Cheap 4x5 Setup: Large Format

[@jeromemckenna7102]

Many years ago I did photographs of bars for liquor licenses in Newark, NJ, handheld with a Crown Graphic. Lots of fun.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Damn, that sounds like a cool thing to shoot.

[@SilntObsvr]

Best advice in the whole video: Speed Graphic. If you get one with a working focal plane shutter, your lenses don't absolutely have to have a shutter (it's convenient, especially if you want to use flash, but I use a 13.5 cm f/4.5 Tessar in a completely dead shutter on mine, and just use the focal plane -- and I use it enough that I calibrated the rangefinder for that lens. Unlike *any other type* of 4x5 camera, a Speed Graphic (or other press camera) is *designed to be shot hand held.* Go look at an old movie with a big press conference, boxing match, or similar -- you'll see at least a couple guys with Speed Graphics and the big flash holders on that bracket that caps your rangefinder, shooting them hand held. Focusing with the RF or presetting, never opening the ground glass. The famous sequence of photos of the Hindenburg burning and falling were shot with a Speed Graphic, with conventional film holders. It's not a view camers with tons of movements -- but it's the most versatile and portable 4x5 camera you can find, and they're still surprisingly inexpensive.

[@BurningtunaDC]

What an incredibly powerful tool your videos are to people new to film photography or new to a certain segment of film photography. With nothing but the utmost of respect your videos remind me in small part of the TV shows on the UHF channels broadcasting from NYC in the 1970's. Keep up the awesome work and thanks for shooting and sharing.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thank you! I try my best to help the community, either it be older users or newcomers.

[@ktor538]

I appreciate the information you put together here, just the answers I was looking for!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Glad it was helpful!

[@khanscombe619]

I got a set of these. A Pacemaker 23 & 45 of 1950 & ‘51. These were far from a cheep camera of its day. I’d say affordable today only for its aged weer or technology. It was the flagship use by pro sports & events journalists of the war era. It is the camera that served in the WWII. It flew in a many bomber runs. The main difference from this & a modem expensive is the lens , glass the coating & shutters. If It fits, use it. I promise you the film won’t notice what light tight box was in the middle. (: Again, be proud using 1 of Americas most reliable longest made Pro system. These can be picked up & used again after 80+ yrs

[@tomredd9025]

Excellent video. This video helped me a lot a few months ago when I got into large format photography. I traded some lenses at a local camera store for a Busch Pressman Model D. Like the Graflex, it is a great starter camera. The Pressman is all metal, lighter than the Graflex and much smaller because of the metal construction. In fact, the Pressman isn't all that much larger than many medium format cameras. Not as many made as the Graflex but readily available. Sears and Roebucks marketed it as the Tower Press Camera. My camera came with a 135mm Wollensak Raptar which is the same lens as the Graflex Optar that Nicos had originally. I like mine quite a bit and the photos are tack sharp. After all the lenses were made for very discerning professionals whose livelihood depended on their equipment. Again thanks for your great advice. I am having a ball.

[@nickademuss42]

The Ektar 127, as I have tested it is sharper than lens costing 5 times as much, I was shocked at how sharp mine is. Just remember to use a lens hood. Also, The Speed Graphic was a hand held press camera that used regular film holders. After you calibrate the rangefinder its reliable and you can even use the action finder with ease. Also dont forget they made a illuminated rangefinder attachment for low light close up focusing.

[@derecwilsom4546]

dont forget that any decent digital camera will have a spot metering option that you can use, if you have a 4x5 i would say its a good bet that you have your digital camera with you too!

[@spiritwalker6153]

I've been thinking about stepping up to 4x5 and your video is very informative. I can see the advantages of buying a Graflex. Keep the videos coming.

[@james263]

Love this video. Straight to the point, no messing around!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks! That was the intention.

[@ZeptonicScientist]

Just an excellent video, I'm not even sure about shooting large format but I stayed to watch anyway. It's so interesting seeing all these lenses and attachments :D

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks Barney, its a fascinating world.

