Hi there! I have a crown graphic that I'm selling (similar to a speed graphic) with film holders and some leftover film. I can also send some developing trays and whatever I have left for photographic paper. That would get you started and give you an inexpensive way into LF photography. It is really a lot of fun, but I have back problems and can no longer lug it up the side of mountains If you're interested, feel free to e-mail me at: mdooley@myexcel.com. I was going to put it up on ebay, but if you're interested I'd be happy to sell it to you instead. All the mechanics work on it
Melissa Dooley
P.S. If posts like this are not allowed here, I appologize GREATLY!



Quote Originally Posted by Photo-John
I wanted to post a link to that site this weekend but didn't have it bookmarked on my home machine. When it comes to large format photography, it is absolutely the best site.

Per Plunk - if you're really interested in trying large format, I recommend starting with press camera like Norman's Speed Graphic. They're relatively inexpensive, come with a lens, and pretty easy to get your hands on. And they'll let you try using large format without a big time and money investment. Large format photography is very, very different from 35mm and even medium format. If you think medium format is slow, wait until you try shooting large format. You get two shots per film holder, you need to focus on ground glass with a loupe, and a tripod is almost mandatory. Plus, you'll also need to load film in the film holders, and you can't carry very much large format film loaded, and ready to shoot.

On the other hand, there's nothing like a carefully made 8x10 or 11x14 print made from 4x5 film. For landscape, it's the best. I've printed 50x60 inch prints shot on 4x5 and there's so much detail. You look at the print from about 10 feet away, and then you move up and starting looking at the leaves and twigs. It's a whole other universe of photographic possibility. But, damn it's slow! I have a 6x7 and for me that's the best compromise. Large format is just too much time and effort for me - especially since I made the swtich to digital.

But I encourage you to try it. Just start out cheap and simple. There's a lot of used equipment available and who knows, it might be right for you.