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Where do I begin?
I'm sure this topic has been covered before, so ignore me if necessary. A quick search of this forum didn't hit on exactly what I was looking for.
I've been using 35mm for a while and I am really keen to start on LF. I have fantasies about 11x14 negatives that won't go away. I'm looking for some advice, given my situation, on how to start.
First, I am not broke but I do not have massive amounts of money to spend. I assume that my entry to LF will be with tiny-sized 4x5 film, which is readily available to me and (relatively) cheap.
Can you suggest a reasonable entry-level system for 4x5 film?
Second, I use a public darkroom and it's well-equipped in some senses but not others. Will I have difficulties tray processing the 4x5 negatives? Most of the enlargers have 4x5 negative carriers.
I've recently acquired AA's "The Negative" but it's not delivered yet. Any other recommendations on books that might be appropriate for an experienced 35mm photographer looking to make the jump into the big pool?
Last, I assume that whatever camera I end up with will have no light metering--is that correct? Any suggestions on an entry-level light meter?
I appreciate any and all help!
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Better still ask one of the 5x4 users in or around Toronto is you can go out and about with them, you'll learn far more in an hour or two than in days of reading, there's nothingt better than hands on experience.
Ian
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You will need to decide on what you want to do with your camera. The advantage of LF (aside from the large neg) are the movements the camera offers. Depending on what you intend to shoot, that will determine what type of camera you wish. you also need to make decisions around new vs second hand etc.
I support the idea of fiding someone who has one and at least deciding that it is what you really want to do...LF is not cheap, but extremely rewarding...but it also is not for everyone (it will be a uge change from 35mm....I came to it via Medium Format).
Budget makes to consider are Shen Hao's, Toyo 45CF etc..
Rgds, Kal
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Welcome to the world of large format. The statement you made about 11X14 negatives not going away indicates to me that you are willing to jump into the deep black hole that is LF. Fear not, there is help. First, do you want a field camera or a monorail? Great field cameras can be had for $500-$700, and monorails for only a couple of hundred bucks. Check out the Shen Hao and the Chamonix, or a used ZoneVI. Get a spot meter. I found a used Solgar for less than $200, but KEH has Pentax spots for reasonable prices. Find something that explains the basics about EV [exposure values] and placement in the zone system. Tray development is pretty simple if you start out with a couple of sheets at a time. You might be surprised at what you can do with a 4X5 neg and an enlarger. As you probably already know, when you get up to 8X10 and 11X14 your going to be doing contact printing and that's another deep black hole to jump into. PM me if you want, we'll start a LFA [Large Format Anonymous] twelve step program or just talk about this some more.
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Ian's advice, as usual, is excellent, you might also investigate attending a workshop.
The Negative will tell you a lot about exposing film, but not so very much about using a LF camera. It's also a pretty daunting introduction to the Zone system and sensitometry, at least I found it so.
If you can find a copy of Fred Picker's Zone VI Workshop book, it provides a much easier introduction to much of the same information.
A good starter 4x5 camera that's often mentioned is a Crown Graphic, these are available in good condition from around 150 USD on up, including a lens. They are compact when folded, and easy to work with.
Very few LF cameras have light meters, some will argue the point, but the gold standard for general purpose light meters is the Gossen Luna Pro. The SBC model uses a standard 9v battery and is available for 100 USD +-.
Sekonic also makes excellent meters that can be obtained for relatively low-cost, which are just a good overall.
Last edited by bdial; 12-17-2009 at 08:04 AM.
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 Originally Posted by heinzkeinz  I have fantasies about 11x14 negatives that won't go away. Well, if those are your fantasies then go for it. I have an 11x14 and lenses to cover it, why not come down here and shoot it 
I started with a crown graphic and that was a very nice entry to LF.
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Join the Large Format Photography Forum. Search, read, study, learn. Make a list of what you will need. In 30 days you will be granted access to the For Sale listings at the Forum. Absolutely anything and everything that you need will be listed for sale there. Perhaps not right away, but soon enough. A Want To Buy ad will get offers. A good tripod and suitable head should be on your list right behind camera & lens. You may already have those two items so that's good.
Good luck!
Wayne
Deep in the darkest heart of the East Texas Rain forest. Apprentice Analog Activist.
... And to paraphrase Yoda, there is no how, only do.
Vaughn
My Photos Online
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I'd suggest considering a 5x7 instead of 4x5 camera. 4x5 is a bit too small for contact printing and 5x7 makes a nice contact print, IMHO. Of course, you can find 4x5 enlargers for le$$ than 5x7 (or 8x10) format, but your notion of 11x14 brings up the contact print vs. enlargement issue. A 5x7 camera is not that much larger than typical 4x5 models. However, there is a huge difference once you hit 8x10 and beyond. You can always rig a 4x5 reducing back to a 5x7 and have the best of both worlds with just a little more weight, size, and price.
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