My new toy

[Xia_Ke]

In my best Al Pacino impression...

"Say hello to my little friend!"

Well, after much debating and talking about it for months, I think Greg finally got sick of listening to me and convinced me to take the plunge. Ended up selling the Rolleis to fund the swap. So here's my camera, a Nagaoka 4x5 field camera. Not as many movements as with most field cameras but, insanely lightweight. I've picked up 5 Fidelity Elite film holders for it as well. Still shopping for/trying to decide on a lens and film/developer combo. May be a couple weeks before I get to take it out for a spin but, I can't wait

[Alison]

YAYYYYY! Congrats Aaron! I can't wait to see the pictures you take with it! :thumbsup:

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks Ali for all of your support. Hopefully the new pics won't disappoint

[mjs1973]

Congratulations Aaron! I have wanted a camera like this for a long time, but never made the plunge. I have never used a LF camera and I have no idea how they work, but I would love to learn some day. Just a few days ago I was looking for a video on youtube and saw some "how to" videos for LF cameras, but I didn't have time to watch them. I know if I did get something like this, it wouldn't get used much, but I know it would be a blast to play with.

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks Mike It will definitely be an adjustment from the "Just grab the camera and go" style like I have been able to do with the Rollei. My photography has been slowing down more and more though and this just feels like the next natural step. Though I have the feeling this will start me down a slippery slope of negative envy and will only make me want to jump to 8x10 or 11x14. I use to look at the comparison between 35mm and medium format and be in awe of the difference. Now holding a 4x5 sheet (a couple neg holders had film in them already for some reason) next to 35mm is a holy **** moment...LOL

[schrackman]

oh boy, Aaron, you're going back to the dark ages aren't ya? lol

congrats on a neat looking camera, and I also can't wait to see some pics from it!!

Ray

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks Ray I wouldn't quite say dark ages yet...LOL Now if I had a REAL darkroom, then I would be in the dark ages trying some tintypes and other fun things. Oh well, one step at a time

[drg]

You are going to spend some time and money now!!

Tri-X at this size looks good, as does almost anything! If you can find a appropriate modern coated lens, do try some color/transparency film. Positive film at this scale is a revelation!

Happy shooting and will wait eagerly to see what you come up with.

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks drg I just bought 2 lenses today. Both are Ilex (Calumet) Caltar lenses in Copal shutters. One is a 90mm f/8 and the other is a 215mm f/5.6, convertible to a 355mm. I won't be able to use the 355mm though as I don't think I'll have enough draw on my bellows but, I would like to get a monorail at some point, so could be used down the road. The seller emailed me full shutter speed tests for them and they pretty much on the money from the sounds of it. Ended up getting both lenses for $369 with shipping. So in total, the whole set-up has run about $700. That's about $100 more than I had budgeted but, since when does photography ever stay with in budget?...LOL I need to wait another 2 weeks or so to put together an order for Freestyle but, have about a $450 order planned to thoroughly stock up on film, paper, and chemicals. For film/developer I think I've decided on Ilford FP5 and Rodinal. I'll be on vacation the last week of February and am looking forward to get out and shooting

[mtbbrian]

WOW!
She's a beauty!
You are really going for it, I am impressed!
I can't wait to see what you end up doing with her.
I still have a Bessler 45M enlarger, that is gathering dust, if you are looking for an enlarger still.
:thumbsup:
Brian

[brmill26]

Wow, I'm busy for a few days and I come in to see this?! Man, congrats Aaron, I know you've really been looking forward to getting an LF for quite a while now. Sounds like you pulled it off at a pretty good price, too. I imagine 90mm will be relatively wide angle at that negative size. Anyway, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing some shots from that beast! Now you can print at, what, wallpapering size? Hahaha, congrats and enjoy!

[Xia_Ke]

Thanks guys Ended up getting in my lenses yesterday. Both project a good image circle and allow for a good amount of movement. I also light tested the bellows yesterday and there were a few more pinholes than expected. I had expected a couple but, there were a few more than I though. I had anticipated some at least and on Monday I had ordered a bellows patch kit from Bostick & Sullivan which arrived today. It's going to take a day or 2 to build up a few layers over the trouble spots, than at least a week to fully cure. No biggie though as a couple things I need to order from Freestyle are on backorder, with the last one due in on the 12th, so that'll have to wait as well. I have the last week of February off for vacation so hopefully by then all will be ready to go and I'll be able to get plenty of shots to finally start sharing

Aaron