4 x 5 Is amazing!!

I scan using my epson 4180. It doesn't really scan 4x5. I scan in sections then merge them together in photoshop. I find I get good scans out of it.

PS Mohan, If you love 4x5, you'll love it more when you start shifting and or tilting. You can creat some crazy depth of fields.

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If I were to get a large format camera now, I would go for 5x7 and just make contact prints on printing out paper. Sitting around the backyard with a bunch of print frames and some beers on a sunny day, maybe shooting some pictures while at the same time printing others. That's the thng that could bring me back to film.

Cheers,
Gary
 
Matt, what software do you use with your 4180? The Epson software is a pain to use since the biggest area it will scan is the long side of 6x9. Do you drop the film on the bed, or have you put together some sort of holder?
 
jtzordon said:
Matt, what software do you use with your 4180? The Epson software is a pain to use since the biggest area it will scan is the long side of 6x9. Do you drop the film on the bed, or have you put together some sort of holder?
Click to expand...

I just use the epson software. Originally I made a frame out of cardboard. I worked, but created a lot of dust. Right now I am using an enlarger 4x5 holder and just putting in over the bead. Putting the two halves together takes some photoshop skill. I usually use curves to match the different tones scans. Then I merge the two layers together and use the healing tool to merge them completely.
 
For software I use the SilverFast SE that came with the Epson 4990 and is apparently tailored to the scanner. You tell it what your media is first, and that helps.
 
Trittium, I do the same as you - I scan in sections and stitch in 'shop.


For all those interested (UK preferably), I'll be selling my LF monorail camera. It's a Calumet 45N (recent) all black 4x5. I'm even considering throwing in the tripod that I have that supports its weight to sweeten the deal.

The lens panel that comes with it has a packard shutter and is set up for barrel lenses - perfect for a more vintage effect, or for cheaping out and buying older classic lenses versus modern lens-in-shutter lenses. Of course the lens panel is removable and modern lenses can be used no problem. I'd purchased the camera from Jim Galli last Christmas and it has seen mild use and careful hands for months.

I've moved on, however, and need a lighter camera and that means selling the unused ones!


4x5 is great. I took this the other day with a 100 year old lens.

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And this a few days before with the same lens,

lydiard1sm.jpg
 
A couple of basic questions, feeling a tad lazy to google today

1. Is there a portable 4x5 camera that uses RF as focusing mechanism?

2. Is 4x5 the only *viable* (read:easy) jump from MF (6x6 up to 6x9 ??) ?
 
1.
A)Graflex Speed/Crown Graphics but they are old, often broken and bulky. Heavy and sometimes cumbersome

B)Polaroid 110B/900 conversions but they are expensive (Razzle/Littman) and rare on the second hand market. One is available on LFPF for a little over $800 currently.



2.
Yes, because there is a variety of cameras at all budgets, and a large variety of modern film still being marketed, unlike quarter-plate sizes that have limited manufacturers.


I own an Anniversary Speed Graphic, but the rangefinder was cack, so I removed it, now it's a typical field camera. I'm saving for a Razzle 4x5 rangefinder, and I'd urge you against Littman 🙂
 
shadowfox said:
A couple of basic questions, feeling a tad lazy to google today

1. Is there a portable 4x5 camera that uses RF as focusing mechanism?

2. Is 4x5 the only *viable* (read:easy) jump from MF (6x6 up to 6x9 ??) ?
Click to expand...

In addition to the Speed/Crown graphics that Ash mentioned, you also have your choice of a few other press camera's like the Busch Pressman (more movements and rotating back), the MPP, Meridian and Burke and James.

If you don't mind spending some money you can also look for a Linhof Technika
Cameraquest has a nice page you can peruse.

As for a jump from MF to LF, 4x5 is the most common but lately I have had a preference tor 5x7. No hand holding a 5x7 tailboard camera, no rangefinder, GG focus only but the 5x7 format gives you a superb negative size for contact prints without the additional bulk of 8x10.

My 5x7 Seneca Competitor View with a modern Rodenstock 210mm f/5.6 Lens in Copal #1 Shutter

388650328_ede92583e1.jpg


Fun..Fun..Fun
 
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Scanning 4x5 Negs as Reflective

Scanning 4x5 Negs as Reflective

My el-cheapo Epson scanner only scans up to 2"x2" slide mount-sized film. So I've toyed with some alternative methods for scanning 4x5 and 5x4 (!).

What works for me is to place the negative, emulsion side up, on the flatbed, and cover it with a sheet of brilliant white printer paper, then lay the platen on top of that. Set the scanner for reflective B/W. Prior to the full-resolution scan, but after the preview scan, adjust the tonal range of the scan using the software such that you've maximized the tonal range of the image.

The resulting scan I find to be pretty good; the amount of highlight detail depends on the negative's density. You'll see a bit of paper texture in the shadows, too. Some printer papers will flouresce under the LED's of the scanner, which tends to punch through the negative's density.

It works better than I would have otherwise expected.
 
Also to chime in on the scanners for 4x5 negs, you might take a look at the HP ScanJet 4890. I got mine new through Amazon a month or so ago for about $170, and it has holders for 4x5 and 120/220.

So far, I'm pleased with it.

Duane
 
Ha! we do it that way because saying that someone is "as thick as a 4 by 2" just scans better than "2 by 4". (and to really say it properly, you have to pronounce "by" with a short vowel - as in the Mi in Mick Jagger)

say it each way, 10 times and you will see that the Brits are correct....
 
Another low priced scanner that will scan 4x5 is the currently available HP Scanjet G4050. New price is $199.00

It does 30 35mm negatives, 16 35mm slides, 2 120/220 strips, and 1 4x5.
 
Mohan, that's a cool first shot -- addicting, isn't it? I've been using D76, but just bought some rodinal to try out, looking forward to it.

My husband treated me to a Shen-Hao 4x5 a few months ago and I've really enjoyed it. Actually, colyn, I'm in the process of looking for a 210mm Caltar-II N not unlike yours, want to try some portrait work with it. And your Graphic View is a beaut!

And I scan with an Epson v700 -- maybe the V300 might suffice?

JT

Wow-- was just watching a baseball game on TV with my son and they just showed the photographer's well next the the dugout and someone is shooting the game with a View Camera! I've never seen such a thing... 😱
 
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JCT said:
Actually, colyn, I'm in the process of looking for a 210mm Caltar-II N not unlike yours, want to try some portrait work with it. And your Graphic View is a beaut!

And I scan with an Epson v700 -- maybe the V300 might suffice?
Click to expand...

The Caltars are going fairly cheap on ebay. I have a 250mm on the way and hope to have it Monday.

I just picked up a HP Scanjet G4050 today that will scan 4x5

Thanks...I have a 8x10 cherrywood view I'm in the process of restoring.
 
JT:

What's your opinion of the Shen-Hao? I've been looking at it on varios websites and am seriously tempted.
 
Ah, 4x5 is just yummy isn't it? You'll never be the same after the first time you see a LF chrome on the light table... 😱

I've got three 4x5's now - an Anniversary Speed Graphic from The War that is going to get the full restoration, a beat to you know what 1962 Crown Graphic that I'm hacking into a field camera since I can't afford a Shen-Hao :bang:

Ted, it's a sweet camera. Instant GAS upon fondling someone elses. Amazing level of quality considering how cheap it really is, even given Chinese labor costs.

My other is my Calumet. Nice to have a monorail & access to full movements but I find I want to split the difference between a press camera & it, hence the Crown Graphic project.

Also it's good I'm so broke - otherwise 5x7 or 8x10 would be screaming in my ears 😉

William
 
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