First Images with a New 4x5 Camera | Stenopeika Michelangelo

Check out the Stenopeika Michelangelo at L.F. Camera Store: bit.ly/391G1ec
I recently spent a day out in southern Wales, shooting with the Stenopeika Michelangelo 4x5 large format film camera for the first time. In this video I’m sharing an overview of the camera and also creating a few images at a location that I previously photographed with the Pentax 67ii. Big thanks to L.F. Camera Store for supplying the camera. Make sure to check them out if you’re looking for any new large format gear.
►*DISCLAIMER*
Some of the links below are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.
►OTHER GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO(*these are affiliate links):
Compagnon ‘Element’ Backpack: bit.ly/2TLttUq
Ilford HP5 4x5: ebay.us/OnzPu7
Sekonic L-558R Light Meter: ebay.us/QIFXF0
Fujinon 135mm f5.6 Lens: ebay.us/RlMfUv
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Videos on this channel are filmed using the Fuji X-H2s: bhpho.to/3UEjFVs
►FILM PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR (*these are affiliate links):
My go-to medium format camera: ebay.us/GaK9Kp
My favourite 35mm film camera: ebay.us/82WyVI
My favourite 35mm film lens: ebay.us/u0V817
My favourite medium format travel camera: ebay.us/FVcfWk
My go-to light meter: ebay.us/QIFXF0
My favourite film stock: ebay.us/orbudp
My favourite 645 medium format film camera: ebay.us/ydY4HK
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[@Biosynchro]

This is one of those videos that reminds me that photography is not just about the image, but also the journey you take to find it and take it.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Karim! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Dylanwade_]

I cant imagine myself ever having the patience to shoot large format, but I could look at large format work in awe all day. Keep it coming, Kyle. Love to see it.

[@KyleMcDougall]

It's definitely a different shooting experience. For me, it fits some situations, and others not so much. Cheers, Dylan.

[@russellsprout2223]

"...I haven't been back here since my last visit" - Love it!

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

Today I found it very refreshing that you were happy with the camera and with your compositions. It made me happy somehow.

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙏 Happy to hear that.

[@chevy2die]

I've had my eye on his cameras. They look really cool!

[@john_murch]

HP5 is always my go to B&W, just love all that tonal separation. Thanks for the 4x5 LF tour...:)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, John!

[@TwangThang57]

Cool and very timely. I just walked in from purchasing my first 4x5.

[@sharondmet6243]

Great Video! glad you followed through on posting this even though it lacked in your version of "perfect"!! great topic to ponder

[@julienpierb]

That was a really enjoyable video! I really enjoyed the images you made with that camera!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed. Cheers.

[@donr8191]

As I'm currently looking for a field camera this was a perfectly timed review for me. It's a nice looking camera. The magnetic bellows seems like a plus to me, if you ever need to replace them it couldn't be simpler. As far as the magnetic back goes, it would be easy for the manufacturer or a third party to 3D print a clip that slides over the rear standard and the removable ground glass holder....but maybe they will build a more permanent solution in the next version of this camera. It will be interesting to see how that works out for you in the future....great review....Thanks!!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers. Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@darrelltheriault5793]

Great video and very useful as someone who is considering a foray into large format. Thanks Kyle.

[@KyleMcDougall]

You’re welcome, Darrell.

[@garethjones5068]

What a beautiful camera. Great images Kyle

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Gareth!

[@george_edward_]

Days like these are tough but it's not always about the photos - the message you were able to construct out of this video was great! This location will sing for you soon I know it - you just got to beat the demo crew

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, George. A good day out regardless of the conditions, and was just nice to spend some time working with this camera.

[@tobiaspolinder5251]

I just loved this video today. It’s just your focus on beauty that struck me, and I think it’s beautiful. Nice watching this late night. Thanks Kyle, God bless you!

[@morrisbagnall2690]

Is that a Markins M20 on the tripod? Looks like mine.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Tobias! Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Good eye, Morris. It’s the M10.

[@brycepinson8641]

Good to see someone review this camera. I started with an Intrepid as well, and like you, wanted to upgrade to something with zero positions. I ended up with a used Wista DX that I love now, but I looked at this camera and decided against it only because I couldn't find any good reviews of it.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Bryce. Yeah, not many reviews out there of this camera yet!

[@syrahokeiv9036]

Really love the fact you shot only two images. It's a rarity in this digital age ❤️.

