How I set up and take a large format photo.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
- I take photographers just starting out in large format photography through the steps I always take when I use my large format camera. Following these steps and developing your own system will help the photographer to not make mistakes and cost them money in ruined photos. You can use these steps for 4x5, 5x7 or 8x10 cameras.
Gear I use.
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One can make a very nice focus loupe by using a stacking closeup lens set (3 or 4 lens set) screwed together and used as a single magnifier. You can purchase them in many many diameters and they are not expensive in any way. Thanks for a very nice video, Ps: I've been into large format work for a bit over 50 years myself.
That's a great idea! I'll look into it.
Yes - good to have a routine using the camera. Doing so frees up mental energy for thinking about the composition.
On the other hand; I try not to get into a routine in my openness to possible subject situations.
Thank you Todd you are a very good teacher, your videos are great
Thank you, that’s very kind!
👌 Snowing, but not too cold for the all-metal Technika.
Thanks, Todd.
The key to large format success is following a routine. Thank you for sharing yours, it's great advice! Andy
Thank you so much for your LF tutorials. In 2 days I will pick-up my first LF camera, a 1957 Technika III v.5.
For previsualisation I use the iPhone app "Artist's Viewfinder MkII" I appreciate so much.
It makes it possible scouting without camera and save thumbnails with all the datas required to find the same framing again when returning with the camera.
Yes I've used that app as well, it's a really good tool.
It's surprising how few videos there are on TH-cam about actually taking large-format photos - as opposed to videos about the technical gear itself!
I really want to make my channel more about the act of taking a photo and showing off the photos, thanks.
Thanks Todd, for anyone thinking about large format this should take away any anxiety. Once you get in a groove, it becomes second nature.
Since I've been doing it for awhile, I have forgotten how photographers are apprehensive about shooting large format. There really is no one to tell them how it's done. So I wanted to create a series that walk people through it. Thank you for watching!
Great teacher, clear, precise tutorial, magic moment in nature, silence and stunning atmosphere, no fast ,one step at time, fantastic!
I am having my first trial of Large Format tomorrow and found your lesson so so useful - thank you. Have my notes ready to go!
Good luck. Just go slow it will be great! You’ll love it. Thanks.
Extremely useful, thanks a lot
Glad it could help. 👍
Thank you so much, quite helpful...I'm just starting in 4x5, just a great experience photographing this say
That’s sounds great. Welcome, 4x5 is great!
In the field all the LF cameras need a 90 degree angle finder
to give more comfort focusing, in stead of using a dark cloth.
I don't have any interest in doing large format photography myself however, I can appreciate the contemplative nature of it and the dedication, planning, and effort it takes to do it well. Harkens back to the days when photography really was a craft.
You're such a great teacher. Extremely clear and easy to understand and what a great scene! Thanks!
Thank you!
Will go out today with the 4x5 to take my first exposures on large format. Thank you for going over your steps. Really excited to make the jump from medium format! All the best from Estonia.
That’s awesome news! Good luck, just remember to keep it slow but it’s a ton of fun. Thanks.
Helpful, thanks!
Thank you!
wow stunning work
Good advice and well presented.
Thank you and what beautiful scenery
Great video, I am using that now. 😊 thank you
Thank you Todd, your videos are so helpful as I get to grips with my Chamonix 5 x 4 and the process of large format photography. Your maxim of keeping procedures the same each time to minimize errors is now intrinsic to my process. Thanks again Todd, you are a true craftsman.
Thank you, yes, having a system can save you so many headaches in the long run, very important for this process, cost wise as well.
great video Todd. makes me miss swedish winters..
Great, informative video again! No nonsense approach to the video making it easy to follow and interesting with no pretentious crap to distract! Thanks again!
Thanks!
I've just started using a 4x5 field camera so I was glad to see this video. Hope to see more like this in the future.
Super vidéo. Très utile et instructive. Merci 👏
Thank you, Todd, for this video. It is nicely done and very explicit. From the beginning of it, you managed to place me in a calm state of mind that helped me relax, focus, and understand what came next. Looking forward to more videos. Thank you!
Perfect! Thank you. More coming soon.
Thank you, Todd. Your video is helpful. From Seoul Korea. ^^
Hi Im a beginner with the same camera, and I just wanted to thank you for such a detailed explanation with reasons! Your uploads helped a lot.
