[LargeFormat] about to take the jump

[William Wiseman]

>> OK, If I remember correctly, all these mentioned are folding field
>> cameras rather than monorails, correct? I would expect stability to be
>> a larger problem when you are dealing with materials (wood, thin 
>> brass)
>> that inherently more flexible and made lighter/thinner to reduce
>> weight. However, wouldn't most of these, if in good condition, be
>> stable enough under normal conditions and given a few seconds to 
>> settle
>> down after all the adjustments and film loading?
>>
>> JeffW.
>>
>
> Jeff, its not just the material; its also the design.  In general, the
> movements in a monorail camera are based on more fundamentally rigid
> principles.   By comparison, the movements in a field camera are more
> sloppy.  As you're adjusting one movement, you can easily wiggle parts 
> that
> affect other movements. I don't know if this holds up in your price 
> range:
> all inexpensive cameras are somewhat unstable.
>
> I believe it is conventional wisdom to start with a monorail camera.  
> You
> are more likely to learn the use of a view camera with full movement.  
> Field
> cameras do not usually have full movement.
>
> As to cost, it sounds like you're going in with your eyes wide open!

Trying to. I have been debating this for a while. I bought Simmons 
"Using the View Camera" and read it a couple of times also. So, I think 
I know what I'm letting myself in for.

>
> Fred, what do you mean,
> "> > I also suggest buying NEW cut film holders.  While they seem to 
> be more
>>> expensive, once you test them out with real film, they cost almost 
>>> the
>>> same
>>> as new  ones..."
>
> You can get used film holders for $5 each.  AFAIK, new ones are 
> $20-$40.
> Even if you test the used film holder with one sheet of film, its $10.
> That's still a lot less than a new one.  Now, I've been repainting 
> black a
> few wooden film holders I have.  If your're crazy enough to do this, 
> the
> price of paint raises the ante another dollar.

Unless you work in a paint store like I do. :-)

JeffW.