First Foray into the Field with My 4x5...some chuckles!

[bobwysiwyg]

I hope I'm not alone re: learning the ins and outs of LF in the field. After much research and reading, I decided it was time to take her out for a try.

We have many old, one room schools and town halls dating from the 19th century,scattered about rural, lower Michigan. One in particular is not far and based on its placement and facing, thought it might be a good site for my first try as an early AM shot. I had carefully organized and loaded what I would need in the car. By the way, it's not a field cam.

Got there, unloaded and I only had to walk about 150' from where the car was parked. Set-up the camera, leveled, focused and went to take a light reading. Oops, grey card back at the car [hustles over to get it]. Check the focus again, take another light reading, close the shutter and cock and set the speed. I'm getting ready to insert the film holder and realized I left the shutter release cable back at the car [hustles over to get it]. Finally take the picture. Lowered the camera position to take another shot through some fencing, etc. and even tried some front lens shift.

I definately need to work on my routine. My previous shooting was 35mm and everything I needed either fit in pockets or a small cam bag with two bodies, lenses, etc. Definately not the case with LF. I recalled that a few years ago my wife had gotten me a vest with a zillion pockets, but never really felt the need to use it. Now I've found a use. It has enough pockets for everything, some of which are large enough to carry spare lens boards with lenses attached.

What will they shots look like? Who knows. That will be another adventure.

[Ian Grant]

A camera case or backpack dedicated to your LF outfit is invaluable, keep EVERYTHING you need in it, if they go in a pocket while you work thats fine but at the end of the session return everything to the bag/backpack.

Ian

[Jerevan]

And check that the camera is in the bag. Last year I scrambled away to catch a wedding ceremony but once there I discovered I took the bag but not the most important thing - the camera. I left it on the cupboard in the hotel.

[reellis67]

I'll second Ian's comments. I find that keeping everything in my pack helps the process flow along. Once you get a sequence sorted out it will be much smoother, but having everything to hand makes the process much more rewarding.

- Randy

[bobwysiwyg]

A camera case or backpack dedicated to your LF outfit is invaluable, keep EVERYTHING you need in it, if they go in a pocket while you work thats fine but at the end of the session return everything to the bag/backpack.

Ian

I know what you mean. It actually came with an alum. travel case, sort of a suitcase in design. Everything fits in there. I just have to make myself a little check list to take what I need out of it and take it along. Still no real dark cloth. I've been using a dark, solid colored bath towel. It works, but the material is a bit heavy. I 'almost' took one shot without pulling the dark slide.:rolleyes:

[Ian Grant]

Don't worry about fancy dark cloths, I used 2 made from an old dark red satin curtain that I dyed black, they've lasted 32 years and are just wearing out

Ian

[Trevor Crone]

Don't worry about fancy dark cloths, I used 2 made from an old dark red satin curtain that I dyed black, they've lasted 32 years and are just wearing out

Ian

Yep, I'm waiting for the wife to replace the living room curtains so I can use them as a DC for my 10"x8" (when it eventually arrives). They're a nice sage green with cream lining

[Trevor Crone]

Nice one Bob sounds as if you had a good time of it?

It all becomes second nature after a while. Although saying that I still take the occasional (blank) picture with the dark slide still in place

[Christopher Walrath]

I'm just getting into 4x5 field work myself. I feel ya, bro. But it is fun to be out there and all alone (if possible) and slowed down and quiet. Even if it feels like your humping a Fridgedaire out there to do it.

[keeds]

Yep, I'm waiting for the wife to replace the living room curtains so I can use them as a DC for my 10"x8" (when it eventually arrives). They're a nice sage green with cream lining

OT - Trevor, what 8x10 are you getting?