[pure-silver] Re: OT Large Format Question

On Monday 21 March 2005 10:40, Justin F. Knotzke wrote:

>
>     I have a Manfrotto tripod. It's quite sturdy but I couldn't tell you
> if it's sturdy enough for a 4x5.
>
>     The camera will be used almost entirely outside. I will use it
> sometimes for landscapes and often for environmental portraits. I would
> like it to have some sort of PC Sync hookup so I can hookup strobes (if
> that's even possible).
>

        Landscapes are relatively un-demanding on cameras. Portraits would 
require 
longer bellows if you want to use a long lens. But don't need much in the way 
of movements. Flash won't be a problem unless you get a very old lens.

        If you're in walking distance from the car then weight and bulk isn't 
an 
issue. OTOH trying to hike with a monorail can be trying. It's the bulk more 
then the weight.

        If it was me I'd consider spending something like $100 on a B&J press 
camera. 
The bellows aren't very long. Which might cause problems if you want to use a 
fairly long lens for portraits. You'd be stuck with a spring back so you'd 
have limited choice with roll film holders. OTOH it would be fairly cheap. 
Have full front movements. Likely come with an older lens to get started on.

        Or you could try the Calumet CC400 monorail. It will be a pain to haul 
very 
far but other then that will do what ever you need. Price likely between $100 
and $200 for the camera.

        Later once you've figured out what you really want then you can try and 
find 
the perfect camera. Finding the perfect camera is hard the first time because 
you don't really know what you need. So spend some time with a cheap used 
camera. The replacement camera will take the same lenses and film holders. If 
you're real lucky it might even take the same lens board. 

Nick
=============================================================================================================
To unsubscribe from this list, go to www.freelists.org and logon to your 
account (the same e-mail address and password you set-up when you subscribed,) 
and unsubscribe from there.

Other related posts: