[LargeFormat] about to take the jump

[tripspud]

Hi Jeff!

      You'll also need many smaller items which add up.  Film holders,
focusing cloth, groundglass magnifier, a case or backpack, separate
exposure meter and lens shade/filter holder and filters.  If you want
to do your own black and white darkroom work there's more.

      I don't mean to discourage you or anyone.  I've had large
format experience in the past, about twenty years ago.  Recently,
I've outfitted a darkroom for a maximum size of 5x7 negatives and
a print size of 11x14 and though modest, it's been expensive and
taken more time than I thought it would.  Then, working with new
unfamilair equipment takes some time before speed and ease of
handling is reached.

      The same is true for the camera!  With large format, a routine
needs to be established by repeative use, at first without film!  So
that mistakes, like forgetting to close the shutter or pull the dark
slide, can be avoided.   It's not the creative part.  But failure to establish
a workable, repeatable routine is the biggest stumbling block for the new
large format user to overcome.

Cheers,

Rich Lahrson
Berkeley, California




Dan Kalish wrote:

>  Jeff:
>
>  To supplement others' comments,
>
> You don't say what other media you've used.  Whatever you've done, large
> format photography is far more expensive.  The cost of the camera is only a
> small part of the cost.  You'll need a lens with shutter.  Minimum $300.
> Then there's the tripod.  You need a sturdy one with a sturdy head:
> $100-$200.  Then the film ($1-$2 a sheet) and processing (about $3 a sheet).
> Just be aware of what you're in for.
>
> Ebay is a mixed blessing.  I recommend that you find a repair shop that you
> trust, have them evaluate the camera, and make sure that the seller
> guarantees the camera's quality.  I had what I thought was a nice deal on a
> Linhof Color for $275, but Marflex said it would cost $200 to repair it.
> Back it went.
>
> I prefer dealing directly with shops.  Fortunately, I live in NYC where
> there are plenty: PhotoGizzmo, B&H, PhotoHabitat, Lens and Repro, Adorama.
> Long distance, there's Badger and the guy in Pennsylvania.  These places
> usually have entry level cameras and will provide support.  Most important,
> you can handle the camera and determine if you're comfortable with it.  You
> can't do that with an eBay camera.  Unless you know a lot about LF (and
> enough to ask the right questions of an eBay seller), eBay is not a good
> idea.
>
>  YMMV