Large Format photography group - From "zero to hero!"

Carl Hall said:
What's the general opinion of Fomapan 100 in 5x4?

My overall plan is to shoot FP4 (because there's no PanF in 5x4 :( ) but Fomapan is about a third of the price (£25.96 for 50 sheets of Fomapan 100, or £38.32 for 25 sheets of FP4) so I think it would be really good to practice with, as I can screw up 2/3 of my photos for the same price lol

I've read that the quality control of the film isn't as good as other brands, but looking at photos on Flickr etc the results do look nice.
Click to expand...

It's cheap and ideal for practicing.

Wether you continue to use as a mainstream film will depend on if you're happy with the results it offers.

It can be a bit hit and miss as regards speed, often 100 iso is actually more like 50 or even 25, admittedly this has been with experience on 120 roll film but I believe others have use the 5x4 format and had similar issues.

I'll be ordering some for my LF activities and I would hope that whatever the discrepency ( if there is any) with the first sheet will be consistent for the whole box

As for the 400 speed roll film, I simply couldn't get on with it, the grain was huge ( and i don't mind grain!) but again, I've seen some cracking results produced with it by other togs so don't be put off too much by peoles opinions ...best to try for yourself tbh
 
AshleyC said:
its fine so long as you get the exposure right. Ive only used the 200 though but the reciprocity times are mental. basically just treble anything the light meter says. So expect lots or 3 or 4 minute exposures.
Click to expand...

I agree the reciprocity times are huge but they can actually be of benefit depending what you want to shoot long exposure.
 
Excellent, that's exactly what I want it for; I can screw up with Fomapan and not worry too much. I've just ordered a box which should be here Thursday or Friday.

I think whether I carry on using it as my "normal" film will depend on what results I get from it, as the whole reason I bought a LF was for the extra quality. But at a third of the price I'll be able to shoot much more of it per month than I had planned to do with FP4. Seems like Fomapan in Rodinal is pretty much the cheapest way to shoot large format!

Thanks! :)
 
Carl Hall said:
Excellent, that's exactly what I want it for; I can screw up with Fomapan and not worry too much. I've just ordered a box which should be here Thursday or Friday.

I think whether I carry on using it as my "normal" film will depend on what results I get from it, as the whole reason I bought a LF was for the extra quality. But at a third of the price I'll be able to shoot much more of it per month than I had planned to do with FP4. Seems like Fomapan in Rodinal is pretty much the cheapest way to shoot large format!

Thanks! :)
Click to expand...

Yes FP4 is quite expensive ...the alternative to Fomapan is Adox CHS which comes in at a price that is about double Fomapan it's a film I quite like particularly developed in LC29 or HC-110
 
Carl Hall said:
Excellent, that's exactly what I want it for; I can screw up with Fomapan and not worry too much. I've just ordered a box which should be here Thursday or Friday.

I think whether I carry on using it as my "normal" film will depend on what results I get from it, as the whole reason I bought a LF was for the extra quality. But at a third of the price I'll be able to shoot much more of it per month than I had planned to do with FP4. Seems like Fomapan in Rodinal is pretty much the cheapest way to shoot large format!

Thanks! :)
Click to expand...
I've shot the same image with both fomapan and fp4 and pressed I couldn't tell the difference on my relatively small scans. The difference is qc, emulsion quality and reciprocity in my experience. TBH qc of the two boxes I've had have been fine but it's much softer than ilfords and the reciprocity is mental!
 
Carl Hall said:
Seems like Fomapan in Rodinal is pretty much the cheapest way to shoot large format!
Click to expand...

Something else to bear in mind is that there is an option to shoot 9x12cm film which can sometimes be found cheaper than 5x4inch......admittedly 9x12cm is more recognised this side of the channel than in the UK but darkslide film holders are available for a similar price to 5x4 inch ones.

The difference being that the interns are set up to hold film 9x12cm film.

In reality the film is smaller but not massively so:

9x12cm = 900 x 120mm

5x4 inch = 125 x 100mm


It's an option that may be worth considering
 
Carl Hall said:
What's the general opinion of Fomapan 100 in 5x4?

My overall plan is to shoot FP4 (because there's no PanF in 5x4 :( ) but Fomapan is about a third of the price (£25.96 for 50 sheets of Fomapan 100, or £38.32 for 25 sheets of FP4) so I think it would be really good to practice with, as I can screw up 2/3 of my photos for the same price lol

I've read that the quality control of the film isn't as good as other brands, but looking at photos on Flickr etc the results do look nice.
Click to expand...

