Large Format: Getting Started
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- epic_rim
I'm experimenting with a large format (4x5) camera I bought yesterday, and I have a couple questions. Hopefully there are some LF people here.
Where do I get started with film? A couple people have recommended polaroid #55. Is that stuff seriously $230 for 20 exposures? Is there a cheaper alternative?
Is there a safe, less than messy way to process the film at home? I've heard BTZS tubes are fairly good. Here in SF, most places want $5 processing fee PER film. LOL.
- Tungsten0
I wouldn't spend the money on type 55 until you've mastered the camera. You can get a 25 box of ilford hp5 plus or fp4 for about $25. You may not want to shoot B&W, but for now it's the cheapest way to learn how to use the camera movements, load film, focus on the ground glass etc. I think colour neg 4x5 is about double the price, and as you said $5 per sheet for processing. But keep in mind you'll be shooting a lot less frames and getting a lot more keepers than you would with 35mm or medium format. the price per "good" shot probably works out to be the same as other smaller formats.
- epic_rim0
I planned to start B&W for sure. I'll check out the hp5 and fp4.
After shooting, is there any time limit before processing? Can i leave these films in the holders for days and days? Also, how do I get the film to the lab? Do they just take the holders or should I pull them out and put in a box or something?
- JG_LB0
Are u in LA by any chance?
- Tungsten0
Just take all the film holders to the lab with the film still in them. With any film the sooner you process it the better, but honestly you could probably wait a few years and you wouldn't see any difference in quality. Especially with B&W
- epic_rim0
I'm in SF.
- bigtrick0
i have no advice, but i do have well-wishes. have fun!
- hellrod0
If you can black out a bathroom or kitchen get some trays and some developer and do it at home. It's easy. Black and white film obviously.
- epic_rim0
I have a feeling that if I stick with this, I'll end up processing at home, then scanning negs. Probably only print on the occasion at one of the self service labs around here.
- xcreonx0
B&W isn't always the cheapest anymore, unfortunately. All of the labs I go to process color neg for about half the price of BW. There are some fantastic color neg films out there - I really like the Kodak Portra films.
Polaroid is pretty much out of the question anymore.... too pricey and not much return.
Enjoy! 4x5 is a wonderful experience. I've been shooting it for years and love it. I have an old Graflex Crown Graphic that I use.
- epic_rim0
Thanks xcreonx. Maybe I should be shooting color and just print to b&w? I kind of prefer black and white. I'll order both and just start experimenting.
The whole mentality of shooting large appeals to me. So much different then going out and spraying with the digital camera. I have to admit its hard for me to imagine going out and shooting for a couple of hours and coming home with 3 or 4 shots.
- Tungsten0
It's a totally different experience shooting that slowly and carefully... really satisfying though. Sometime you should try shooting 4x5 transparencies, you'll drool when you put those first ones on the light table.
- vaxorcist0
If you're in a big city, you may be able to find somebody willing to share/rent their darkroom...... I used tubes like the BTZ ones that I made myself from home depot parts.. before that I used a Jobo tank at a lab owned by a friend, and once I tried something called a "yankee tank" but I didn't get the hang of it and ended up with wavy lines in my negatives....
for B/W film I used either Rodinal or Diafine.... The Rodinal was super-concentrated, very sharp, too grainy for 35mm but fine for large format... the Diafine was a compensating developer, so for B/W work, it smoothed highlights in blitzed light and I used it to "push" film about 1 stop....
I contact printed at home, and borrowed a darkroom to print, note that 4x5 enlargers are HUGE and need specialized lens carriers, neg holders etc...
Scanning on an epson flatbed with 4x5 transparency adapter can give you pretty nice files as long as you keep the film flat...
- Tungsten0
My usual developer is Ilford Microphen. Pushes well and gives Tri-x even better looking grain than it usually has. It's a bitch to mix though.
Ilfosol 3 is a pretty good liquid developer that's super easy to use.
- boobs0
I'm the guy to talk to! An old friend of mine, Phil Davis, invented the BTZS tubes. In fact, he invented the whole Beyond The Zone System thing, and showed me how to do all the steps. The tubes are really good, and they allow you to do good, even processing of the sheets without a lot of gear. Couple tubes, a couple trays, and a measuring cup, and you'll be all set.
Also, I would recommend D-76 developer. I've done a lot of testing on developers, and that one gives really good, solid results. Even gradation throughout the tonal scale. Use an acid stop bath, and Rapid Fixer.
If you want more detailed instructions, shoot me an email.
- Mr_Fantastic0
Shooting color and getting a lab too process is going to be expensive for learning purposes. And if you're shooting B&W doing your own processing is a must.
HP5 or FP4 are very good for beginners, as they have huge exposure latitudes and can tolerate large amounts processing error. Stay away from T-Max and Delta films, as they have significantly less error tolerance and require long fix times.
Use a "one shoot developer" that doesn't require replenishing. I would recommend HC110 or Rodinal as they have very good shelf life. Only mix the working solution when you need it, as it will exhaust very quickly.
Avoid trying tons of different films. Find something that works and stick with it.
- epic_rim0
Thanks all. I'll come up with some new questions later.