my first large format photographs | Chamonix 45N-2 and Ilford HP5

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[@frame-lines]

Strawberry’s white fur is indeed a highlight ❤️

[@ZachStWard]

Really appreciate you bringing up how you metered the images - definitely helpful to hear and see the result of different metering and averaging!

[@Zetaphotography]

Waiting for Ravni Kickstarter Spot meter.

[@alanescalante1]

It makes me so happy to see people shooting large format! I’m excited for you to keep going on this journey and I can’t wait to see more of the work that you make with the camera! I’ve been shooting large format for over a year now. I started out with a 20 pound monorail and I’ve upgraded to chamonix as well!

[@ChrisMarxen]

The first shot is already beautiful. Using your first sheet for your son is a great way to start this journey. ❤️ Also totally feel you when it comes to streamlining the process of shooting video whilst taking photos with a 4x5. No easy task doing it with only one bag :D

[@KelseySmithPhotography]

What a beautiful camera and wonderful pictures as always Matt! I have to try out large format ASAP! :-)

[@TheGadgetdave]

Your first shots are looking great. I think you’ve nailed the metering and exposure. I looked at the mod 54 but read mixed reports. In the end I opted for the stearman press sp-445. So far very pleased and the added advantage uses less chemicals.

[@martinscarland831]

Hi Matt, I use the MOD 54 , while I don't think it's the best bit of kit, it does the job, I have had the marks before but now I make sure the emulsion side of the film is on the inside of the curve and I now use the twist method and I now don't seem to have a problem. Give it a go it will save you some cash. Nice to see you having a play with 5X4 I have been slowly moving in that direction over the last couple of years. Have fun, all the best Martin

[@rolft.7697]

Thanks for sharing. Your remarks regarding your metering are much appreciated !

[@davebelcher3307]

I’ve had good luck with the Stearman Press SP-445.

[@c.augustin]

It works quite good, but has its quirks too. The good thing is that the flaps holding the sheets are at the borders of the film, so only rarely are the effects they do have visible in the shot itself.

[@DodoKing187]

yes, this is also what I would've recommended, the Stearman is THE best tank for 4x5, I've also tried the big Jobo one and the mod54 but they aren't even coming close to the ease of use and negative quality of the SP 445. and yes, the SP has it's lil problems too (always leaking when agetating xD), but it does not at all leave any of those marks on the neg that I've seen when using round tanks and also here in the video.

[@c.augustin]

@@DodoKing187 The SP445 can leave "marks" (underdeveloped/unfixed areas) on the film edges, depending on the specific film holder and how "tight" the film is held. I've mitigated this problem on my holders with sanding paper, a friend of mine had no problems at all with his own SP445. And the leaking is mostly due to too much liquid in the tank, and especially with "hot" C-41 chemicals (always a problem with the Blix, even in a Jobo tank). That said, overall the SP445 does a good job; next step would be the use of the SP 8x10, but it is not that easy to handle.

[@CoreyCWaters]

Regarding your mod 54: I had the same issue when I first started using it but it immediately went away when I learned that you have to align the indicator marks on the negative with the indentations on the mod 54 (they’re little grooves on the top corners. This keeps the emulsion from touching the mod54. If the film is facing the other way the emulsion rubs against the mod 54 during development.

[@coreyhart1850]

I second this! Also don’t invert to agitate. Use the twisty twisty knob for the Patterson tank, much less mess and it prevents a the negs from slipping out of the mod54. A lot of people don’t like the mod54 but it has worked for me for years with no issue as long as I follow all the steps correctly.

[@terrywbreedlove]

Thank you i bought the Mod 54 and haven't used it yet. So this is great to read first.

