Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/07/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]MIKIRO wrote: > > I for one am seriously considering "regression" to a light-weight minimum > 4x5 system. Setting a large format camera on a tripod would be most similar > to what I did when I used to paint. Mikiro, that's a great idea! No matter how fancy the view camera, they're all ultimately pretty simple devices without a whole lot of "play value" and in that sense, they force you back into picture-taking as opposed to equipment-worship. I find that when I'm working with a 4x5, I "see" compositions in my mind before I set up the tripod and I definitely meter with much more precision because bracketing isn't fast, clouds move and if I'm carrying conventional film holders, I may only have 8 sheets of film at my disposal, so each one has to count. I think the view camera experience has helped my 35mm and MF photography too and I use a lot more perspective control technique even when simply walking about with the M6 and a 50mm lens. I just got back from a mini vacation in Crested Butte, Colorado, taking along a friend, an M6 and my Toko 4x5 field camera. Kodak Readyloads are rather expensive, but they're great for travel. I used to have a 90mm Schneider Angulon lens in #00 shutter which was so small that I could leave the lens mounted when I folded the camera shut! I'll get another one someday. For now, I'm using a 210/370mm convertible Linhof Symmar though unfortunately only as a 210mm for now because my Toko's about 10mm short of 370mm bellows draw so I need to find a lensboard that's an "outie"! While out with the big camera in the mornings, passers-by sometimes stopped to ask about it, but there was no sense of camera-envy, just curiosity. Jeff Segawa no archive