Interesting article

[DCB]

http://www.blackandwhitefineart.net...-a-digital-camera-now-this-makes-me-very-sad/

I agree...

I'm not anti-digital, but there is something about a large negative developed by someone who knows what they are doing.

Peace

 

[daveleo]

I'm not getting dragged into the digital v film debate ..... go ahead and knock yourself out on that . . . . however....

Years back, in Shutterbug magazine (I think?) there was an article about C. Butcher that made me understand what it takes to make extraordinary photographs. This goes back a long ways now. He was chest deep in a swamp ( a &*##ing swamp with bugs snakes and reptiles) standing next to his large format camera (on a tripod just above water level).

Seeing that one image was essentially me getting hit by the reality of how to make special pictures.

On top of that, I recall that he is a very humble and professional person.

 

[Bill Clark]

Yes, I would like to attend a workshop of his in Florida! He really can make large prints!

His beautiful web site:

http://www.clydebutcher.com

 

[Jan Pedersen]

Clyde Butcher is in the new Lens Work mag, received my copy yesterday.
Large negatives rules.

 

[Corran]

One of his talks/openings was cancelled recently, that I was going to go to. I am looking forward to it (rescheduled to September).

I have waded in swamplands quite a bit, with my LF cameras. Luckily no snake bites or anything serious. Lots of mosquitoes though! He's definitely an inspiration.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

The tone of that piece is a little bonkers, if you ask me. Is it not a bit presumptuous to be accusing the poor guy of having made the wrong decision? He seems fairly content to have found another medium to excel in, and doubtless he'll make good use of these new tools. Other people will materialize to carry on the LF tradition.

 

[BillBingham2]

IMHO there is no doubt that there is something special about LF negatives and prints. For me it's the richness of the tones from those who do it well.

The ubiquity of analog film is gone, luckily like oil paint, there's still a bit of it around.

On the positive side there is a large amount of cash people are plunking down for digital cameras of medium to high end quality so times are good.

B2 (;->

 

[Jamie Pillers]

The tone of that piece is a little bonkers, if you ask me. Is it not a bit presumptuous to be accusing the poor guy of having made the wrong decision? He seems fairly content to have found another medium to excel in, and doubtless he'll make good use of these new tools. Other people will materialize to carry on the LF tradition.

Well said. Thanks.

 

[Pioneer]

Clyde can do anything he wants. He has earned that right.

 

[zauhar]

Clyde can do anything he wants. He has earned that right.

As has anyone of his age and caliber. This does not change the fact that the article in question was truly heartfelt (even heartbreaking).

That said, while Butcher clearly is uncomfortable making this transition, it may be the best he can do - he may not want a younger man hanging on his ass, kindly carrying his gear for him.

 

[leicapixie]

A won for many years. A wonderful and very interesting article.
I have admired Clyde Butcher ever since seeing an article and brilliant photos in the magazine "Black and White Photography" US. I am 71 and share the loss of strength..A heart episode at 65 stopped many endeavors.

I was never a Large Format user, even as young person being way too "jumpy and nervous" to do the right thing.
It's my firm belief, that a LF and tripod were the best way to fame and big money.😀
I was a photojournalist and today I cannot carry my Nikon rig!
Yes a Leica M fitted with 50 and sometimes 35mm or a Nikon SLR with one lens! No spare lenses, extra films, nothing! It's one or the other! I never carry them together!

Is Clyde Butcher wrong? Nope. David Plowden is no longer using film nor printing wet darkroom. (Vanishing Point). Many others of LF have quit, mostly as regards the availability of film and paper.Age a major factor.
Film is simply not same quality, the choice of papers chillingly culled. Each of us shall make decisions based on health, finances and opportunity.
Anyone considering LF should be applauded!
Bold new users are needed.

OH! I would quit first time off to the swamps..:bang:

 

[TXForester]

Clyde can do anything he wants. He has earned that right.

I agree. No shame when you have back problems going with lighter gear.

If any one here uses Facebook, you can follow Mr. Butcher's posts. He's made several posts about his digital setup.

 

[Daniel Teoli Jr.]

Yes, he does nice Ansel like work. But his technique is useless for street doc work. You got to pick your genre to concentrate on...landscape or street / doc.

I have some film versus digital work here.

nsfw

https://danielteolijr.wordpress.com...of-the-leica-m240-that-dp-refused-to-publish/

At the end there are 2 color film shots from Thailand. Film has such beautiful qualities when all cylinders are firing. But I could never hope to produce much of what I do if I didn't move on to digital for the most part.