I just discovered your channel as I just got my first 4x5 camera a Crown Graphic. I really like your approach to sharing your knowledge. I was surprised to see you developed these shots in Dektol especially at 1:1. I have developed film in Dektol a handful of times but at 1:9. I actually really enjoy the look.
Thank you, Todd.
You're welcome!
Great episode Todd! Good work!
Thanks!
Love the film holder waist bag!
Yes a Domke, film holders fit in it perfectly, it's great.
Jesus man love your videos they are so peaceful informative and passionate!!!!
Really appreciate that, thank you!
the snow's come early in 2020... but the colours have been exemplary. Great tutorial. Some great points. Thanks!
Yes indeed, some great colours this year!
Brilliant photos.
Thanks!
nice performance I use a d 850 but I put all the same practice of attention to realize my photos one day I will shoot with a 4x5 also bravo
Great video!
Thank you!!
Awesome video! And I love that you actually showed where you metered as well as what the F-stop and shutters were. I would love to know more about your metering technique and if you use any filters at all! Thank you for a great video!
Thanks, yes I am going to do an in-depth metering video in the future.
Great Video Todd, very clear instructions, I like you videos, I also use a Linhof technika.
Thanks, yes they are a great camera!
Thank you Todd! I'm sure it would you'd be freezing and still made a video to share the concept, it really is nice and clear to understand.
Would be happy if you can do something on the movements of the large format, I'm sure there are many but would love to see your version.
Thanks
Thanks, I've done one on front rise, check it out, will do more soon.
I don't have a large format camera, but I have a mid '40's Kodak Folder I inherited. Even though it's only a 6x9 camera on 120 film, this video has helped me take much better pictures with it. Thank you very much!
That's great, thanks!
Just getting into LF, found this useful thanks. New sub from me !
Perfect, thank you!
Great video. Funny enough when you said you use a spirit level I took out my tripod and mounted my rz67. I made sure all the spirit bubbles on my tripod and 3 way head was in centre. I put a spirit level on top of camera and it wasn’t level!!!!😳.
I will now permanently have a spirit level in my camera bag. 👍🏾
I know right, I've done the same thing, it's the camera that really needs to be level.
@@toddkorolphoto it definitely seems that way. Some great tips in this video. Your metering video was top as well
You currently might have the most liked video on TH-cam 😎🎥
👌
Great video, very instructing. Great scenery too, seems a very Ansel Adams place. Could you do a video on aperture and DoF please? For instance, I was intrigued on why you didn’t use a smaller aperture on that picture, I guess you wanted to have a shutter speed that would “freeze” the water ripples on the lake?
Thanks, well I used F/32 on that shot which would give me a lot of depth of field. Since it was a pretty one dimensional subject and I was a ways back that would give me enough depth of field. The other problem you can get into is the best apertures for a lot of these lenses to be at their sharpest is from F/16-F32 range. Some large format lenses loose a bit of sharpness if you go to F/45 and F64. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching.
Very helpful. I'm about to use my Speed Graphic for the first time but wanted to do research on large format. Your channel is one of the most helpful I've found. Thanks for taking the time and effort. One question, is the loupe your using the same thing as a magnifier for viewing negative?
Thanks. Yes it sure is. It’s a 4x Canon loupe.
Very nice summary, although not everyone does the steps in the same order necessarily. I prefer to mount the camera on the tripod and then load the lens, but main thing is to do it the same way every time!
Yep for sure. As long as you have your system and follow it. Doing that you just make less mistakes.
Please keep bringing these videos Todd :) I remember your video calibrating your meter with a grey card. Why not using the grey card to get your zone V and then placing the highlights and shadows where you want them relatively to that midtone?
Thanks. Yes you could do it that way too. This video was geared toward people just starting out. So and I am just trying to give some people some options in metering instead of just a standard reflective reading. Just so beginners start thing about these things. 😉
I love this video! I am trying to start with large format photography and this video is very informative! I haven't watched all your videos but if you haven't, can you also go over using filters in the future(only if when you get a chance)? Thank you very much for your time to put these videos!! :D
Doing a filter video is on my list, thanks!
@@toddkorolphoto Thank you!!
There is no need to extend the top bed 2
for a fucusing at infinity of a short focus optic.
Hello! Thank you so much for doing this video, it’s just what I’m looking for.
I have a question about the Linhof viewfinder. I see there are several types available, will any type work or do you have a specific one that you use? Thank you
subscribed
Yes I have an older one, the new ones are very nice too. As long as it has multi focal length setting which I am pretty sure they all do. Mine starts at 120mm and goes to 360mm.