[@KyleMcDougall]

It’s nice to slow down and work like this. 🙂

[@seboc1]

Looks very delicate

[@garyclennan2993]

Congrats on the new setup. Craftsmanship looks amazing! I'm still trying to like HP5. :) So much middle grey which I don't usually like.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Gary. Yeah, I’ve never been a huge fan of HP5 in any other format. But I’m starting to take a liking with 4x5!

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

That is one slick looking camera and some excellent results. Glad you got back to that mine before it disappeared. That is one of the worst feelings, waiting to get a shot of a location and next time you go past it's gone!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Alex. Yeah, happened to me a few times now. It’s always a reminder about how quickly things change!

[@waynesimon7096]

I don't know Kyle. I tried out several 4x5 cameras before I decided on two. If something is bothering you on the first try such as the magnetic back and bellows I would seriously think about purchasing the camera. Those magnets would have thrown me off from the get go, but you're a big boy with expensive toys. As you found using the Intrepid; things that you think you can live with in the beginning will piss you off in the long run...lol Thanks for presenting this video for us to enjoy. Better luck with the weather in the future. Cheers from Nova Scotia...

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Wayne. Yeah, I’m willing to give it some time to see if I adjust, but I could see it being one of those things that is always on my mind.

[@the_last_rangefinder_society]

looks like a sweet machine. i think i'd prefer latches as well as magnets on the back and bellows........but that would be easy enough to add

[@mazdaram226]

Superb, respect from 🇬🇧

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙏

[@andyvan5692]

one other camera has close to this extension, that is the linhof Technika, these have a triple extension system, focus track, ext. bed on top of the focus track, and the back format frame is on a set of rods, lostened by four knobs near the corners of the body, which extends this figure to 560mm as I recall, 536mm without this back extension, so long lenses up to 450mm I think are compatable, esp. if tele designated ( this allows infinity focus at less than focal length in bellows distance).

[@godscola]

Beautifully built camera, and great review Kyle! I think the magnetic back would be a deal breaker for me, and I agree that a simple security clip on the top and bottom would be much better. For now, I'm happy with my new (to me) Tachihara Hope 4x5!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Jacob. Yeah, I feel like a clip of some sort would solve the problem, but not something I’d want to do myself. Especially at this price.

[@MARKLINMAN1]

@@KyleMcDougall Or stronger earth magnets, that alone is a deal breaker for me, BEAUTIFUL camera, just not sold on those flimsy magnets.

[@LarryParamedic1]

Thank You for a great video.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks for watching.

[@GreggObst]

Keep in mind that now that you have a camera with rear shift, you can take advantage of that to do panoramic shots with multiple sheets of 4x5 that are stitched together in post. Basically, setup yoru composition and focus for the center of what would be a three shot panoramic then shoot your center frame, use the rear shift to shift left, take your second frame then shift all the way over to shifting right all the way over and take your third exposure. It's important not to make any exposure changes on the shutter, no movement changes and that you make your three exposures in fairly rapid succession to avoid any changes in the ambient light (clouds moving, sun moving etc) which might break the exposure continuity between frames. This works especially well when having the film holder in portrait orientation then you end up with roughly the equivalent of a 5x12 when making some overlap for the merging. 5x12 on large format is pretty amazing. Also do NOT use front shift for this since it will change the nodal point and it will look wonky. Only use rear shift for that method.

[@theonlygoggin]

🤯

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks for the explanation and suggestion. Not something I’d likely do with my work, but could be great for someone looking to make a massive pano.

[@morrisbagnall2690]

Kyle, you should find out if they plan to demolish the towers. That would make an astonishing photo. That is a stunning camera and you can see why it costs so much more than the Intrepid (which is also a lovely camera). Great work and congrats for finding a new sponsor,

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks Morris! Yeah, I think this is a place that I’ll be returning to a few more times in the near future. I don’t think it’ll be around for much longer.

[@stophdoggy6625]

Going to have too deep dive into your channel as I haven’t shot 4x5 for 20 years. And it’s great to see slow photography. I loved HP5 developed in Rodenol (does it still exist 🤔) I feel a rabbit hole coming…

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hope you enjoy!

[@DanielJamesBird]

Carrying out a 4x5 and a drone? Almost taking off whilst under your dark cloth? Dedication to the craft that. Really loved that second image.

[@KyleMcDougall]

😁 Thankfully it was a short walk!