I've shot quite a bit of it. Exposed it at 80 ISO. I've been pretty happy with the results. My original idea was to learn with it, didn't make any long exposures. I've found I like it enough to buy a second box.
 
Laudrup said:
Any tips on a 10x8 field camera to buy and where to buy it in the UK/EU?
Click to expand...

I'm not especially familiar with wooden field cameras but you really need to give us some more details of what subjects you intend to take and some idea of budget. Subjects / the lenses you want will help determine which cameras might be more or less suitable.

As a rough idea Tachihara wooden fields seem to go for £1000 if you want an Ebony you are looking at £2000 +

Do you already have a suitable tripod and lightmeter ?

10x8 Film holders seem to be running about £50 secondhand these days and weigh about 0.62Kg each so if you want 6 £300 and nearly 4Kg .... you might just get a set up under 15Kg but it is more likely you will be carrying say 20Kg

I would say it is nearer to 40 that I drag about.


14192833822_7e5c6afaee_z.jpg


As to where to buy Teamwork Digital, fforbes and Peter Walnes are worth keeping an eye as is the UK large Format forum.
 
Asha said:
Something else to bear in mind is that there is an option to shoot 9x12cm film which can sometimes be found cheaper than 5x4inch......admittedly 9x12cm is more recognised this side of the channel than in the UK but darkslide film holders are available for a similar price to 5x4 inch ones.

The difference being that the interns are set up to hold film 9x12cm film.

In reality the film is smaller but not massively so:

9x12cm = 900 x 120mm

5x4 inch = 125 x 100mm


It's an option that may be worth considering
Click to expand...

Ahh I had always wondered why my screen has markings for 12x9cm! I will keep an eye out and see if any 12x9 holders pop up, it'll give me another option if I see some 12x9 film for a good price :)
 
trevorbray said:
I've shot quite a bit of it. Exposed it at 80 ISO. I've been pretty happy with the results. My original idea was to learn with it, didn't make any long exposures. I've found I like it enough to buy a second box.
Click to expand...

Yeah that's what I'm wondering, if I like it enough to carry on using it regularly then it means I can shoot a lot more each month for the same price. If I don't get on with it then I can finish the box whilst practicing and learning, and then switch to FP4 later on and just shoot a bit less of it.
 
I've managed to confuse myself about the amount of developer I'll need to do 5x4... :S

I develop 120 film in my AP tank which says I need 500ml of of developer for a roll. I've read elsewhere that a single roll of 120 is similar in terms of surface area to four sheets of 5x4.

If I wanted to tray develop eight sheets of film, am I right in saying that I just make up 500ml of developer like normal, develop four sheets in a tray, then discard and mix up some more developer for the next four sheets?
 
Carl Hall said:
I've managed to confuse myself about the amount of developer I'll need to do 5x4... :confused:

I develop 120 film in my AP tank which says I need 500ml of of developer for a roll. I've read elsewhere that a single roll of 120 is similar in terms of surface area to four sheets of 5x4.

If I wanted to tray develop eight sheets of film, am I right in saying that I just make up 500ml of developer like normal, develop four sheets in a tray, then discard and mix up some more developer for the next four sheets?
Click to expand...

Never tray developed. Can't argue your logic though.
 
Schneider SYMMAR - S 150mm F/5.6


Got an opportunity to obtain this lens in copal 0 shutter at what i believe is a good price ( équivalent of about £170)..

From info i've round and read it seems a worthwhile purchase.. ..what do you guys reckon?
 
They were a perfectly decent Plasmat to get in this focal length and only replaced after a couple of decades by basically slightly more refined versions.

I paid £50 fr a Sinar db mounted one a few years back but the Sinar db mounting seriously devalues them.
I had an errand at MrCad's today and had a quick look he has them priced about£220 so while you might find one under £170 it is not an unreasonable price at least.
 
abbandon said:
They were a perfectly decent Plasmat to get in this focal length and only replaced after a couple of decades by basically slightly more refined versions.

I paid £50 fr a Sinar db mounted one a few years back but the Sinar db mounting seriously devalues them.
I had an errand at MrCad's today and had a quick look he has them priced about£220 so while you might find one under £170 it is not an unreasonable price at least.
Click to expand...