[@melody3741]

I got a portable all metal aluminum tripod from Best Buy. I had a Mamiya press which is quite heavy I think even heavier than a graflex, and the only one that would support it was this portable one. It doesn't even have ties between the legs, but it's still the strongest by far out of every single one of the tripods I tested their

[@anzaeria]

A number of years ago, I bought a wooden view camera from a camera market for about 60 bucks (my very first large format camera.) It was in pretty rough condition and needed some work done with the wood at the back. Though all the movements worked well. There was no lens and the ground glass was cracked. Not sure what film size it took but it was bigger than 4 x 5. It was put in storage and I had been meaning to get it operational one day. In the meantime, I was shooting on 35mm and medium format film. Though unfortunately, the lf camera mysteriously vanished. Never got to use it after all.

[@neilpiper9889]

I have an MPP Micropress 4x5 coming, with a 150 mm 4.7 Schneider lens that I intend to use handheld. It has a drop front so it can use a 90mm Schneider Angulon 6.8 lens. Ideal for use with a 6x9 roll film back.

[@the92project]

6:50 on the light meter aspect i think it's worth mentioning that if your goal is to do zone system photography then you need a spot light meter. Sekonic sells the one that does spot as well but it hurts the wallet :(

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

That one is for the medium priced range kit ;) I have the 508 from Sekonic with the spot and its a great meter.

[@leonarddaneman810]

I tweaked my Speed Graphic focal plane shutter which gave me the option to use ANY lens . . . and that thing was rugged! Great for hikes in the mountains . . . I should have NEVER sold it! It was able to handle 65mm superwides without special lens boards . . . I 'stepped up' to a fancy Silvestri system, but while superior in size, it is a bear to use and only has rise adjustments and two lenses.

[@ethanbrossard5700]

Great video. For things like tripods, also check used markets like eBay and craigslist for old ones. I picked up a really solid antique tripod at a flee market for $5

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Very true!

[@mcasariego]

Super nice video. Straightforward and clear. Thanks for sharing.

[@andrewhughes9165]

Brilliant vid, very informative.

[@visualismeditate]

Great stuff, this is great. Thank you

[@Disco_Shrew]

I picked up my Burke and James Press ( which has far more movements than a Graflex - Rise, Fall Shift and Tilt - all front) with 7 films holders, two lenses, and a dark cloth for 130$. There are deals to be had out there, especially with lesser known press cameras, and monorail cameras. Great Video!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Yeah, a friend got a Burke too but its all soooo small its really hard to operate, but they are cheap as can be found. Monorails I was going to cover in a separate video as they are cheap but they are a pretty big pain to carry around. Thanks for the comment!

[@clickroach]

That's a nice haul, especially if at least one of the film holders don't have leaks. I scored a B&J press with lens for $50 back in 2001 that ended up launching me into a career of using large format.

[@pedromeza2398]

Really good information, thank you.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimpurcell]

Great information!!! Thanks!!!

[@tamasnemeth2161]

I think there is a quite important part left out from the summary. I mean film holder. Another almost as important left out item is the film changing bag. Other than that it is a great video. I wish I had that when I began my journey.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks! I didn't mention the film holders as they are pretty easy to find at 10-20$ used and usually don't need much attention when buying. The changing bag is not critical as I have changed my film in bathrooms around the world, under sheets in hotels, darkrooms and such. But it is a nice help when traveling.

[@jonlouis2582]

That was very concise and informative.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks Jon!

[@johnchan6191]

Wow,,super gr8 vdo on starting w/ lg 4mat camera. I just pickd up Sinar P., & now I know what lenses 2 L@@k 4. Gr8 advices h tips. Thx 4 sharing on Utube.

[@thienhao0910]

Uploading streak !! Great video about starting in LF photography too !

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks Hao! I have 4 or 5 more waiting to get uploading, I have been wanting to make some videos on starting LF and hope to continue to more advanced stuff slowly.

[@rancosteel]

How well does the top viewfinder deal with parralax? Does the exposed image match what you are seeing?

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Never used it enough. But I would say badly, most people dont use that anymore, it was mostly for back in the day press, they had it mastered with experience. I would suggest the external viewfinder from Conflict Cameras as a must if you want handheld.

[@rancosteel]

@@NicosPhotographyShow Does Conflict Camera have a website? I Google it and could not find it. Thanks.