[@Blizzardmane]

Wonderful video dude. I love hp5 and the looks and contrast it gives. (admitidly only shot on 35mm) but I've got some 120 coming! Keep it up man!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks David. As mentioned, really been enjoying it in 4x5 format.

[@Blizzardmane]

@@KyleMcDougall I hope to see more of it from you. Would you perhaps do a play with developing some with caffenol?

[@SinaFarhat]

Nice! :)

[@1hypan]

Great vlog but missed where you said you got the camera from. 👍

[@livelongandprosper70]

lol, knew it was in the UK when i saw the weather :O)

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙂

[@ardenchiucarello8990]

Great video, beautiful camera! Which benro tripod do you use I have one of the smaller benro travel tripods but want to upgrade to something more stable, thanks for all the hard work you put into your videos, I’ve learned so much from you 🙏🏻

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Arden. This is a set of older Benro 3 stage CF legs. I've had them for probably ten years, so I'm unsure of the model number.

[@ardenchiucarello8990]

@@KyleMcDougall thanks! appreciate it ✌🏼

[@nickdeak]

I keep telling myself I want to get a 4x5 camera, or try out wet plating. These shots turned out so beautiful

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Nick! 4x5 is definitely a unique way of working. The right tool for some projects, and not for others. I think you'd enjoy it!

[@stuartwalker121]

Mike Walker sells his 4 x5 pinholes on Ilford's site. Mats Christensen (Pyro Highlights FaceBook Group) has some great sample pinhole images. If you want to try 4x5 without spending a fortune, this is a way to consider starting out.

[@Nam-sl3po]

Kyle, try one of the Chamonix 4x5 cameras if you can. No magnets, better folding system and superb quality.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I’ve eyeballed them many times! Never had a chance to use one though.

[@InAnInstant]

Beautiful camera but definitely concerned about the magnets too. After Intrepid my trust in these sorts of things has waned - Chamonixs seem to cost about the same as the Stenopeikas and...are Chaminixs 😂, possibly worth a go there.

[@analogwisdom]

Yea, not sure why someone would pay Chamonix prices and still buy something that uses 3D printed parts and magnets... Nice looking camera though.

[@jamesstubbs5651]

Was lucky enough to get a Chamonix on eBay for a song (particularly when you consider the amount of film the seller was kind enough to include). And definitely very pleased with it. Aside from the bellow extension (and I can't see myself really needing .5m extension), seems to answer all the complaints that Kyle has.

[@georgb.920]

The video recordings via the camera's functions are very good. The black and white photos do not have a harmonious gray gradation.

[@MARKLINMAN1]

Both images were OUTSTANDING, WHAT lens? it was RAZOR SHARP.

[@EdwardMartinsPhotography]

It's cool, but 3 times the cost and twice the weight of the Intrepid. Rumor has it there's a Mark V Intrepid in the works, I'm curious to see what they change or improve.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Ohh, very interested to see what that's all about with the MK5

[@Lennymcgra]

Cool stuff mate, saddened to see how much has gone from the old place.

[@KyleMcDougall]

It’s starting to change quickly.

[@Lennymcgra]

@@KyleMcDougall I have been visiting and documenting it over the last 10 years, an amazing location for exploration. Keep up the amazing work mate.

[@regaling]

Interesting place. Nice video. I agree with the HP5. I'm not a fan at any other format, but I like it on 4x5. Have you tried Fomapan 100? It's becoming a favorite for me now on 4X5. Is the Stenopeika closely priced to the Chamonix? Someone cancelled for August so I got my Chamonix 45F2 a lot sooner. I am really enjoying the weight considering I hiked a bit with the Toyo 45A last summer before I got the Chamonix. Yeah, the magnet for the back seem problematic. I know for me, if it happens once, I know it will happen again. Good luck on your selection.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Never tried Foma 100 in 4x5, but I’ll likely give it a shot at some point. I’ve heard good things. And yes, this camera in the CF version is similar to the Chamonix. As for the magnetic back, yeah, I’m still unsure of what to think. I’m willing to give it some time and see if I adjust, but it could very well be one of those things that I’m always worried about.

[@Polo884]

The chamonix n2 is so much more reliable ! There is a demo of it on nico's photography channel It's a nice camera but, you can go for something way better at this price range!

Nice camera for street photography

[@sophietucker1255]

Beautiful camera. The magnets for the bellows doesn't bother me as much as the ground glass back does.

