Larger Format Photography

[wootsk]

It's actually fairly easy to process 4x5 b/w sheet films yourself, and it's very economical too. I've bought a few rollers and drums from ebay and they are not that expensive.

I'm so happy to find that there are so many 4x5 shooters in Singapore still! I'm hoping to start shooting some trans, and I understand that there's no one in Singapore that processes 4x5 trans anymore. So, two things in mind:

1. Anyone one here interested to share a carton of Velvia with me? If there are sufficient interests, we can indent a carton (I think that's the minimum order).
2. I'm thinking of starting a local 4x5 processing service by bringing in a set of Phototherm. The desktop set is small enough to process in small batches, and doesn't require me to sell my kidney. I don't plan to make a living out of this, but hope to cost recover the investment by doing large format processing (C41 or E6. It can do b/w too, but most b/w shooters really want to process their own film anyway) for the local large format community. Do you guys think that its viable?

And back to the original question - large format isn't that expensive, considering how well they retain their value compared to the digital stuffs. A major consideration is choosing between the monorails or field camera. The latter is more compact but offers less movement. I bought a pristine Toyo 45A from ebay for under a grand, and it comes with a 135mm lens, a Gossen spot meter, Minolta Flashmeter IVf, loupe, backs, and a bag. If you are willing to pick up a monorail, you can find used entry level models are a fraction of the cost. If you don't like what you got, you can sell the whole setup off with a small loss, or even a gain if you are lucky.

I still shoot 4*5 slides (Self process), but I am looking for some Velvia 50. If you are getting, maybe can count me along. I am currently using E100VS and Astia 100F for slides. (Enough for me to use only.)

 

[zguy]

last week, there is a chinese article on mypaper. Are the few who are interviewed for the article on this thread or forum? read it here . Flip to page 6-7,
http://epaper.mypaper.sg/cnd/fvxcn/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2011-07-20

 

[wootsk]

last week, there is a chinese article on mypaper. Are the few who are interviewed for the article on this thread or forum? read it here . Flip to page 6-7,
http://epaper.mypaper.sg/cnd/fvxcn/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2011-07-20

Hei Patrick, you are on paper.

So the reporter, Soo May did PM you as well.

 

[sweat100]

Hei Patrick, you are on paper.

So the reporter, Soo May did PM you as well.

Yup... She PMed me and another person I know who is using LF. Hope this article can raise the awareness of LF users in Singapore. The article is supposed to tie in with the exhibition by Chow Chee Yong.

 

[ahhong]

It's actually fairly easy to process 4x5 b/w sheet films yourself, and it's very economical too. I've bought a few rollers and drums from ebay and they are not that expensive.

I'm so happy to find that there are so many 4x5 shooters in Singapore still! I'm hoping to start shooting some trans, and I understand that there's no one in Singapore that processes 4x5 trans anymore. So, two things in mind:

1. Anyone one here interested to share a carton of Velvia with me? If there are sufficient interests, we can indent a carton (I think that's the minimum order).
2. I'm thinking of starting a local 4x5 processing service by bringing in a set of Phototherm. The desktop set is small enough to process in small batches, and doesn't require me to sell my kidney. I don't plan to make a living out of this, but hope to cost recover the investment by doing large format processing (C41 or E6. It can do b/w too, but most b/w shooters really want to process their own film anyway) for the local large format community. Do you guys think that its viable?

And back to the original question - large format isn't that expensive, considering how well they retain their value compared to the digital stuffs. A major consideration is choosing between the monorails or field camera. The latter is more compact but offers less movement. I bought a pristine Toyo 45A from ebay for under a grand, and it comes with a 135mm lens, a Gossen spot meter, Minolta Flashmeter IVf, loupe, backs, and a bag. If you are willing to pick up a monorail, you can find used entry level models are a fraction of the cost. If you don't like what you got, you can sell the whole setup off with a small loss, or even a gain if you are lucky.

always wanted to try shooting large format, but I can't find any local shop selling 4x5 film. If you are ordering velvia film, do count me in

 

[sweat100]

By the way, wootsk and me plans to have a LF outing to shoot fireworks. Details can be found here. http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/threads/941087-Large-format-photography-fireworks-shoot-on-30th-July

 

[zguy]

Ruby Photo will sell 4x5 sheet film from time to time. More of the B&W film too. Cheaper source of B&W film is the Shanghai film from ebay. my toyo45CX is not seeing a lot of light though. Will see if i can join the outing this Sat.