[@kevinfickling6384]

Mod 54 is not good….I got exact same thing on my negatives. Switched to stearman press tank now and absolutely love it. So much easier to load and no marks

[@Juno-Doran]

Thanks for not speaking too fast anymore! Much easier to follow. The shot of your son is brilliant, best wishes, Juno x

[@brineb58]

Great to see the journey!!! I started 4x5 in the 90s with a borrowed Speed graphic and a Polaroid back ... just used it as a point and shoot to get over the fear of something so big. The more you play the better you will get ... it's all supposed to be fun!!!

[@chevy2die]

First phase of large format photography: Shoot everything wide open or very close to. Then you realize that even at smaller apertures you still have a crazy shallow depth of field. Don't be afraid to stop down. Sorry if this is personal, but are you and Molly back together?? Because if so that's awesome! Banger as always dude.

[@tomschellingmusic]

Hey Matt! For years I was using the Mod 54, and having the same issue; also was having issues where the film would come loose when inverting. I switched to the 20th century camera 4x5 film reel and it's 1000000x better; both of those issues are solved. Highly recommend giving them a look; it works with the Patterson tank just like the mod 54!

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

The bright fresnel on that camera is awesome. The ground glass on the speed graphic is like looking thru dirty Tea

[@jaymathews356]

The shot of Elliot & Strawberry is beautiful, as well as the one of your wife! the Chamonix cameras are excellent to start with large format. I have the Chamonix 45F-2 absolutely love it. Also, I just started learning how to develop my own 4x5 film. All of this can be intimidating, but once I see the finished results, it rejuvenates me to keep going forward! Thanks for your videos, Matt. I honestly have learned tons from viewing them.

[@briansavage932]

Love that you're on board with the Negative Supply stuff. I switched over to doing my 35 and 120 scans with that and my Sony A7Riii a couple of years ago and can't imagine ever going back to a flatbed. Good quality equipment and great folks to work with.

[@22freedom33]

What a great set-up, beautiful results

[@VonBromPhoto]

Regarding developing: my vote is for the Nikor (of Springfield, not Japan) stainless sheet film tank for 4x5. I am using a B&W King tank for 5x7 (which is similar to the Nikor) and intend to get their 4x5 version as well. Both can be used for inversion agitation which makes sheet film developing as easy and predictable as 35mm. The Nikor tank can process 12 sheets at a time: with HC-110 at 1:63 dilution that's just 16ml of concentrate.

[@mikejankowski6321]

Great job on those first images! You really nailed the exposures. The neighbor's barn as backdrop works well, especially with the LF treatment. Looking forward to more.

[@talleyrand9442]

Beautiful photos.

[@sktvictor]

loved this video and the photos

[@_jprater]

Let's goo! Trent lookin' sexy on that rail. ....they thought i forgot - not today #FTA

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

The problem with large format is that it takes persistence and patience. People nowadays have neither. People have to have instant gratification. I love LF. It is definitely a slowed down workflow. It’s like owning and driving a Model T vs jumping in a flashy Tesla. Everything is more money with LF. Film, Camera, mystique, etc. I did figure out a way of shooting LF. A 1947 Speed Graphic and an Epson V500 which I can scan the negative 2x and combine the negative with software for free: Hugin software. It actually does a great job. Of course I could also just actually print the negative on the Beseler 45M I haven’t used in quite a while. The Chamomix is a beautiful camera !!

[@Antron89]

Man these photos are really nice for being quick test shots. Looking forward to seeing some more large format content.

[@daveshannon3934]

Great upload as always. Thank you for including your metering technique, really useful insights.

[@AlejandroGonzalez-AGS]

Nice… looking forward to your 45 videos. Cheers!

[@44492611]

First images with a 4x5. Things that can move. 😯 wow Glad to see you are having fun.

[@billjohnstonjr.1037]

Those portraits of Molly are stunning. I suspect that it has only a little to do with the photographer or camera!