Very helpful to watch you go step by step. Perfect exposure on that photograph. That petite level looks pretty handy. Do you know a source for it?
Amazon has some great little levels
Why would anyone want to go down south when we have all this beauty up here, all year 'round!
Well I do like a little desert large format shooting, especially when it hits the minus double digits. 🥶
@@toddkorolphoto when I want deserts, I go to Sandhills in Saskatchewan.
Great Video! Where did you find that film holder case on your belt? That would be very useful.
That is the Domke Film Guard holder, there are 3 sizes, so see which one would work best for you, I have a couple of different sizes depending on what I am doing.
@@toddkorolphoto Great! Thanks for the Tip!
That photo of the mountain at the end is so beautiful, i just bought my first large format camera, a 110 year old 5x7, i hope it all works out, whats your view on using vintage lenses?
I absolutely love vintage lenses. You just need to do some testing to get the right one that works for you. I have an old Goertz Dagor for my 8x10 that is magical.
A Linhof quick coupler cable release will do better.
Really enjoy your content. I am planning to try large format camera and I love the technique you showed. I would like to know the aperture difference between large format lens and other normal lenses like 135 lenses. Many thanks
There is no difference, an aperture at 5.6 let's in the same amount of light and is the same on any lens from 35mm to 8x10.
Hi Todd. I understand the necessity and use of the loupe under the dark cloth for focusing, but am a bit puzzled as to how and why you would use the light meter while under there. I thought you had already calculated your exposure before that point in the process?
I only use the loupe under the dark cloth, the light meter is used in the open to calculate the exposure.
Todd - Thanks for the video. Good to have a process that one follows religiously. Do you use the rangefinder on the Linhof in conjunction with the viewfinder? If so when, if not why not (no cam for instance)? Thanks.
Thanks, I only use the rangefinder with my Linhof when I am shooting handheld. The view it not 100% accurate it more for just focusing, not really like a Leica viewfinder. Yes, I have a cammed 150mm lens.
@@toddkorolphoto Používam diaľkomer a potom podľa tabuľky hlbky ostrosti, ktorá je súčasťou šachty ,nastavím optimálnu clonu pri ktorej objektív najlepšie kreslí. Pri krajinárskej fotografii je väčšinou zaostrenie na nekonečno a preto je zbytočné ostriť na clonu 32.Kameru Linhof 4x5 Master Technika vlastním od roku 1984,keď som ju dostal k narodeninám od manželky ako darček 30 narodeninám. Ďakujem ,že svojou usilovnou prácou propaguješ krásnu kameru a prácu s ňou.
@@dusanlietava8082
Ďakujem za sledovanie môjho videa.
Thanks for this video, It seems you’ve got a very useful bag on your belt to carry film holders, what is it exactly? Thanks
It is it's a Domke pouch, fits 3 or 4 holders perfectly or a light meter, it's really handy.
@@toddkorolphoto thanks a lot for the answer :)
Dear Todd, I have a 120mm film adapter for linhof, but I can't find instructions anywhere on how to insert film into it. this goes a little beyond the boundaries of your topic, but I will be grateful if you explain how to put 120 film in the linhof back. Please help!
Todd how do you like your prints from a dslr in the d850 range compared to a 4x5 with decent movements scanned on a flatbed, or dslr scanned? I'm going on a long road trip and for the life of me don't know if it's worth bringing along a large format camera or if I should just stick to a decent tilt shift lens and a dslr. I'm looking to do mostly roadside stuff and landscapes. Thanks for any advice!
Seriously a D850 is going to make amazing prints, no question. And if you work them up right and print them on a beautiful paper nobody is going to know the difference. I love working with large format because of the process, how I set my camera up, analyze a scene, and then I love the process of printing in a darkroom as well. Silver prints are truly special. But a lot of times I don’t haul a large format camera around especially on a long trip. I am in Mexico right now and just traveling with my Leicas because there is no way I am going to haul a large format camera around, and I love that process as well. Good luck!👍
You wouldn't happen to know where I can get someone to install a ground glass in a Master Technika would you?
