Large Format Photography
Large Format, photographically speaking can be underood to be the use of materials and cameras capturing an image that is larger than 120 film (2” on the short side). These cameras can be as simple as a coffee can pinhole and as complex as a fully equipped studio monorail with a modern lens. These cameras have been widely used throughout photographic history from the earliest Daguerrotypes to such illustrious names as Ansel Adams and contining to be used by many.
More often than not, Large Format is sought out for several reasons including it’s ability to utilize photographic media that would prove troublesome to use in smaller cameras that deal with rolls of film rather than sheets such as Wet Plate Collodion. It is also popular for the use of movements which can influence the plane of focus in unique ways that are impossible in more simple cameras. It is for this reason that I began my journey into Large Format Photography.
When searching for a Large Format camera there are several different styles so to speak of and they each have their benefits and drawbacks. I sought out a wooden field camera for several reasons including how it looks. Unfortunately many of them are quite expensive given the quality of materials and precision involved in their manufacture. Luckily though I eventurally found one.
I bought my first (and to this point only) large format camera in the summer of 2018. I bought this RHS Model A 4x5 and lens on eBay for $275. It was made sometime in the 1940s by a small American company and was only one of two cameras they made. Luckily the bellows were light tight and after acquiring some film holders I could start shooting.
Given the size of the camera, film is quite expensive so I began my journey with much more affordable darkroom enlarging paper. While more affordable paper is much less sensitive to light and it took some reading to find best practices for shooting it in cameras. Luckily I was able to determine a starting point and set out to take some test shots.
My First Large Format Camera
June 16 - Initial Outing
These first images were created around Moorhead, Minnesota starting at the condo where I was living at that time. I then moved to (in sequential order the Old Main building at Concordia College, MacLean Hall and Weld Hall w/ art installation at Minnesota State University, and finishing at the Historic Comstock House on 8th Street.
The doubling up of the images was due to some testing on my part, first shooting the paper as is with no filter and second using a yellow fiter as one would use when enlarging to reduce the contrast and bring the tonal range more in line with what the paper can handle.
Emboldened by these sucesses I was eager to attempt shooting people.
My Continuing Efforts
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