[@GreggObst]

The MOD-54 is definitely at fault for the marks on the negs. I've been down that road all too much and ended up going with the Jobo 2509N reels in a Jobo Multi-tank then finally back to the Paterson tanks but with the 20th Century Camera reels from Jeff Perry which leave no marks and are absolutely stress-free in loading compared to either the MOD-54 or the Jobo reels. Definitely check out the 20th Century Camera six sheet reels for Paterson and Jobo 1500 series tanks.

[@GreggObst]

I should add, welcome to large format! We have larger fun.

[@Guddeco]

Matt, I've been using the MOD54 for 3+ years now. I've shot 100-150 sheets of 4x5 of all kinds of emulsions, only b&w though. I get similar marks with my development, but I have yet to have them show up when I scan or more importantly when I print in my darkroom. If you place the film emulsion side in toward the middle of the MOD those marks are on the base layer and I have really yet to see them in anything other than real life looking at the sheet itself. The only real issues I noticed with the system was when I would use the twisty stick for agitation vs inversion. It seemed that the Dev and Fix would kind of "wind tunnel" over the indentions where each sheet of film is held and would almost create a V in development. I should say I also have only noticed the "wind tunnel" effect on really expired film, not so much on newer stock. I realized this was happening pretty quick and switched to full inversion agitation and haven't seen those issues again. Keep it up with the 4x5! -Dane

[@Zetaphotography]

Damn. Free bag. The Jobo System with a roller like the Bessler Color is easy to use. Along with the easy to use 2500 Loader, or Taco those 4x5!s

[@cdgarcia]

Wished my first 4x5 photos came out this good 😂😂

[@bencushwa8902]

About a year late to the party here, but I've had similar issues with the Mod54. If you match the identification notches on your negatives up to the notches on the "Top" of the Mod54, all of the pressure from holding the negative will go on the substrate instead of the emulsion. I marked up about half of my first dozen or so negatives that way. Urk.

[@tylerhuttosmith]

Dang just living the dream, Matt

[@llMick]

You rock Matt! Love you!

[@BillPersons]

Another vote for the 20thcenturycamera reels. Hands down the easiest to load, and the most secure during actual processing, and no marks or artifacts

[@chevy2die]

If you keep having trouble with the mod 54 give the Film Photography Project's 4x5 holder a try. As long as you put your negs in emulsion away from the arms you'll be very happy.

[@kenblair2538]

Great work for your first 4x5 session. Nailed that white for. I just started back into LF, brought out my Gowland 4x5, read reviews on the SP 445, others mentioned here, great product . Looking forward to future videos. Enjoy. KB

[@c.augustin]

Shooting large format is very different, you just can't rush it. When I started doing 4x5 I was really surprised how much I would enjoy the movements, especially front standard rise and fall - I would call it addictive … ;-)

[@fbraakman]

Looking forward to seeing some darkroom prints. I started with scanning when I went back to film, but was often disappointed with the results. The most consistent negatives I have been able to obtain has been using the Jobo and the Jobo perfection tank. They are both pricey, but I got my Jobo for free so in the end my overall costs were reasonable. Advantages of the Jobo are consistent temperature, agitation rate and reproducibility. The Chamonix is a great camera too. Nice photos.

[@mitchellhughes5180]

Cute Strawberry 😊

[@joshuarhea1648]

Should have a video with Matt marrash in the darkroom

[@MinerDolan]

Those portraits of Molly look great! There's a large format photographer/KZbinr in the Columbus area (Mat Marrash) who's knowledgeable and could probably help you with any technical questions you have. Love the large format content!

