Does anyone shoot LF handheld?

[DBP]

I've done it many times with my Anniversary Speed Graphic. At times it seems almost wrong to use a tripod with it, as except for the film handling it really isn't any harder to use than an old 35mm RF with a separate viewfinder. I've even shot dancers with it, which is how I learned that my shutter was synch'd for speedlite, not bulbs. Wasted a bunch of Press 5s and film, though I could see enough on the neg to verify that at least i was getting framing and focus right. I also regularly shoot my Voigtlander Avus 9x12 cm handheld, or rest it against something. But then it is so compact it feels more like MF. Now I just have to see if the old plates I found are any good...

[HerrBremerhaven]

I have seen some pictures of Roger Hicks holding a 4x5 on his shoulder. In a few books he claims this was a technique used by many former press photographers. Anyone try that method?

Ciao!

[Len Robertson]

HerrBremerhaven - Thanks for jogging my memory on the shoulder technique. I discovered this years ago using a Linhof Technika. I don't know why I never thought of trying it with a Graphic. I just did a quick try with a Crown and it seems to work. I can't say for sure it is more stable than regular handholding, but it seems like it may be just a little more stable. I wonder how many other techniques the old-time press photographers had that we have lost?

[nworth]

I sometimes use my Speed Graphic that way. Mostly, the large format user wants the slow, on tripod, comtemplative approach with the opportunity to use all the adjustments that may be needed. Although I once used the front shift on a Speed Graphic for a hand held shot (that actually go published a good deal), it isn't the thing you usually do. On the other hand, sometimes a press camera used as a press camera definitely feels right.

[HerrBremerhaven]

Hello Len Robertson and nworth,

I was actually looking at getting a Fig Rig (from Bogen/Manfrotto) for doing hand held 4x5. Seems any way to balance the camera might make things go a bit smoother. I recall reading about Craig McDean using a wheeled studio stand and 4x5 for his fashion images, but that would only work in a studio. Mostly my 4x5 sees architecture subjects, but I would like to work it into my musician and people images.

Ciao!

[Donald Qualls]

I've shot my 9x12 cm Kawee Camera hand held, once. This camera is made for this, and has an accurate focus scale, but stupid me didn't realize the infinity stop was a little out of kilter so that the lens could retract a couple mm further than it ought to, and the focus wasn't what it should have been. I should try it again sometime, perhaps with my Zeiss-Ikon Ideal, for which I have more plate holders...

[David A. Goldfarb]

I've never tried supporting the camera on my shoulder. Seems like it would be awkward to focus that way, unless the idea is just to zone focus, frame and shoot.