That location was gorgeous and your images captured it very well
If you are replacing a ground glass on a Technika pretty easy to do it yourself. However, this guy can do it near LA. www.laflexcamera.com
@@toddkorolphoto I'll check with them. The camera has been out of service for over 10 years. It was my first LF camera purchase (seller was switching to digital) I can't remember what kept me from replacing the ground glass myself. There was an older gentleman that was the go to Linhof guy but, just my luck, he retired not long after I bought the camera. I vaguely remember that the spacing of the ground glass was critical for accurate focus. I'll check out the link. I have a Chamonix 4x5, a a Zone VI 4x5, and a Zone VI 8x10 but your video reminded me of how convenient the Master Technika was to use. Besides, a broken Master Technika is a violation of the laws of physics.
@@MichaelLloyd yes and make sure it’s a genuine Linhof ground glass. The knock off ones can be out and as a result out of focus photos.
@@toddkorolphoto The company that you recommended should supply that correct? I've contacted them and let them know that I'll be sending the camera sometime next week.
@@MichaelLloyd Yes, they did mine, it was perfect.
Korol, I know sheet film is pricey, but do you only shoot one sheet per set up? Also, do you not label the holder after the shot? When I was assisting in SF Bay area years ago, I heard of one photographer working for Elmer Moss Photography studios who, when shooting 8x10, had a unique way of setting up a food shot. He would situate the camera in front of the set up, remove the lens and lens board, and remove the ground glass back. He would then compose the shot looking through the camera along with moving any objects (I guess plates, glasses, etc) to his satisfaction. Just a different way of working. BTW, routine repetition, I agree, can save the day not only when shooting but also in the darkroom.
That’s a great idea taking the lens and back off. And yes, often when I am in the field I do label shots and if I am going to develop that sheet differently. The beauty of developing separate sheets.
On a day like this wouldn’t an incident reading be worth checking against the highlight/shadow spot reading? The light looks pretty consistent.
Yes you could certainly use an incident reading. Part of the reason I like spot meter reading and try to get people to understand them, and use them, is to be more aware of where and how light is hitting your subject.
Good video! What is that viewfinder thing you use before setting up your camera?
It is the Linhof viewfinder that let's you see what the framing will be with the appropriate lens, very handy. linhof.com/en/optischer-universalsucher/
Check the app, Magic Universal Viewfinder. You choose the format you are using and it will simulate the shot you'll get using lenses of various focal lengths.
@@alanwilliams9842 yes that works well too, but when I do this I try to get away from screens as much as possible. But I sure use the reciprocity app😉
@@alanwilliams9842 Thanks.
I just looked at the specs for *Magic Universal Viewfinder* and it is something I have been looking for. I like apps like this if I have the time to go out scouting for locations prior to packing my 4x5" kit into the car.
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.kadru.magicuniversalviewfinder
I use Viewfinder Preview for iPhone. It's a screen yes, but one less extra accessory to carry.
It's called work flow
Todd, your location videos have such a wonderful romanticism about them. I've got to get up to Canada!
Thanks, I can't wait to travel around more as well when things can get back to normal. I am actually going out this week to shoot a new on location video, stay tuned.
Very dumb question as I've not shot with a large format camera before, but how do you change from horizontal to vertical shooting? I imagine it's not with a L bracket! Do you have to take out and re-arrange the viewfinder & dark slides?
The back rotates on the camera.
I missing how you ended up with the setting of f32 if you were averaging f64 and f16.5. I'm getting a total of 80.5/2= 40.25 and not 32. Can you clarify your process? Thx
Sorry I should have been a bit more clear. If you go a stop open from 64 it's 45, and then a stop closed from 16.5 is 22.5. A stop open from 45 is 32. A stop closed from 22.5 is 32.5 I then went to the nearest f stop which is 32 to open up a bit for negative film, that's how I got to F/32. With negative film it's better to overexpose a bit than shut close down and under expose.There are also tolerances and exposure and photography are not absolute exact.
I have a Manfrotto that also bites you if you are not careful.
Hate that!
6:57 you're leveling the camera but then move it again while doing the fine focus? or did u level it again after fine-focussing?
Sorry yes, I should have explained that better. I go in for a final composition and focus, they are both part of a two part process. I was also struggling with that ball head a bit and it was moving around too much. In my last video I have gone to a geared head which makes this last part focus and composition easier. But after any kind of a camera movement I also double check the focus.
A test run of the shutter of a LF lens before making a photo?
Never this test has been advised by the leaf shutter brands:
Copal, Seiko, Compur, Prontor and Ilex.
This act will shorten the life time of the shutter by 50%.
Hasselblad, Rollei and Mamiya leafshutters do not run twice.
You average the shutter speeds not the apertures, unless dof means nothing to you. Terrible image, this cat has no eye.