[@alexdragutescu]

Hi. I develop my 4x5 negs with the mod54 as well, and I had the same marks the 1st time. I then used a bit of very fine sand paper to smooth those parts of the mod 54 that would get in contact with the negative. Also I make sure that the negative is placed with the emultion side towards the inside and when I agitate, I use the rotary method very gently. Also one last thing, I never put 6 negatives at once, I only did up to 4 at a time. My negatives come out perfect now. Hope it helps. Good luck

[@norbertsteinkamp9380]

Hi Matt, I second the people here that recommend to develop film in the mod 54 with the emulsion side facing inwards. The notches have to be on the top left corner, seen from the outward side of the curve. I once inserted sheets the other way round (notches to the right) and got similar marks. I first thought they were caused by a softness of the film emulsion I was using at the time (= Bergger Pancro), which later turned out to not be the case. BTW I think it's quite couragous to take your first shots wide open at f/5.6 or only slightly smaller! The dof is extremely narrow at these apertures. Subjects need to keep almost completely still to avoid moving out of the range of sharpness. Looking forward to seeing more of your LF work!

[@l0stxs0ul]

If the MOD54 isn't working for you, imo the Steerman Press one leaks like a sieve. Give the QL45-JP 4x5 Quick Load a try, fits in the Patterson tanks too. Good to see the 4x5 content mate!

[@alanhuntley55]

Never used a Mod54, but I've been very satisfied with the QL-45 from 20th Century Camera.

[@RossJukesPhotography]

Beautiful camera, hoping to upgrade from the Intrepid Black to one of these at some point...

[@ReimannPembroke]

Damn these are beautiful! Meanwhile, I'm just getting into medium format lmao

[@musclecarsforever]

You'd love a 4x5 Graflex SLR. Handheld 4x5 shooting is amazing.

[@samhartfieldlewis5247]

Nice one on the slowing down, been thinking about getting a few graduated filter too use with my medium format mamiya. Basically to sort of just slow down and have a think about it all, getting to exposure I sort of want. Also totally forgot about (simple) skateboard shoes 😀. Take care

[@CalumetVideo]

I use the Stearman Press SP-445 developing tank with great success. So far having developed 16 photos and all have developed well. My biggest headache has been scanning. I have the V550 scanner and it does not accommodate 4x5. I have been using DSLR scanning, but it is time consuming.

[@arty2917]

MOD54 - If no one has told you, make sure that you are developing your sheets emulsion side in. The Mod54 contacts the film, so you want to make sure it is not contacting the emulsion side. I made this same mistake my first time.

[@jmbaug1229]

4:02 Beautiful

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

Oh the shots are so lovely. i hope your screen does not break by accident like with Kyle, Brae or Christopher. 😅

[@Ry_Gordon]

I use the Mod54 and haven't ever had mark like those, the only time I've had marks show up is from clips used to hang while drying.

[@Ry_Gordon]

Maybe the negatives were backwards in the Mod54?

[@sushi_donut]

Are the Mod54's 3D Printed? Could be a rough patch in the build.?

[@b991228]

Can you setup the camera depending on shooting vertical or horizontal?

[@chilecayenne]

I’d be interested in seeing your Negative Supply set up, I’m currently building their 4x5 set up, I have the light, and 4x5 holder, but trying a used copy stand from eBay… I’m needing it for the 6x17 I’m currently shooting, with Shen Hao view camera, but will have a true 4x5 by end of summer. It would be really great if on future 4x5 videos int the field, go into detail on your metering, where and discuss how that is being used in your exposure calculations. That would be very educational for us. Watching a video of you might dedicate to developing would be very entertaining and educational too…I’m likely not the only one in the same learning phase as you, so, watching the details as you go along would make for some great content! Take care and keep up all the good work! CC

[@craigfouche]

@chilecayenne are you shooting 6x17 on a Shen Hao 4x5 or 5x7?

[@chilecayenne]

@@craigfouche this is the dedicated 6x16 medium format view camera. That is ALL it shoots. Model SH-TFC617-A Shen Hao SH-TFC617-A Walnut Wood Camera 6x17cm Non Folding Panorama Roll Film Back with Ground Glass www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZM5S2DF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_A65GW6T97Y8MYX5HFV8K

[@craigfouche]

@@chilecayenne thank you. I had my eye on one for some time and decided to rather go the 8x10 route with a 5x7 and 4x5 reduction back. That way I can shoot 6x17 on Canham 6x17 back and other formats as I choose. There is a nice group on Facebook - Panoramic Film Photography if you not already there. It was initially for 6x17 shooters but has opened up for X Pan and 6x12 shooters too.

