call me crazy, but ...

P

paulfish4570

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i am mulling the idea of an 8x10 or 5x7 cam for contact prints. so many of the photos i make could be made with large format, and contact printing is something i could do in our tiny cabin. at least i think so. ideas?
 
Not crazy at all. the whole world of ALT printing opens up with a 8x10 camera. Plus those are fairly cheap now on ebay as long as you don't want anything fancy. Go for it.
 
There's lots of ways that you could do contact printing without a large 8x10 camera. You can also make digital negatives using transparencies and print that way. I've considered doing this if I had an actual darkroom. See here for a start.
 
Sounds good to me.

5x7 contacts look great, as do 8x10. There is much pleasure to be found in such a relatively direct process.
 
Paul,
Remembering your typical subjects, I encourage you to explore this.
A 5x7 or even 8x10 setup does not need to be expensive.

I use old Burke and James folded field cameras for both formats.
They are not as sexy as a $5000 Canham or Deardorf, but they got the job done.

I must caution you, one view from the ground glass at those sizes, is enough to make you happy for the rest of the day. :)
 
You can start with a 8x10 or 5x7 pinhole, just to experience handling those large negatives.. Maybe first thing to you may consider is how you'll develop the negs - in trays (you need complete darkness for that) or jobo tanks (either the affortable way in 28xx tanks or in those posh 3xxx Expert tanks.. Or BTZS tubes.. After you have made your way through that, there are not many obstacles.. :)
 
5x7 is my favorite of the LF formats I've tried. Like shadowfox, I have a burke and james- not too pricey, LOTS of movements, and very capable. (Actually getting ready to sell it though, I spent a pile on a 5x7 Linhof Tech- HEAVY but great, and don't need the B&J so much now- the Burke and James has more movements though)
You can spend LOTS, but don't have to.

If you're used to 35mm, the move to 5x7 is a bit easier than 4x5 or 8x10- the somewhat wider rectangle on 5x7 will be more familiar.

For developing, I've tried a few different options, but ended up with a Paterson Orbital which can do 2 sheets of 5x7 @ a time- load in darkness, process in daylight.

-Brian
 
I've just bought a 5x7 and 210 apo-symmar just for contact prints.

Now waiting to get out an use it:)

Sounds like a good plan to me

Mike
 
Not necessarily crazy in itself, but a potential gateway to crazy. Give some thought as to whether you have an addictive personality type lest you find yourself hunched over a hood fuming daguerrotype plates with mercury.

Film is also a meaningful recurring expense.

Fun though...
 
I've a friend who only shoots 5x7 with contact printing. Processing is very handy and simple; darkroom kept in a small box. Of course, every move is very deliberate. Only camera he owns. Wonderful results. I highly respect his knowledge, work and focus.

-Charlie
 
Does not sound crazy to me at all. I guess it can be a very satisfying experience. I like the idea of having the negative transformed into something tangible and there are surely quite some interesting processes to explore that suit your style, needs and taste. I have some smallish 6x9 negatives shot with a Baby Speed Graphic that I would like to contact print myself one day. And using a view camera is definately fun but from my limited experience there is more planning involved. May be seen as an advantage though.
 
Careful Paul...you will soon be addicted. My darkroom is all set up for 810 and 45 contact prints. If you are interested you can come over, shoot some with the 810 then we can develop the negs.
 
If I could physically handle a camera larger than 4x5, I would, and precisely because of contact print options. I have one project where 4x5 contact prints will be useful, but in general cut film sizes smaller than 5x7 aren't useful for contact printing other than proof prints.

To answer your question, IMO, no, not crazy at all. LF will completely change your approach and appreciation of photography. It may be that it isn't for you, but you will grow and learn as you discover that. More than likely, however, it will become a cherished craft, even if it does not predominate.
 
I do not think anybody will call you crazy.. For me the formats like 8x10 or 5x7 still represent the pinnacle of photographic quality in spite of all technical innovations and developments so far.

Today I wonder how many of us had ever a chance to see an actual print of an Ansel Adams landscape or a Yousuf Karsh portrait.. for color, anybody has seen a Joseph Muench Sr. print from a close distance? Do most of us have any idea of how a well exposed 8x10 negative printed on baryta paper looks like? It takes one's breath away.. it's nothing like to come out of any printer. And the amazing thing is they maintain their "magic" even when contact printed.

Internet and digital technology have reduced the image quality down to the capabilities of our scanners and LCD displays. What we see today as being LF photos on the internet are nothing but their sad reproductions; not unlike looking at a Rubens on a laptop. It's not silver halide on fiber paper to "define" an image anymore, neither the colored oil on canvas... We are trying to look into whatever we call photography and art through the conveniences but also the limitations of our digital devices, especially our screens.

So go ahead, Paul, I know you will have some results at least to stun yourself.. The only thing I would inquire whether you would endure the discipline it requires..
 
BobYIL said:
Today I wonder how many of us had ever a chance to see an actual print of an Ansel Adams landscape or a Yousuf Karsh portrait..
Click to expand...

Great question ... I am grateful that I have seen both; the Karsh prints I saw at Chateau Laurier when Karsh was still working. Stunning.
 
Your idea of contact printing sounds completely legit :)

However before you decide on a format or camera let me propose following:

1) Have a look at the images you have taken (with whatever camera or format) and select a few of those which you think you would/could take with 5x7 (or 8x10 or 7x11 or 5x12 or whatever)

2) print a few in a couple of sizes that would match the formats you consider. Of course in BW ;)

3) have a look at the results, hang it on a wall or whatever the plan is and reconsider.

4) Once you made a choice (or at least a strong preference) only then start to worry about WHAT do you ned from the camera and start to look for one that gives you what you need (movements, bellows draw, lenses).

5) reconsider whether what you plan is doable (time, money, size, weight ...) :angel:

6) Go for it and enjoy.

***********
I can only say that 4x5 is too small for decent contacts - my personal experience and feel. 5x7 is a lovely aspect ratio, 7x11 would be heaven ... for me ;)
 
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