[LargeFormat] Re: Field camera

[Bob Younger]

The other consideration is the weight of film and holders. If weight is a
major factor then you'll want to go for ready-loads. They also solve the
problems associated with dust and light leaks in holders.
Kodak has finally admitted (backhandedly, in that they just quit making
them) that they can not make reliable two sided ready-loads, so you're now
free to choose either Fuji or Kodak. You can use the Polaroid holder for
either, but from a weight standpoint, the Fuji holder weighs almost nothing.
With ready loads you save a tremendous amount of space as well over holders.
And, you don't have to reload in tents, etc., risking more dirt and fogging
from those un(for)seen light rays that you didn't see until after you'd
loaded six holders.

Regarding lens choice; on my 4x5 I have a 90, 150, and 270. Richard Garrod
says you need six lenses for any format, adding a wider angle, a 210, and
probably a 400 or so. As you gain more experience with the LF environment,
you'll find you want lenses with lots of coverage, providing you with lots
of movement of lens and film plane for focus and perspective.

Have fun! And unless you're prepared to change formats don't EVER look at
the ground glass of an 8x10.

Bob Younger
ryounger@home.com
R.E. Younger, Photographer



> Today's Topics:
>
>    1. Planning Advice (Hornford, Dave)
>    2. Re: Planning Advice (Pam Niedermayer)
>
> --__--__--
>
> Message: 1
> From: "Hornford, Dave" <Dave.Hornford@Compaq.com>
> To: largeformat@f32.net
> Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2001 07:44:27 -0500
> Subject: [LargeFormat] Planning Advice
> Reply-To: largeformat@f32.net
>
> I am looking for advice on a 'new' LF kit.
>
> To try LF I picked up a Calumet C400 & B&J Press Camera with some older
lens
> (I primarily use a Wollensak 162 & Kodak 127) & shutters. Well I love it
and
> have decided to upgrade my kit.
>
> I am interested primarily in landscape photography and I will be taking my
> gear backpacking (I have three week-long trips planned in the Canadian
> Rockies this summer). It is my expectation that I will end up with a
normal
> rail camera as well as a field camera, but the field is a priority.
>
> I am looking for:
> - full range of movement
> - durability
> - light as a feather (my 7 & 9 year-old sons think of me as their
> porter)
>
> I am also looking for advice on lens & shutters. In 35mm I normally use a
> 24, 28, 100 & 300mm.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Dave Hornford
>