First Experiences Shooting 4x5 Film

I took the Toyo View 45G large format 4x5 film camera out for my first shoot using some Kodak T-Max 100 black and white negative film and in this video I go over my experience using it and the things I learned while doing so.
Looking for more to watch?
Binge watch everything from in the field:
www.youtube.co....
Binge watch everything from the office:
www.youtube.co....
🙏🏻 Help support the creation of more and better content:
/ chrisdarnellphoto
Follow me on social media:
Instagram - @chrisdarnellphoto
Twitter - @cdarnellphoto

[@AtlantaTerry]

Tip: to keep your fingers from freezing, wear silk gloves under your regular gloves. Then when you need to remove your gloves to make camera adjustments, light readings, write notes, etc. the thin layer of silk will help to protect your skin. This is an old trick that military band musicians use when they have to play brass instruments in freezing weather. I used to play trumpet and then tuba in Ohio. Terry Thomas... the photographer Atlanta, Georgia USA

[@ChrisDarnell]

That’s definitely a problem I’m going to have to solve and that’s a great suggestion, thank you!

[@alfredanheier4779]

Fascinating to see someone taking a 4x5 rail camera into the field. As far as tripod heads are concerned, I use a Bogen/Manfrotto 410 geared head with my RB67, and it has knobs for large adjustments as well as the fine geared adjustments. Heavy though, but very sturdy.

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks Alfred, I'll check that out for sure. I've been interested in a geared head for a while now!

[@AtlantaTerry]

Ball Head: you discovered how a regular ball head really isn't a good idea for a 4x5". Consider using a video head instead. When I took my 4x5" Cambo studio monorail out into the field, I put it on a video tripod. Then when fine adjustments were needed to level the camera, I only had to loosen the knob down under the bowl. Terry Thomas... the photographer Atlanta, Georgia USA

[@ScottWalton]

Great job Chris! I’ll bet most first timers don’t have everything go that well. You should be really happy. No leaks! Meter seems accurate. Lab did a good job. You’re well on your way. I’m looking forward to the next outing!

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks Scott! I was really surprised things came back ok, especially since I rushed quite a bit. I'm sure there will be many mishaps in the future, ha!

[@herbertbradford9579]

I just started with a 4x5 Camera virtually same as yours. I think I shot the same B/W film you did. I have ten sheets in my developing tank. Yea I am going to do it myself. I have the same problem in Michigan of local area not exciting to record on film. So I choose an oak tree for 5 images. And a famous rich home at Cranbrook Estates for the other 5. I just going to use Ilford Developer at room temperature about 70 degrees. I did use filters, orange and yellow because it was in the fall. Just now getting to developing. Running down everything you want takes more time then planed. I will be heading back to my home town Knoxville Tennessee soon with it. To Roaring Forks, which is close to Gatlinburg. You should look that up online. I call it the Emerald Forrest. Lots of moss coved rocks in the Mountain streams. 1/15 of a second foams the water as your eye sees it. I am going to need some boots so no worries if snakes. I watch your videos and find them very useful.

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks Herbert! I'll definitely check that out, the Smokies have been on my todo list for quite a while!

[@motodiaries8204]

You’ve probably already dealt with these but many geared heads also have quick releases for quick changes. Also you can file notches in your film holder borders to match your film holder numbering. This will leave visible markings on each frame.

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks for the tip! funny you mentioned it, I've been flirting around with notching my holders lately ha!

[@TXGRunner]

Looking forward to using 4x5 for the first time in a few weeks (I'm currently overseas). Thanks for the video.

[@ChrisDarnell]

That's exciting! Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@nicholasmcgilvray]

I just bought this camera, with a 210 and 90mm. Your videos on the topic were my first stop, very stoked to get out and do exactly what you did in this video! Also, great video!

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks so much! And congrats! I've been having a blast with the camera and I'm confident you will too

[@jessejack7829]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks for watching Jesse!

