route to consider?

Would one of the older wood field cameras like Korona, Kodak, or Burke & James be well suited for a beginner? They seem to be fairley inexpensive and I feel comfortable doing a little wood work if needed. I am primarily intrested in landscapes and will probably hike with it. Do they accept the modern polaroid backs? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Where can I find info on these? New or used. Thanks

Does anyone know where to get a kit or plans for building a field camera that folds up? Similar to the Bender kits but not a monorail. Thanks