 

[Shadowleong]

I'll pass this time, i have work lols took off for rf that day already. Yo patrick hows moleskin? Planned to get one to record your exposures?

 

[wootsk]

I'll pass this time, i have work lols took off for rf that day already. Yo patrick hows moleskin? Planned to get one to record your exposures?

What time does your work end. It is still possible if you can make it there by 7.15pm.

 

[losheng]

I still shoot 4*5 slides (Self process), but I am looking for some Velvia 50. If you are getting, maybe can count me along. I am currently using E100VS and Astia 100F for slides. (Enough for me to use only.)

Ok, if you would PM me your email, I'll drop you a mail when I place the order. I may get a few boxes from B&H before trying an indent order.

When you self-develop - i figure you use water baths for temperature control? What equipment do you use for processing?

 

[wootsk]

Ok, if you would PM me your email, I'll drop you a mail when I place the order. I may get a few boxes from B&H before trying an indent order.

When you self-develop - i figure you use water baths for temperature control? What equipment do you use for processing?

I uses a water bath for temperature control, but my method a slightly a bit different. I suggest you call me if you are interested. I am interested in 20 sheets of velvia 50. I will pm you and we can sort it over the phone as it is also easier.

 

[losheng]

Just to give you an example of the cost involved to get a simple large format camera:

<http://www.apug.org/forums/forum379/94031-calumet-4x5-camera.html>

I think one can't ask for more (or less)

ls

Hi everyone! Im fairly new here and just to give you a background of myself.

Anyone have any idea how to start large format photography in singapore? I fully understand and have expected the cost involved

Im looking at a basic setup of a camera and a single lens, how to get sheet film, processing and where to go to get a camera?
To my understanding 4x5 is the most popular and their film and camera backs a easily available?

 

[losheng]

always wanted to try shooting large format, but I can't find any local shop selling 4x5 film. If you are ordering velvia film, do count me in

Ok, will do that! If you could PM me your email or mobile, I'll ping you the next time I place an order!

 

[Shadowleong]

My thats really cheap! wwth? I was looking at a setup with a budget of around 400-500 not including tripod

 

[losheng]

My thats really cheap! wwth? I was looking at a setup with a budget of around 400-500 not including tripod

It is not impossible, just harder to find. There was a post on cs for a Sinar here. It came without lens - so you've got to add a little more to source for lens.

Good luck with your hunt! That's part of the fun!

 

[wootsk]

It is not impossible, just harder to find. There was a post on cs for a Sinar here. It came without lens - so you've got to add a little more to source for lens.

Good luck with your hunt! That's part of the fun!

Lens and film holder (Depending on how many and what format.)

Developing Tank as well. (You can DIY B&W developing kit with 3 trays or containers, 2 big printer size box, some garbage bag, tapes, rubber bands and a chopstick for stiring. Side effect is that your hand is to stay in there till stop bath is done.)

 

[mamypoko]

Been shooting with a Speed Graphic and B&W film (self developed), the negatives are a joy to hold.

Started with digital, then 35mm, 6x7, and now 4x5. Still use 6x7 for slides though.

Also got a beat up Crown Graphic and 127mm Lens for $225SGD off eBay, and a 75mm f/8 from Fujiya camera junk corner in Tokyo for $100 + $80CLA in Singapore, along with a few film holders for $5 each (350yen). You can definitely get a cheap setup if you are willing to wait.

 

[sim4nee]

Time for LF images.

All shot's with Horseman 45FA.

 

[raytoei]

beautiful images! thanks for sharing.

 

[zk-diq]

Brother, When I can locate my imagon let's try on it. Hee Hee.