[@perryjude1230]

Sorry for the stupid question. The lenses you are talking about have only on f stop? Everything I have seen has adjustable aperture and shutter speed!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Large format lenses pretty always have variable apertures and shutter speeds. Usually while referring to them one calls them by the max f stop. Super Angulon 90mm f/5.6, it will have f/8, f/11, etc… but we call it by its widest.

[@perryjude1230]

Thank you so much 😊

[@jafsiamand]

Thank you that was a good information

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

You are welcome!

[@lonniepaulson7031]

You have quite a few lenses there. It looks like those lenses have different size lens boards. How do you mount them on the Graflex?

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

You can unscrew large format lenses and change plates for different cameras. I have a video on mounting a copal 3 shutter on KZbin. Hope it helps.

[@rubensanchez1797]

the best & cheapest 4x5 setup.. Crown Grafex 4x5.. Schneider 90mm, 121 or 120 mm super angulon lenses & 210mm Symmar.... also Sekonic dual spot meter...too bad, I even can not find place to develope 4x5 films....

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

You can try to do it at home, black and white requires very little investment and knowledge.

[@TrailerHomeVideo]

Holders are a factor as well, but as always a great video.

[@brianentz2785]

Been dreaming of getting back into 4x5". It will happen.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

4x5 is something to take your time to get into. Dont rush it, you wont regret it.

[@adamkozik7289]

How would you shoot a night scene, ballpark f stop etc, etc.and opening lens for time?

[@27photogger]

Hi Nico, the link to the cable release doesn’t work or it’s in German, do you have a recommendation please… hope this message finds you well 😊

[@sitaramarajusagi7334]

very good ... info..

[@CertainExposures]

Had to cancel and reorder my film so you get that affiliate sale. By the way, the link to the shutter release cable is broken...

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Ha! Thanks for that Daniel. Will check that link asap.

[@creepyloner1979]

he's got a speed graphic but never mentioned the cheapest lens option with that specific camera, old projector lenses. i paid around $20 for a great 6" f/2.5 buhl projector lens. don't bother with a loupe, just get the strongest dollar store reading glasses you can find. easier on your eyes and hands-free. also, old tripods with spring-loaded heads meant for big heavy vhs camcorders work great with a camera like that.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

True, but many Graflex cameras dont have the shutter built in and wanted to show lenses with shutters as its more common. Many ways to save money, these are just a few.

[@drparham]

Crown graphic or speed graphic?

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

I always mess up mine. But both do great.

[@MrJannikH]

Thank you for this super informative video. :)

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks! Glad it helped.

[@jamesdenham4939]

Thanks for the video, I hope to shoot some LF soon i'm still new to view cameras. Doesn't the manfrotto 190 only hold about 7-8kg?.. would this be suitable for LF?. Also i purchased Using the View camera by Steve Simmons you recommended but couldn't use your affiliate link as there is no UK link. Really enjoying reading it!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

The Manfrotto 190 only holds 7 kilos but I mostly use a Chamonix that weights 1.5 kg and with a lens around 2. So I still have 5kg to be calm about it tilting. Its cheap and pretty sturdy. I haven't opened an affiliate link for the UK but will do as my second most viewing country is the UK. Thanks for the support and hope the book helps!

[@djcanin1]

Hi, Thanks for the info. I want to enter the world of 4x5 format, but I do not know which lens to choose, I do portraits and many of them in low light, so I need a lens with a wide aperture, with f2.8 it is enough for me, as an example I use a 500cm hasselblad with the typical 80mm 2.8 and lens for camera 35mm that are 50mm f1.4 and 85mm 1.7. What do you think could be useful, do you know of any lens that does not exceed the 800 dollars I can buy for these purposes?

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Just answered in the spanish comment. ;)

[@calvinf9218]

Hey Nico, I'm looking for a cable shutter release, but the link in the description does not seem to be working anymore. Do you know where I can find one?

[@fbraakman]

Nicos, which 75 mm lens do you recommend for 4x5? I like shooting wide angle, and I owned one once and it fell and broke. I sold my LF equipment some time ago but I'd like to get back into it. Looking at buying the Chamonix in the new year. Would you recommend the 45Hs -1 or would the N-2 be adequate for mostly wide angle shooting? I still would like to be able to use a 240 mm lens as well.