[@KyleMcDougall]

For sure. Like with all things, certain aspects / features will suit some of us.

[@movenmvrl1795]

cool camera, how do you load film into the camera?

[@KyleMcDougall]

You have to load the sheets of film into holders in a dark bag.

[@thomasbarrett3906]

I wonder if you could add a small latch onto the wooden pieces (even at both orientations), to give you that security. I imagine finding the balance in the strengths of magnets would be tough-not so strong that you disrupt your framing, but enough to not cause issues. Also really like the hoodie haha

[@KyleMcDougall]

I’m sure you could add something like that. But it’s not something I’d want to do.

[@thomasbarrett3906]

@@KyleMcDougall That's definitely fair enough, especially on a camera like that

[@alexander.starbuck]

Kyle, lovely video, as always! May I ask about your filming set-up? I know you work with a BMPCC and a Fuji now but what was this shot on (camera+lens)? Looks so nice, soft and shallow but sharp... Also, if you don't mind letting me know how you get such great audio, external recording or...? Cheers from Croatia, man! :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hey Alexander, this was shot with the Fuji X-T4. I own a P6K Pro, which I love, but sometimes I'll take this out when I know I'm going to be handheld a lot. The Fuji is great. My go-to lens for it is the 16mm 1.4 which is one of my favourites. Just a beautiful image out of it and I love the way it renders OOF areas. As for audio, just a Rode Wireless Go setup. Very simple!

[@alexander.starbuck]

@@KyleMcDougall Dear Kyle, thank you very much for taking the time to reply, much appreciated! I am asking these since I have the exact same setup as you (sans the 16mm, I went with the 16-55 for now) and am looking to get into YT more seriously :). Love the BMPCC with the cinema glass but simply not an option in the field. Fuji is amazing.

[@andyvan5692]

yes, the replaceable bellows is a good thing, means you can fit bag bellows for wide angle lenses, but also if they get tarnished, or develop holes, replacement is a sinch, unlike fixed bellows frames, have to remove the glue, and re-glue them back to their frames again.

[@KirkDurstonquest]

Given your comments on the wind, I'm impressed at the lack of wind noise!! How did you do it?

[@KyleMcDougall]

I was impressed too. Haha. Just buried the mic deep in my sweater and crossed my fingers!

[@KirkDurstonquest]

@@KyleMcDougall Well it worked marvelously. Wind noise is my number one problem in outdoor recording no matter what kind of 'dead cat' I stick on my mic. I am embarrassed to admit that I didn't even try stuffing it down into my sweater, assuming it would muffle the sound, but it works nicely, at least in your case.

[@maxwellwellmax878]

How did you get the Stenopeika on the Drone? :D

[@KyleMcDougall]

😁

[@danielevan4564]

This is the CTRL + A of 4x5 cameras

[@trix-4656]

Once you get accustomed to a certain LF, when you can almost handle it in total darkness, it's pretty hard to change.

[@KyleMcDougall]

For sure. Similar to other cameras for me, as well. Just want to be able to work with it without it getting in the way.

[@chevy2die]

Oh shit, what if you put a roll film back on it? Does the back panel fall off?? 😵😵😵

[@KyleMcDougall]

I’d hope not, as I’m sure that was taken into account when designing. But I can’t comment on that.

[@toulcaz31]

At the risk of sounding provocative, to the exception of using new material and new manufacturing processes, creating a new LF camera in 2021 is pretty much reinventing the wheel. Seeing those magnetic backs and bellows without a proper locking mechanism is quite disappointing when one has multitude of old cameras to study and get the best of. I am curious to know with which cameras you compare it to consider it as well made. Those nuts and bolts popping up everywhere, the sharp cut rails don’t indicate to me it’s a well finished camera. If you are after a light camera, Chamonix or an Arca Swiss are definitely looking much better. It would be interesting to hear what you key criteria are. If you are flexible on weight, other better cameras exist too.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hey Nico, I guess the same could be said about a lot of things when it comes to reinventing the wheel, not just in the camera world. I think options and additions are a good thing. But yeah, as I mentioned in the video, not a huge fan of the magnetic bits, and for me, it feels a bit unnecessary, especially without some type of lock. If they had a lock, I actually think it’s be a great feature. Yes, the cut edges on the rails did stand out to me. I’m assuming that’s what you were referring to in the IG message when we spoke? As for key criteria, for me: zero positions, weight (although I am flexible on this a bit), setup and ease of use, and overall quality (longevity). Those are probably the main ones. Still have some more time with this camera to see how it feels after a few more days out.

