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Ok, the last few weeks have had the earmarks of changes coming: Autumn and those things I should have done or at least seriously considered in the past.It's slower and much more methodical than 4x5 (mostly because the film is exponentially more expensive). But, it's actually easier to work with since the gg is larger. Once you pull the camera out, you truly *mean* to take a shot. There's no wandering around looking through a viewfinder nor spray-n-praying shots. You leave the camera in the case until you've walked around and visually/definitively decided exactly where the shot it going to happen. Then, you spend the next half-hour setting up and tweaking eveything. It's very relaxing. Yet, it is still a decently "portable" camera, unlike 11x14 or 16x20 (the massive Polaroid).
Now, once in the darkroom, the view of a drying 8x10 neg/chrome is beautiful. The 4x5 is cool, but still "feels" like film as it needs to be enlarged and printed. The 8x10 is like looking through a window at the scene. If you print a neg, the details are ridiculously vivid and the tonality is unbelievable. 151mp digital color is sweet, but can't touch a 8x10 B&W neg! If you've ever seen any of the Durst 8x10 enlargers...well they look like a Delta drill press.
One of these days when I get some free time, I'm going to embark on doing some 8x10 glass plate work!
This is the perfect time of year to get out with a LF camera. It lets you slow down, enjoy the process and the weather at the same time! I'll first say that LF is *very* subjective as there are infinite possibilities for "kits". Most LF people are fairly rabid with their stuff and rightfully so considering the discipline needed. You find a kit that you are comfortable with and that's your baby.Ok, the last few weeks have had the earmarks of changes coming: Autumn and those things I should have done or at least seriously considered in the past.
Would it not be better to begin working with 4x5 just to get my feet wet?
What would you recommend as a starting point for a beginner in using a large format 8x10?
Oh, and also, the flipside of what I just wrote is if you can find a nice 8x10, you can also get reducing backs for it so that it can shoot 4x5. The camera is still heavy and bulky, but at least you'll save some money on film! You can get creative and make "custom" film holders like 4x10" to get panos if you wanted.Ok, the last few weeks have had the earmarks of changes coming: Autumn and those things I should have done or at least seriously considered in the past.
Would it not be better to begin working with 4x5 just to get my feet wet?
What would you recommend as a starting point for a beginner in using a large format 8x10?
Hm, is this now medium or large format?
View attachment 176869
Malefic 6x17, Schneider Super Angulon 90mm/8, Center Filter, Adox CHM 125, Scan with Flextight
PS: This was a quick test for my new camera to get acquainted with the panorama format, so it's unedited "out of camera".
That's how I look at it too. If it was 120/220/620 (width of 60-61mm) and typically on a roll, it's MF. LF is typically sheets and 2x3" or larger (rolls for those Cirkut cameras).I go by film size. If it was shot on 120/220 film regardless of camera model, it is medium format to me.