Well according to thé seller which is actually a retail outlet, the lens works perfectly, thge speeds are correct, thé glass is clean and cosmetically it is in very good condition. Thé photos that i've seen certainly do appear to confirm this.

The other prices / condition of same lens elsewhere do make this one worthwhile so i reckon i'll take the plunge.

Thanks for your help and opinion.....much appreciated.
 
I'm blaming that Carl Hall. He's a bad influence. I mean, you're all bad influences in this thread but he's the worst most recent. :cautious:

I've been interested in trying LF for a while and Carl's results have swung me over. Despite my supposedly shooting for my OCOLOF, I'm starting to gather the necessaries for a 4x5 kit. I figure that I shouldn't lose much money on it and I really want to give it a proper go. I really, really need to sell the cameras I never use now, there's something else to fund. :rolleyes:
 
Same boat over here Dean. I vowed to not bother with lf until I have the time and money to do it properly....maybe when I retire.

Now I'm thinking maybe later this year. :runaway:
 
Strappy said:
Despite my supposedly shooting for my OCOLOF, I'm starting to gather the necessaries for a 4x5 kit....
Click to expand...

Oy, Dean, 'ang on mate! You can't be jumping overboard quite so quickly!! :runaway::runaway::bat:
 
ChrisR said:
Oy, Dean, 'ang on mate! You can't be jumping overboard quite so quickly!! :runaway::runaway::bat:
Click to expand...

Who says I am? I can spend some time building the kit, doesn't mean I'll be out marching across the hills with the dark cloth tied around my neck so it billows magnificently in the breeze any time soon. ;)
 
I know, I know, take my time, build a kit, wait for the right kit to come up at the right price ... but how lovely is this? Geared focus, phwoooaaaaarrr! All that time I could spend alone in the countryside twiddling me knob(s) ... :naughty:
 
Strappy said:
I'm blaming that Carl Hall. He's a bad influence. I mean, you're all bad influences in this thread but he's the worst most recent. :cautious:

I've been interested in trying LF for a while and Carl's results have swung me over. Despite my supposedly shooting for my OCOLOF, I'm starting to gather the necessaries for a 4x5 kit. I figure that I shouldn't lose much money on it and I really want to give it a proper go. I really, really need to sell the cameras I never use now, there's something else to fund. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Ahaha do it! There's no time like the present! I told myself "it's ok, I will still mainly use MF and just shoot LF once or twice a month", but I haven't even got my MF camera out the bag since the Arca Swiss arrived :S

The cost per shot was the main thing holding me back as I thought the cost of the film and the dev/scan service would be really expensive, but since then I've discovered Fomapan! If I use Fomapan 100 deved in Rodinal and scan it on my current V550 scanner (scan in two halves, merge in photoshop) it works out about 58p per photo, which is great value.
 
No, that won't be hapening, sadly. I need to spend some cash on a new lens for my "ahem" digikal camera first.

A Sigma 50-500mm for some wildlife shooting is top of the list, but after that all my efforts will be bent toward LARGE FORMAT.....:banana:
 
Carl Hall said:
Ahaha do it! There's no time like the present! I told myself "it's ok, I will still mainly use MF and just shoot LF once or twice a month", but I haven't even got my MF camera out the bag since the Arca Swiss arrived :confused:

The cost per shot was the main thing holding me back as I thought the cost of the film and the dev/scan service would be really expensive, but since then I've discovered Fomapan! If I use Fomapan 100 deved in Rodinal and scan it on my current V550 scanner (scan in two halves, merge in photoshop) it works out about 58p per photo, which is great value.
Click to expand...

I must admit I've found the RB has become a special purpose weapon rather than the go to camera of late. If I could focus the LF at night and Neopan wasn't so expensive in 54 I'd probably be struggling to use it but I doubt I'd get rid of it.
 
If you look at sold listings on ebay I would say that is about the maximum that it would sell for.

Relatively it is heavier than other monorails it is a lot bulkier to pack to also as it is a U bracket design it has limitations with short lenses by a 90mm you are apparently already talking recessed lens boards where as the Sinars will take a 47mm XL on a flat board.

You could do worse but you could do better an get an easier to use and better designed camera.

