Anyone still doing or interested in Large Format?

[Dream Merchant]

I remember Mattlock starting a similar thread back in 07, and it died off after awhile.

I thought it might be nice to see who's still into large format photography.

Apologies, I know this is a medium format section, but it's the closest I can find considering there's no large format section in CS.

[fatcat52]

Yea, I'm still active shooting 4x5.

Cheers

[forward]

Surely one must allow time for the beginners
to reach the large format level provided they
are passionately pursuing the wonderful world
of photography with pure love and consistency.

The five levels they have to climb:
1. P & S digital compact
2. DSLR with a couple of lenses
3. 35mm SLR or medium format using film
4. Set up darkroom for B/W printing
5. Shooting and experimenting with
Large Format cameras.

The breaking point here would be between level 2
and level 3 where the hobby photographer would either
make a decision to go medium format digital or
move into the exciting world of film experimentation.
(Those who think that film is old technology will
have their opinions well respected).

Secondly there must be efforts from experienced
large format users to come out to share what
they know and to continue organising activities
in this areas.

The least I could think of is to start the
Large Format Group again with more emphasize on
the artistic skill of Black and White photography.

[Dream Merchant]

Originally Posted by fatcat52 Yea, I'm still active shooting 4x5. Cheers

OOU Kewl!

What do you shoot with and what do you normally shoot?

Is it very difficult lugging an LF rig around?

I've read of career Fine Arts LF landscape photographers who spend weeks at a go in the Everglades or parks, and often they seem to prefer working out of a vehicle or a purpose-built backpack. Many work with larger than 8x10 field cameras.

[Dream Merchant]

Originally Posted by forward Surely one must allow time for the beginners to reach the large format level provided they are passionately pursuing the wonderful world of photography with pure love and consistency. The five levels they have to climb: 1. P & S digital compact 2. DSLR with a couple of lenses 3. 35mm SLR or medium format using film 4. Set up darkroom for B/W printing 5. Shooting and experimenting with Large Format cameras. The breaking point here would be between level 2 and level 3 where the hobby photographer would either make a decision to go medium format digital or move into the exciting world of film experimentation. (Those who think that film is old technology will have their opinions well respected). Secondly there must be efforts from experienced large format users to come out to share what they know and to continue organising activities in this areas. The least I could think of is to start the Large Format Group again with more emphasize on the artistic skill of Black and White photography.

It would be interesting to start such a group, and I would love to be in one, but I guess one of the concerns (besides equipment safety) is whether the 'young ones' would have a real interest or be disciplined enough. That should be easy enough to sort out after one or two outings I guess.

I've used pretty much everything except pinholes and TLRs and SLFs, and I can imagine that the mechanicality of a LF would fascinate some, and frustrate and turn off others.

But more towards the process of seeing and making an image - how many can go out for hours and do a set-up, and accept the possibility of not making even one exposure?

Pardon me, I usually play the devil's advocate in a group, but concurrently, I can also see how exciting this can be!

What do you figure is needed to start such a group and sustain it?

[JacePhoto]

I am interested to learn.

[forward]

In every field of endeavours the need for sincere,
honest true excellent leadership qualities cannnot
be underestimated.

With these qualities the will of guiding others to
a higher level in their photography pursue could
not be a failure.

The initiative of not being dump into the limelight
such as discouraging personal growth among
your photography peers will be the last thing
in your mind.

Everyone person needs positive responds
and encouragement for very often it is difficult
to know how to go about with the simple need
of carrying their camera gears and putting them
to work in the field.

-----------------------------------------------------
Such negative thoughts have to be confronted
and corrected.

[melhjt]

I still shoot LF 4x5 from time to time...mostly for architecture and sometimes personal work.
I too, am a proponent for the discipline of photography, seeing, then making an image. Not shooting, then checking...(as per digital)
Nothing against digital. I shoot digital too.
Good to have a group, maybe shoot together sometimes. But a session where we come together to share the images, talk and discourse over it and share technique may be more useful. This will spur each other to shoot more, show more and hopefully bring more awareness to the art of LF.

Melvin

[JacePhoto]

haha... i dont mind carrying the tripods or other stuff if i can get to learn... (*timing permits...)

There's no free lunch, so let me do my share...