[@johngregory8526]

Matt, what tripod and head are you using there?

[@tormentisaeternum]

Need that tee..

[@craigfouche]

Rather use the 20th Century Camera reels, I had the same issues except worse as I agitated as for 120 reels. Ended up with terrible scratches on my negatives. Subsequently ditched the MOD 54 and only use the 20th Century Camera reels without a hiccup. You can develop as per 120 reels. Also very easy to load Matt.

[@reidhaithcock]

I second this. I've been using the 20th century 4x5 reel in both Patterson and Jobo tanks, and it's been fantastic.

[@sarahstellino1954]

I use the Mod54 and love it. Haven’t noticed those marks though on my negs! Are you using the swizzle stick, or doing inversions for your tank? I would get marks on my negs from the Stearman press.. so it’s all personal preference lol

[@batworker]

When you say ‘average it out’ do you mean doing a mean average (take the two values, add them and divide the answer by two), or something less mathematically specific?

[@MarkHickford]

I think Matt means taking spot meter readings and using the averaging feature on it.

[@MrCouvade]

Jobo tank and reels for 4x5 on a beseler roller is how I solved that problem. What lens did you use? I use a Chamonix as well as a Crown Graflex.

[@mike747436]

I've used a Mod54 for a few years. It can be tricky to load as you probably know, but I've never experienced those marks on the negs so can't help with that. Are they on the emulsion or base side of the film? Are you loading the film emulsion side facing inwards as recommended? Hope your 4x5 adventures continue.

[@robertbrooks5888]

Matt, I tried to use the mod 54, but in the end it is a piece of junk and wish I never bought it. To get truly even developing I tray develop 2 sheets at a time. I know using this method is slow and has to be done in the dark, but to get the best results, I always do it this was. I do use another way, and it uses a paterson tank, but to try to give a typewritten accurate description on what to do, it would be a very long paragraph. Good luck.

[@baumstanz]

When it's on the backside you should be able to fix again. If it's on the image side - maybe turn the film around next time? I use the jobo system and didn't have these problems but I remember that reports about these kinds of niggles made me choose jobo

[@jiml989]

Really look forward to your upcoming LF videos. I do have a question: you said you metered off of your cat 5.6 @ 1/4. Shouldn't you have increased your exposure 2 stops (go from Z5 to Z7) or was the reading you gave already adjusted?

[@bernardkelly235]

Lovely portraits, Matt. Is the N2 the cherry wood version or the teak?

[@CM-cb2km]

Try development with the taco method with hairbands. It works for me.

[@Lysander-Spooner]

2017 4x5 Tank Reviews: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKLLqaN_qaikqNk - Stearman Press was a Kickstarter back in 2017 when this review was done. Now available retail. These Stearman Press systems are now at B&H Photo: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1488476-REG/stearman_press_445100_sp_445_4x5_developing_tank.html

[@Mionwang]

Omfg get the best photos drum scanned!!!!

[@technodruid]

Going through the effort to set up a large format to NOT make a dark room print boggles my mind.

[@VariTimo]

I think HP5+ in 4x5 pushed to 1600 in Ilfotec HC would look bonkers. What did you develop theses in?

[@olympus2OM]

Large format ist a waste of time, money and film (chemicals).

[@lensman5762]

I don't think it is a waste of time, but I think that there is a time and a place for 4X5. If candid shots are the aim then perhaps a Speed Graphic of a sort would be more suitable than a field camera. I do shoot LF quite a bit. It is very expensive to operate and slow, but the end results are worth it. IMHO similar if not better results could be obtained using a MF film camera for ' day to day ' photography.