I'm sure its getting really boring by now but if people think a monorail will suit them and you are on a budget do not pass go just buy some form of Sinar F. Newer Arcas might be better but are way more expensive and rare older Arcas do not have the design advantages same goes for just about all the others.

The Sinar F2 Strappy linked too is a late model as listed but doesn't look like it has a metering back that should be part of the spec of an F2.
 
I spotted that as well, looks good.

Andy
 
The MOD54 I bought from the classifieds arrived yesterday. The journey begins!

Looking at field cameras today, might be better suited to the subjects I want to focus on (ha!) with LF. Although I'd also like to try still life and portraiture so this may change with the wind. :)
 
Been looking deeper into the used 10x8 field camera market but they seem scarce in Europe/UK. One on ebay just now, a Wista, but not sure it is worth that sort of money. The 5x4 is always an option as they are more abundant but I'll keep my eye out.
 
Asha said:
Schneider SYMMAR - S 150mm F/5.6


Got an opportunity to obtain this lens in copal 0 shutter at what i believe is a good price ( équivalent of about £170)..

From info i've round and read it seems a worthwhile purchase.. ..what do you guys reckon?
Click to expand...

abbandon said:
They were a perfectly decent Plasmat to get in this focal length and only replaced after a couple of decades by basically slightly more refined versions.

I paid £50 fr a Sinar db mounted one a few years back but the Sinar db mounting seriously devalues them.
I had an errand at MrCad's today and had a quick look he has them priced about£220 so while you might find one under £170 it is not an unreasonable price at least.
Click to expand...

Got it! :banana:

https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/t...lated-toy-thread.239121/page-151#post-6754737
 
Question .....where can I obtain cases for LF lenses mounted on Sinar / Horseman boards 140 x 140mm?
 
Yeah, only thing I found that would do it the job for less than silly money.
 
Laudrup said:
Been looking deeper into the used 10x8 field camera market but they seem scarce in Europe/UK. One on ebay just now, a Wista, but not sure it is worth that sort of money. The 5x4 is always an option as they are more abundant but I'll keep my eye out.
Click to expand...


I was in MrCads recently they had a wooden Agfa 10x8 in the window think it was in the region of £500 this is an older wooden field so likely to be bulkier than newer designs

Asha said:
Question .....where can I obtain cases for LF lenses mounted on Sinar / Horseman boards 140 x 140mm?
Click to expand...

Like this sort of thing ?


16714495756_676a828015_z.jpg


I have two of these paid £20 for one £10 for the other. The clue is on the picture they seem to have these occasionally and I have seen them on the bay for similar prices. They do "like" me well tolerate or find amusing at least.

Strappy said:
The MOD54 I bought from the classifieds arrived yesterday. The journey begins!

Looking at field cameras today, might be better suited to the subjects I want to focus on (ha!) with LF. Although I'd also like to try still life and portraiture so this may change with the wind. :)
Click to expand...

Probably not quite as awkward as using a range finder for still life but not far from it and most are lacking in the extension department.


I purpose an LF meet some where that might give people a chance to play with some of the options before laying out the $ on something that might not suit them.

SE I can do at the drop of a hat would be prepared to drag myself some what up country into the wind swept northern tundra of Watford if their is sufficient interest that way ?

And again I have enough bits of Sinar to loan an F out with lenses and not miss it for months.
 
abbandon said:
I propose an LF meet some where that might give people a chance to play with some of the options before laying out the $ on something that might not suit them.

SE I can do at the drop of a hat would be prepared to drag myself some what up country into the wind swept northern tundra of Watford if their is sufficient interest that way ?

And again I have enough bits of Sinar to loan an F out with lenses and not miss it for months.
Click to expand...

I think this is a great idea. There was one a couple of years ago in an Arboretum somewhere, but nothing since then, IIRC.
 
That was the Westonbirt Arboretum meeting, which was a bit of a washout on the day.

Edit to clarify, I mean it was p***ing down all day! Not the best weather for standing under trees with big cameras :)

abbandon said:
And again I have enough bits of Sinar to loan an F out with lenses and not miss it for months.
Click to expand...

That is a very generous offer but like Steve posted before, I would be reluctant to borrow expensive kit on an extended basis for fear of damaging it. Though if you're free one weekend I'd welcome the opportunity to spend a day shooting under supervision. A box of 10 sheets of B&W would be a worthwhile investment to see whether I want to pursue LF further. :)
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top