Large Format On A Budget
One of the reasons many people stay
away from large format photography is the cost of the cameras and lenses. This should not
keep you away from experiencing this fantastic format. Large format negatives and
transparencies produce superb enlargements with excellent details. Large format
transparencies are also very impressive to look at which make them easier to sell if you
are interested in marketing your work. Another great advantage of view cameras is
movements. Although view camera movements seem complicated to beginners, they are very
easy to learn. What I like about this format is how it forces me to slow down! Unlike 35mm
photography, view cameras are slow to operate which makes you look and pay more attention
to what you are photographing. If you are interested in this format but don't want to
spend a lot on a system, try the used market or the newer affordable brands.
View cameras haven't changed much since their introduction more than a century ago. They are still a box with the front of the camera holding the lens and the back holding the film. Both ends are connected via a bellows. By the way, even high tech 35mm and medium format cameras are also just a box with one end holding the lens and the other end holding the film, but in fancier bodies. You can buy a nice well made camera for under $500. I'd choose 4X5 over 8X10. 8X10 should be left to studio and advertising photographers who need the largest possible negative or transparencies for reproduction. For majority of us, 4X5 will be more than enough to make large prints or to impress any photo editor. Try a flatbed model if you plan on using your view camera outdoors. You get less camera movements with flatbeds, but they are easier to carry and set up. Go to any used photo store and you'll find dozens of flatbed cameras at very affordable prices. Even models which are 50 years old will work just fine. Look to make sure the bellows has no holes in it and all controls work fine. Some of the problems can be easily fixed. I recently recommended a 4X5 flat bed at a used store to a friend of mine. It cost 50 dollars! It was an old camera which didn't look very pretty and needed a tune up. We checked the bellows and fixed some of its controls and the camera was ready to go. I bet 50 years from now its new owner will do the same and the camera will work great. You can also find great monorail type cameras at very reasonable prices. A new Calumet Cadet 4X5 monorail can be bought for $400.
Omega 45E,
Caltar 210mm f-6.8 lens, Fuji Velvia 50, Bogen tripod and pan/tilt head. Incident
metering, 1/15 sec at f-22.
It is best to save your money for a better lens than a better camera. Avoid very old
lenses as most of them are not multicoated. These older lenses are not as sharp as modern
lenses and flare can be a problem due to lack of lens coating. You only need one lens to
start with. A 150mm or 210mm standard lens should be your first purchase. These lenses
cost much less than wide-angle and telephoto types. You can easily find one at used
markets or if you prefer a new one, all large format lens manufacturers offer affordable
standard lenses. The only other accessories you'll need is a lens board and a few film
sheet holders. Lens boards are not expensive and film holders are readily available at any
used store for very low prices. If you don't own a hand meter, you can use your 35mm
camera to take light readings or invest in an inexpensive light meter.
Remember that your view camera won't be your only photographic tool. For most pictures
you'll still use your 35mm or medium format since they are much easier to use and films in
these formats are less expensive to buy and develop. Your view camera will be used for
specific shots such as a grand landscape or when doing portrait or still-life in the
studio where you plan on making large prints. It is best to start with minimum of
equipment and add to your system later. You'll probably add a wide-angle and telephoto
lens later but you won't need those right away. Large format photography is not as
expensive as some people think. My Omega 4X5 and 210mm lens with lens board and five film
holders cost me only 350 dollars! Yes, the camera looks new and is rock solid with a very
sharp lens. I bought it in an auction several years ago and added a 135mm wide-angle lens
to my system later for $250. I use mine mostly for landscape work and the final 4X5
transparencies are absolutely breath taking. My 4X5 has been a great teacher. It has made
me a better photographer even when I use my 35mm or medium format cameras. I slow down and
look before I release the shutter.