[@toulcaz31]

@@KyleMcDougall don’t get me wrong, I have no issue with new cameras and brands. My point is that I expect them to do their homework. For instance, Chamonix clearly studied Ebony, and it shows. If you can reach out to Linhof Studio in London, I would be curious to hear your thoughts about the Master Technika and the Technikardan 45.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Would love to check either of those out. Wasn’t aware of Linhof Studio. I’ll have to look them up.

[@Foxglove963]

Nico Cazals. Wista is one of the best wood & brass cameras. Marvellous in rosewood.

[@toulcaz31]

@@Foxglove963 in that style I would prefer to get a Wisner personally.

[@johnsobenne]

Do you ever struggle with shooting overcast so much?

[@KyleMcDougall]

I find that as long as there are interesting skies and they’re not just total grey, there’s usually images to be found.

[@BelmontHillTV]

The magnets, when a sleek design does too much.

[@ianscott947]

Is that Tower Colliery ,Kyle ?

[@KyleMcDougall]

This is CWM Coke Works. 🙂

[@ianscott947]

@@KyleMcDougall Thank you.

[@lensman5762]

I respect your opinions, but for me a field camera has to be simple and very quick to operate for obvious reasons. This camera appears to be well built, but it is also complicated and too busy with controls. Imagine the cold of the British winters and operating all those fiddly knobs. I also think that a camera of such price has to have a certain aesthetic beauty to it which IMHO this one does not, although I admit that this is a subjective matter. If I may be very honest with you, since money appears to be no object for you , I'd sincerely recommend that you seek out an Ebony and be done with it, no finer a 4X5 camera exists than an Ebony. It is a damn shame that they are no longer in production. I wish that all those years ago I had purchased one, but alas.

[@KyleMcDougall]

The Ebony's do look great, and I'd love to try one out at some point. As for the money comment, not the case. The reason I was able to get my hands on this camera was because of LF Camera Store, which was mentioned in this video. They stock a select few manufacturers, and this is one of them. But yes, there are a lot of options to choose from out there, and many other's I'd like to try as well if I had the opportunity!

[@agylub]

You’ve tried the rest now try the best. Toyofield!

[@KyleMcDougall]

I’ve looked at the Toyo’s for a long time now. Have always wanted to try one.

[@agylub]

@@KyleMcDougall all metal and a binocular near waist level viewfinder makes it the go to in windy weather - like the gales in Wales

[@cedarandsound]

The magnet part is genuinely confusing as a point of engineering. With the long history of view camera design, I can not imagine why they would choose magnets and NOT include a clamp of some kind. Especially at that price point. Those magnets do not seem very strong.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, can’t comment on the decision for the magnets. It’s an interesting idea, but I feel like it needs a catch or clamp.

[@zguy95135]

They make cool cameras with an insane amount of features but they’re kinda… agricultural with the hardware. The video of the guys shop is amazing though, its a dude in an ancient workshop making cameras.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, I've watched that video as well. The workshop caught me off guard!

[@SummersSnaps]

OMG! #magmodtheystealyourpatentetc

[@trappedindc8678]

Always like a video showing someone exploring LF photography. Have to disagree about the quality of the camera. I’m a woodworker and a Chamonix 4x5 owner. I can see the corner joints/filler on the front and rear standards of the Italian camera on my IPhone. The body itself is clunky looking and the finish looks weak. For less than the price of this camera you can get the Chamonix 45F2, their top 4x5. Better featured and beautifully put together and finished.

[@mikelother3022]

I had a stenopeika and I found the camera and its adjustments too flimsy,sorry to say.

[@buchsg]

the big question is, is this camera worth 5 time an intrepid 4x5... in my opinion no, i'll stay with my mpp viii, heavy but built like a tank, and I paid less than for an intrepid for mine

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, that’ll be answer that’s probably different for everyone. I’ve eyeballed the MPP 4x5’s many times. They look great. Will likely pick one up at some point if a great deal presents itself.

[@toulcaz31]

Could go also for the brand copied by MPP, ie Linhof but it might be more expensive 🙂

[@Hector_Malot]

The guy is very nice but at this price you might as well buy a Chamonix or a Shen Hao which will look different than this awful thing cobbled together with screws and bolts everywhere and curtain rods.