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Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS

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Besides using shift (rise), I found in my years using 4x5 field cameras that a slight amount of back tilt could subtly, but significantly, benefit certain landscape images.  

 

It often doesn't take much to alter a photo.....whether using a computer, using a camera, using a lens or figuring out where to stand.  Details often matter.  And for LF photography, learning what different functions do helps immensely, even if they're seldom used.

 

For me, using LF gear (and ground glass viewing) provided benefits not only in the final print (especially because of the big negs), but also as an aid to my compositional skills.  I still invert my photos in LR from time to time to better assess composition.  [When I took a drawing class, my otherwise poor drawing skills were also enhanced by flipping a portrait or scene that I was drawing upside down.  It allows one to see beyond conditioned norms.]

 

Jeff

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The ability to get everything "straight" via front rise etc is a key benefit of 4x5" or LF generally.

 

That, and resolution.

 

Large drum scans (750mb+) and how large do you want to print? I've done all of these off Acros 100.....

 

50"? - perfect.

 

70"? - yes, easy. Absolutely pops across the room, and you can nose the detail too.

 

100"? - still has a photographic integrity to it.

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I agree, it is possible to, and advisable, to start without movements. I also have a Fotoman 45PS with 90mm lens. No movements and can be used as a point and shoot. I bought it for travel, but I missed movements.

 

I did not even mention the task of loading film holders. I traveled with a "tent" for that.

Jesse

 

My old favorite is, in part, because it was so hard to machine it to exact specs is below. Then I moved on to metals which we can consider later. "Tent", aha, a good subject. wear gloves to keep the hands from shedding. :) Excellent points, djmay

 

Oh, the 4x5 super wide. 47mm F/5.6

 

super-wide-4x5-1.jpg

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Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS

Neil,

 

While large format photography is very rewarding, you should be aware that it takes a very patient and deliberate temperament. Otherwise, it will be extremely, and I mean extremely, frustrating. If you ever tried playing a string instrument, it is similar. I play cello and have done my main photographic work with view cameras. Both are very gratifying to me.

 

With large format photography, the equipment is heavy. Each shot takes quite a lot of time to set up. If you do not take the time and care, it is easy to make a mistake. Each mistake is costly in time and film is expensive. Each sheet of black and white film costs about 1 euro. To get to the point where you do not make mistakes, it takes a lot of practice. Then there is the film development. If you want complete control of the image, you need to develop the film yourself. And that means lots of testing and calibration in order to know what your end result will be when you press the shutter.

 

I am not trying to dissuade you from trying it; you should know what you are getting into.

 

To compare, carrying the S with three lenses is a lot less weight than a view camera with 3 lenses and film holders. Each film holder contains two shots. I usually carry about 10 or 12 film holders (100 and 400 iso) for a day in the mountains or the city. I was so pleased with the image quality of the S that I have not used a view camera in a year. Yes, I have given up tilt and swing but I have also gained some other attributes.

 

A tilt-shift lens for the S would be wonderful, but it will not happen. The alternative is a tech camera.

 

Jesse

I thought the S system already have a TS lens??

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Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS

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You mean other than the one that already exists?  https://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-S/Leica-S-Lenses/TS-APO-Elmar-S-120MM-f-5.6-ASPH

 

The 30 T/S was supposed to arrive years ago, but seems it won't come to fruition.

 

Jeff

I've read a wee bitty about a TS lens but really cant get my head around it................I guess its one of those things where you have to actually have to use one to fully understand what they can do, maybe one day :)

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Neil, take a look large format, you said you like the zen slowing down with your hasselblad so you will love it. This is an extension of that and it is the ultimate image quality.

 

There are small large format cameras like Linhof Technikas and there are some that are also rangefinders. You can also slap a digital back on it too.

 

Tilt Shift lens is simply changing the focal plane. You also do this with every lens and focus ring. This just moves it in other ways.

 

Back tilt shift on a camera is to correct perspective. Tilting your camera up with wide angles means your verticals aren't straight - So by tilting the back standard of the camera you can correct it.

 

Buy combining front and back tilts you can get front to back focus and still shoot fairly wide open. That is called Scheimpflug.

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