Hi Im new and lookin for...

[saintcroix]

Hi,
I am new here.
I was just looking through some of the discussions about large format because I purchased an old Kodak with a Bosh and Lomb lens. I noticed one of you mentioned you would like to find one. ( I think it was Peter). I still have tabs on it The original owners drivers license, ( from the 40's), is still in the original case. If you would like specifics, just send your inquiry to me.

in any case I traded it up to a 4 x 5 calumet monorail, with a Nikon lens, 210 - 1:56.
What I really want is the rose wood Tachihara 4x5. Alas I am poor so It may be a while.

I am a nature Photographer, my weapon of choice being a Nikon 3100.
Any way I purchased the Ansel Adams books both paper and E book. and I am determined to relearn film, and large format. I have been busting my brain trying to find a step by step for dummies type set up, to get me started, but not finding it yet.

Here is what I need, I know how to set up, and all the parts. I want to set up a sort of test scene and shoot some experimental shots, then send them away and wait to see what I did.

I need to learn focus, (I know it a little), then aperture setting, shutter timer, (I know how to use my Nikon digital as a light meter if that helps).

I am hoping to find some one who will give inexpensive lessons on My Calumet Here locally in New Albany Ohio. but till then It's Books and begging.

So any one?

PS I am an accomplished digital photographer, and artist, I have a web site here, ( if this is allowed) www.saintcroixfx.com ( digital photography) Shameless plug)..

So, Hey I am so happy to have found decent people to exchange ideas with and such, My only friends always walk away when I start on photography... they are into Horses.

have a great day, and happy shooting.

Pat S ( hope I was not too gabby)

[daveh]

Pat, welcome. I know almost nothing about large format cameras - so I'll have to pass on trying to help you there.

Dave.

[Doug T.]

Hi Pat, and welcome!
My extent of large format knowledge is that you focus on a ground glass plate in the back, the image will be up-side down, and then you stick in a film holder, with film of course
There's a dark slide that has to be removed, make your exposure, return the dark slide, and head for the darkroom.
You probably know this much already though.
I've always wanted to try it myself, but only as an experiment in producing a calotype paper negative.
At any rate, when you figure it out, please show us some samples!
Doug

[mickeyobe]

Pat S,

Britain's "Amateur Photographer" magazine ran an excellent 3 part series called "The Big Picture A beginners guide to large format" from 15 November 1997, 22 November 1997 and 29 November 1997. The articles were written by Jon Tarrant and Nigel Atherton. They were easy to read, well illustrated and comprehensive.

I tried to find the series on the internet but got nowhere. Perhaps , being in The UK, you could contact the magazine. You might also try your public library.

Mickey

[saintcroix]

Hey guys, thank you for the warm welcome.

I am in Ohio, New Albany to be precise. In my search for information, I just happened across your forum.

So far I have located the lens, and looked at the image on the ground glass.

Quite a different world from my Nikon 3100. I just can not find the auto settings. ( humor). The best advice I have found so far is take it out, ( choose some where), and set up like you will be shooting. I sort of found a step by step, so I am going with that until I locate better info.

With my 35mm DSLR, it's usually business, and some fun. with my new found LF, I'm thinking just make it fun for now.
Purchased the advised books, Using the View Camera, Steve Simmons, and the Ansel Adams The camera.

I managed to find the Ansel Adams in electronic format, but not the Simmons book.
This took some time as there are several bad influences on line claiming to have what you seek, only to turn out to be costly, and having little or none of what you want. ( watch out for the fakes).

Well off again, have to work... sigh