Large Format Debate

[Darkroom317]

A local photographer in one of the clubs I belong to has offered me a Deardorff 4 X 5 View Camera, I'm guessing it may be a Field Camera, with lenses and holders for $1000. However, I am a minoring in journalism and I have also been thinking about a press camera, particularly a Speed Graphic. I shoot street as well as landscapes. Can any of you give me advice on these two cameras.
Also, I am afraid that if start to use Large Format that I may stop using my RB67 for shooting outside.

[mike c]

Need a tripod with the Deardorff,they are very nice cameras,but not used for modern Journalism.The Speed graphic is a wonderful versatile camera of yesterday news photography,they do not have the movement the Deardoff has. think the RB67 or a35mm would work better for Journalism ,but thats up to you.

[Darkroom317]

Thanks, either way I am going to need a new tripod. I barely get by with my RB67 with the one I currently have. Any tripod suggestions? What movements is the Deardorff capable of?

[keithwms]

Darkroom317 can you direct us to some of your work and say something about your future ambitions? You've given too little info for a real discussion, in my opinion. I mean, street and landscape... that's very broad.

Colour? B&w? What kind of light... etc.

[Darkroom317]

I don't currently have a website. My future ambition is to go into photo-journalism which sadly would probably mean digital. I shoot both color and b&w. Currently my main subject of landscape has been waterfalls. I am mainly interested in the movements possible with large format.

[Darkroom317]

Actually, here is my deviant art page http://darkroom317.deviantart.com/
Completely forgot about it.

[mopar_guy]

Some things to consider with the move up to 4x5 are film handling and processing, weather the negatives will be enlarged, etc. The cost of the camera, lenses and film holders is only part of the picture. It is your decision how you will make the move to large format. The Speed Graphic is a capable camera and a usable copy can be had for considerably less than the $1000 you are thinking about. You can also start by contact printing. Just my two cents worth.

[eddie]

The camera would be great for your landscape work. Depending on the lenses included, it could be a terrific deal. What lenses come with it?

[Darkroom317]

Not sure what lenses. But I think he said 3 lenses were included. He also has an Omega 4 X 5 enlarger but I don't have room for it. So, yes contact printing would be the start.

[jnanian]

the deardorff is a nice camera.

you mention that you use your rb for street work and landscape stuff ...
a speed graphic will be like a big rb, it has very little movements ( tiny bit of shift, and front tilt )
but it is fun to use. film for it, while it is available, is expensive compared to 120 film.
on a student budget i would either get the speed graphic ( because it is "fun" ) or stick to your RB.

a good tripod to look into might be an older tiltall.
they usually cost somewhere around 50-75$ and they are sturdy.

does your photo department have a 4x5 camera you could borrow for coursework ?
sometimes they do ( probably in storage ? ) it might be worth just borrowing, rather than
paying someone a lot of money for something you might not really use ...
(not to mention, you could pick up a used speed graphic for a few hundred and a 135 or 150mm lens for not very much,
a few film holders, dark cloth, and tripod for WAY less than 1000$ .. and if that was your budget you could use the rest
for film.)

good luck!
john