[@andrewfindlayphoto]

When I used to shoot 4x5 I averaged 3 shots per day. It's more about getting the composition and then waiting for the light. You shooting Black and White reminds me when I used to shoot Technical Pan iso 25.

[@ChrisDarnell]

I totally agree, and honestly the keeper rate of my digital work is probably that or less, so more exposures but that doesn't translate directly to more output.

[@jimwlouavl]

I’ve really enjoyed your video about your experiences. I’m getting back into large format with a monorail after having given my field camera to a student five or so years ago. When I first started, I had one image where I tilted and shifted so much, the image circle only covered half of the frame and I didn’t see that on the ground glass. One tip I remember is to use reading glasses instead of a loupe for critical focus.

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks Jim! I’ve recently learned the importance of the image circle as well, that’ll be in a future video, haha. I like the reading glasses idea, I might have to explore that!

[@michaelofmelrose]

Hey Chris I think you did quite well. Look forward to see your progression.

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks Michael!

[@CalumetVideo]

Your not kidding about the costs. I just received my Intrepid Mark IV 4x5 camera and while it’s not super expensive, it starts getting expensive with good lenses, lens boards, film holders, loupe and start up film and developing tank. A start up can be at least 1,000.00. I do think that large format makes one more disciplined in composing shots etc. The next issue if scanning, many scanners will not scan a full 4x5 sheet. The flatbeds that can scan a full 4x5 can cost at least several hundred dollars, drum scanners cost even more. With DSLR setups there is the cost of the camera, tripod extension or copy stand, micro (macro 1:1 lens), and a light box. All of this can be expensive and should use a high megapixel camera to capture.

[@ChrisDarnell]

Congrats on the Intrepid! I may pick one of those up myself for a lightweight kit in the future. Totally agree on the discipline aspect. Scanning is definitely a challenge to consider, I have yet to cover that but will in a future video. I guess I knew what I was getting into when I bought the camera, but it still amazes me how much things cost!

[@gabrielresendes8277]

Good job. When I go out with my 4x5 I'm glad to come home with 2 or so shots, it would take me days to take 10. Anyway great video.

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks Gabriel! I definitely didn't know what I was getting into with attempting to shoot an entire box in one day, that is definitely not how I'm shooting lately, haha.

[@waynesimon2963]

LOL "Sent me spiraling into a money pit" Welcome to large format photography Chris. Add a heavy duty tripod and three way head to that pit. Thanks for uploading this enjoyable video. I realize doing everything yourself is a pain in the butt and I'm sure everyone enjoys your efforts. Great results for your first 4x5 outing and kudos for using a monorail. I have a similar setup as the Toyo 45G just a little older. It's a Sinar Norma from the 50's Looking forward to more adventures into 4x5 photography. Cheers from Canada.

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks Wayne! I'm hot on the trail to buy that tripod, haha. Hoping to get up there one day to see beautiful Canada!

[@timryan6395]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I’ve been kicking around getting into large format. Subscribed

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks Tim!

[@jaytayag810]

Congratulations on your first outing with the new camera! And getting some great images out of it.

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks Jay!

[@IainHC1]

Now you've invested so much into this system! A way to save some cash, is to develop your negatives yourself! It's really easy!! The equipment you need is not expensive! But the knowledge you'll gain will be priceless! :-)

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks! I think I’ll experiment with developing eventually, just trying to take things one step at a time. I’ll probably attempt some black and white developing here in the middle to near future 👍🏻

[@LarryParamedic1]

Just happened to see your video on a random popup. Yesterday I ordered my very first L/F camera, a Crown Graphic 4x5. Camera and lens only, no film holders yet or anything else for that matter. As you stated, it is a money pit!! Thank You for your videos, I look forward to viewing all the others. PS: Where did you get your film processed? I live in Las Vegas, NV and still looking for a l/f lab. Larry F.