[Clown]

havent touched my 4x5 rig for half a year liao. lol.
lemme know if there's anything coming up!

[Rangefinder_fan]

I just started with a Busch Pressmen. Now restoring it since the leather is pretty dried out.
Finding out information on which lenses would fit (re image circle etc) is a bitch.
LF just seems to be a format that is very much less documented online, which makes it hard to reach the right decisions.

[eamesboy]

Originally Posted by melhjt I still shoot LF 4x5 from time to time...mostly for architecture and sometimes personal work. I too, am a proponent for the discipline of photography, seeing, then making an image. Not shooting, then checking...(as per digital) Nothing against digital. I shoot digital too. Good to have a group, maybe shoot together sometimes. But a session where we come together to share the images, talk and discourse over it and share technique may be more useful. This will spur each other to shoot more, show more and hopefully bring more awareness to the art of LF. Melvin

I have to agree with "melhjt"
Awareness and sharing useful technique is very important.

Hope to see more LF user here is CS and hope with could keep this format active again.


///

[xylestesins]

Originally Posted by Rangefinder_fan I just started with a Busch Pressmen. Now restoring it since the leather is pretty dried out. Finding out information on which lenses would fit (re image circle etc) is a bitch. LF just seems to be a format that is very much less documented online, which makes it hard to reach the right decisions.

So true.
If have an outing, must make sure have a few lao jiao.

[Dream Merchant]

Maybe we could start a list of those interested in helping out and those attending?

LF Light Brigade (LOL! Just sounded nice and such a misnomer to the weight involved. As you might be able to tell, I have a twisted sense of humour! )

1.
2.
3.
.
.
.


LF Inductees

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
.
.
.
.

Count me in any group where I may be useful but please remember I'm a newbie.

[sweat100]

I shoot LF, but not that often. For my case is sometimes i see a scene that I would like to shoot with LF, I would take a photo of it and examine the environment and surroundings at home. From there I can determine the composition i want. Then the next day I would go down with my LF camera to capture the image. I guess there are many ways a person would want to shoot with LF, but sharing on of the ways I approach it.

I would like to join the LF meet up as well, so I can learn more about movements and putting the zone system at work. Since LF is the most suitable format for zone system.

I learnt my LF stuffs from these few sites which i think is useful
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum44/
and Ansel Adams book on "The Camera" and "The Negative"

[JacePhoto]

Originally Posted by Dream Merchant Maybe we could start a list of those interested in helping out and those attending? LF Light Brigade (LOL! Just sounded nice and such a misnomer to the weight involved. As you might be able to tell, I have a twisted sense of humour! ) 1. 2. 3. . . . LF Inductees 1. Jace Photo 2. 3. 4. 5. . . . . Count me in any group where I may be useful but please remember I'm a newbie.

Thanks. I am buying coffee for the light brigade... other signups for the inductees have to buy the roti, half boil eggs and such... Last one to pay for the bill...

[boochap]

'why u guys waste so much talking? juz grab the cam and go out and shoot lahh.

[Dream Merchant]

Originally Posted by boochap 'why u guys waste so much talking? juz grab the cam and go out and shoot lahh.

Can!

But who wants to go?

Go where?

Shoot what?

And for some, shoot with what?

[Dream Merchant]

Originally Posted by JacePhoto Thanks. I am buying coffee for the light brigade... other signups for the inductees have to buy the roti, half boil eggs and such... Last one to pay for the bill...

Waaah!

Liddat I fast fast sign up under the Light Brigade!

Just kidding!

Actually, would meeting up fo kopi and pratas first be a better idea, or just plan for a shoot?

[forward]

Originally Posted by boochap 'why u guys waste so much talking? juz grab the cam and go out and shoot lahh.

It would be of great interest for people participating
in this thread when you are able to clarify what you
mean by "waste so much talking"?

To develop encouragement will be more appropriate and
we need to become familiar with the right questions to
ask people and most of all we have to put people first -
motivation not something in between.

It would seems that most people do care about starting
the group and to make a difference, don't you think so?

---------------------------------------------------
The first few meetings should move
along the line of discovering the
major strengths and weakness of each
and every individual. The moment people
see that they are being understood, they
become more motivated to understand your
point of view.