Building A Large Format System
Omega 45E, Caltar 135mm
f-5.6 lens,
Fuji Velvia 50, Bogen tripod and pan/tilt head.
Spot metering with Minolta Auto Meter IIIF and 5 degree spot attachment, 1/30 sec at f-22.
Building a large format system is not as
easy as 35mm. The cost of the cameras and lenses are high and you need to think hard
before choosing your lenses. First you should decide on the camera. This depends on the
type of photography you do. As you know, there are two types of view cameras available:
monorail and flatbed. Monorails give the maximum movements but are bulkier than flatbeds.
If you don't plan to take your view camera outside your studio, monorails are best.
Flatbeds are perfect for outdoor use. I prefer monorails for their extra flexibility and
don't mind the extra weight and bulk for outdoor use. You can make a compromise by
choosing a smaller and lighter monorail camera for studio and outdoor use. If you plan to
use your view camera for landscape work only, and plan to do a lot of backpacking, a
flatbed model is much easier to carry and use. Your first lens should be a standard lens,
either a 150mm or 210mm. 150mm has a little more angle of view which is perfect for most
landscapes and interior work. 210mm gives more working distance for studio work such as
still life.
Left
Image: 150mm lens
An alternative between 150mm and 210mm is 180mm lens. It is perfect for studio
photography and its angle of view allows it to be used for landscape and architectural
photography. Your second lens depends on the type of photography you do most. For portrait
photography for example, a 300mm is a good choice. 300mm lenses can also be used for
landscape work where a longer than standard lens is needed.
Wide-angle lenses are mainly
used for landscape, architectural, and interior photography. If you only work in the
studio, a standard lens should be enough or a longer 240mm or 300mm if you feel you need
the extra reach. For outdoor use and interior work, consider a 90mm lens. Equivalent to
about 24mm on 35mm format, 90mm lenses will cover most of your wide angle shots. If you
plan to use your view camera for all of your outdoor photography, you might want to add
wider and longer lenses to your system. Don't run out and buy everything at once. The best
way is to start slowly. Pick your camera model first. Make sure it has all the features
you need and comfortable to work with. Choose your standard lens. It will be the one
you'll use the most. After using your equipment, decide whether or not you need additional
lenses. If so, choose your next lens wisely. Pick a focal length that will do the job for
you and make sure it will be enough if you are not going to add more lenses, otherwise
consider which focal lengths you will be adding later.
Left Image: 135mm Lens
Two or three lenses are usually
enough for most large format photography, although some carry more. If you plan to do
close-up photography, consider bellows extension and focal length. Remember, to get to
life size, the bellows must be extended twice the length of the focal length. A 150mm lens
needs 300mm of bellows extension to focus at life-size. Make sure the camera you are
buying has enough extension for close-up work or its bellows can be changed. Add other
accessories to your system slowly. Five sheet film holders should be enough to start with
plus a changing bag to load films in the field. If you are on a budget, there are several
affordable view cameras in the market. Calumet Cadet and Bender 4X5 cameras are very
affordable but you have to build the Bender yourself. Lenses are not cheap. Most cost over
$1000 but some are below $500 and are of good quality. You can also find great cameras and
lenses in the used market. Even very old view cameras can still be used today since they
have not changed much. Avoid older lenses that lack multi-coating. Many of these lenses
are low priced but the lack of multi-coating can affect color. View cameras are great
teachers and will improve your photography. Their image size is impressive and they
produce superb results. It is no longer an expensive tool for professionals. They can be
used by amateurs and the final results are rewarding. Shop around and you will find
affordable cameras and lenses.