[@akinoname6622]

Great.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks!

[@anthonyperez9802]

Sinar F 4x5. Super cheap on Ebay

[@Hybridvanguard]

Hi Nico, i have been working with Mamiya 7 for long time and I would like to move to 4x5. Would you advise an MPP or a Horseman? As long as it is as compact as possible and offers great glass quality. Thank you

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Alessandro, that is a hard to answer question. If its ok with you I will make a video answering. It will be easier to explain why or why not choose one or the other.

[@ms6465]

Hi Nico, which 90mm lenses on a budget would you recommend for a 4x5? Thanks in advance :)

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Thanks for the question. It mostly depends on movements. The bigger the circle usually the more expensive they become. So the 90mm Angulon 6,8 is cheap as it just covers 4x5, then the Grandagon 6.8 or Super Angulon 6.8. Also the Nikkor f8 and nikkor f4.5 sometimes are cheap and they are awesome lenses. Then go up to 5.6 lenses and they are cheaper if they are older. Top of the top is the Schneider 90mm XL.

[@ms6465]

​@@NicosPhotographyShow Thank you so much, Nico. I have a Toyo 45CF but currently I only have a 150mm Caltar II-E that a friend gave me as a present and does the job. I would like to get something wider and which also will allow me to do some more movements, will the Nikkor f8 offer me enough movements? Thanks!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

The 90mm f8 from Nikkor covers 5x7 so plenty of movements. They both share the same circle (f8 and f4.5)

[@ms6465]

@@NicosPhotographyShow awesome, thank you very much!

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Happy to help! Let me know if you need more help.

[@constastar1660]

91E92

[@pritush]

You have everything I’m looking for 😂 what will be a good price for a working set as per today . Graflex 4x5 Pacemaker Speed Graphic Camera w/ Optar 135mm f/4.7 lens Thanks

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

A good price is probably around 300 USD if you are patient.

[@pritush]

Nicos Photography Show u won’t believe I got a speed graflex exactly 300$ 😆 from an antique shop all works and looks absolutely mint definitely looks like it spend entire of its life in shelf . Thanks

[@riswampyankee9633]

Fuji lenses are the business. That silvery-glow and beautiful bokeh! The Schneider G-claron lenses are meant for industrial grade machine vision applications, and are crap. Old Kodak Ektar lenses are crap. Schneider lenses meant for photography are much faster, better coated and controlled for distortion and knock-your-socks-off sharp. Rodenstock APO lenses are an epiphany, and a dirt cheap bargain when you consider the prices of small and medium format lenses of equal reputation and capability. Also, you can get custom cams so you can use that rangefinder with modern glass, as Graflex/Speed Graphic cameras are the business, and will be capturing timeless images well into the century after this one. Just remember to lubricate the moving pieces according to schedule with the appropriate modern lubricant. Peak loupes are crap, get an... oh god, they're all that's left? Get an old Mamiya or Cabin loupe second hand. 8x preferred, but 4x also works, and Mamiya and Cabin are the same company, just different product lines. Seriously? Peak is now our only option for 4x-8x wide-field magnifiers new from the factory? Wow. Sucks.

[@pinkeye00]

Phone = $800. NOT cheapest light meter out there. ;) just saying.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

That is true, I take it as a given 95% of viewers have a "smartphone", if not sunny 16 is open source software ;)

[@sonygoup]

Maybe at that time. Been trying to find something cheap a while now

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

They still come out, just takes patience, I was in the lookout for a year to get mine.

[@swansong007]

I enjoy your video's but I know I'm being super critical but you talk to FAST and do not fully explain each item. Make video longer or reduce content and explain in greater depth. Less can be more !

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Great timing, actually working on part II, will try to improve it.

[@BurningtunaDC]

@@NicosPhotographyShow Your presentation is spot on. I wouldn't change a thing. Most people's brains process information faster than the speed of people's speech. If there's a bit of infomation that we didn't fully digest we can always replay the video.

[@blankslate1198]

Here's a tip: Calm down your hands. All that flailing around is really distracting.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Sorry, Im Spanish, comes with the nationality.

[@hometechengineeringvlog1141]

Sucks!