[@ChrisDarnell]

Congrats Larry! The startup costs for entry into LF are definitely high but it’s been worth it, I think you’ll have a lot of fun with it! I had trouble finding a lab I liked here in Utah so I’ve been sending all my stuff to North Coast Photo in Carlsbad, CA. It takes about a week to ship it there and back but I’ve been really pleased with their work so far. Not sure what labs are available in the Vegas area but if you find a good one let me know!

[@kieranplaymusic]

This is cool! Well done on the exposures, they look great

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thank you!

[@Ricardo-SW]

You did very well for the maiden voyage!

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks Ricardo!

[@robotdogjoe]

nice composition.

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks!

[@REDMANNATION]

Will you please do a video where you sing really loud in a public place 😎

[@tylerhuttosmith]

Just found your channel and I dig it! Hoping to start my own large format journey soon

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks and welcome! It’s an expensive endeavor but it’s been fun, I think you’ll enjoy it!

[@tylerhuttosmith]

@@ChrisDarnell I have a few of the supporting equipment items, but still need the camera, lens, film, and loupe. So still expensive haha. Want to get into wet plate eventually.

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for a great video ! I envy you for having such beautiful vistas near the place where you live. I have to travel great distances to get away from flat corn fields. I was surprised by the crowd noise in the video. It sounded like there were a lot of people nearby. Were you using a Fuji 90mm f/5.6 lens on your 4x5? I ask because that is what I use most often. I also use a 135mm and a 65mm. Like others, I recommend throwing more money into the pit to buy film developing equipment and supplies. In the long run, it is well worth it.

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks! It was actually a 180mm f/5.6 on these shots. I was in an area pretty popular for sledding unfortunately, sorry about the noise. I think I'll eventually try developing at home, I just thought I'd take it one step at a time

[@AtlantaTerry]

Weight: after watching your videos, I wonder if you are now considering a much lighter camera such as a Chamonix. With my advancing age (75+) and a bad back, I added a 4x5" Chamonix to my collection of cameras. The camera is lighter - about 3 pounds (Teak and carbon fiber) and their lens boards are smaller (carbon fiber or metal). Terry Thomas... the photographer Atlanta, Georgia USA

[@ChrisDarnell]

Sure am. I bought the Toyo because it was a great deal on a whole bunch of stuff in one package but it was sheer inexperience that made me overlook the weight and bulk. I’ll eventually move away from it but at the moment it’s been really fun to shoot. The Chamonix cameras and a few others are definitely on my radar; they’re beautiful cameras!

[@janwilliamfines246]

First of all: Congrats on stepping into the world of large format, and the shots look great! Not saying that anything is wrong but I'd like to leave a few tips that I find works great. I prefer HP5+ over basically any film when it comes to large format. It's super forgiving and pushes and pulls really well. Second, skip the lab. I know it might sound complicated but there's absolutely no reason not to developing yourself, and no need for a darkroom. HP5+ works really great with stand development + Rodinal. Main advantage to me is that you can mix pushed and pulled negatives in the same batch, or even different types of film., Just let it stand and let the chemistry do it's thing, You'll save a lot of dough, plus it's fun. This video is a nice step by step guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raS0ioWmh813mas Just make sure to get a 4x5 tank 😅 If you have any questions feel free to hit me up :)

[@ChrisDarnell]

Thanks Jan! Definitely planning to check out the Ilford product range and thank you for the tip on HP5+, I’ll give it a try! I think I’m going to give home developing a shot once I get a little more comfortable with large format; I agree about the benefits and I’m intrigued with the process. Thanks for the input!

[@CalumetVideo]

I agree, it’s usually better to develop your own film, costs less and gives you more control over the process. You can use the saved money to invest in more film etc.

[@rolft.7697]

Hi Chis; I just ordered a new sturdy tripod for my Linhof (finally!) Maybe Iam too late with my suggestion? Anyways, check it out here on KZbin, or Amazon, search for " INNOREL RT80C" , looking forward for more 4x5 videos :-) Cheers from Switzerland

[@ChrisDarnell]

Definitely not too late! Seems like I'm always on the lookout for a better tripod for one reason or another, so thank you for the suggestion! I'll check it out!