5x7 Rocks!

[shadowfox]

This:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2607/3703923921_4e7f85a4be_o.jpg

... and a crop to show details recorded:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/3704732464_45768a793e_o.jpg

... was taken with:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/3501753431_5d10f9ceb1.jpg

Camera: Burke & James 5x7
Lens: 12'' Wollensak 1:4.5 (yep, that's big and fast)
Film: 15 yrs-old Kodak Ektapan 100
Exposure: 1/50th at f/16
Developer: Rodinal at 1+50 for 12 min. (Unicolor rotary drum)

Comments and other 5x7 pictures welcome. Oh, and Roger, you're right, 5x7 rocks!

[bmattock]

Very nice!

[aperture64]

Dumb question because I have never shot LF: Do you still see the difference if you never print your images and only post them to a site like Flickr? I've shot Mamiya 67 and I could see the difference, but I'm wondering if the jump from 6x7 MF to 5x7 LF is as obvious as 35mm to MF.

Thanks

[Dave Wilkinson]

Yes - I've just very reluctantly sold my Meopta 'Magnola' 5x7, mainly due to the difficulties here in obtaining film - especially colour,( and getting it processed ) and cost! :eek:. but results, especially contact prints are amazing!.
Dave.

[Roger Vadim]

But it's not a rangefinder :eek:

Great shot. 5x7 rocks

[Trius]

This is what I hate about this forum ... People like Will (and Keith) stepping out of the RF world, enticing me with attachments to what I do not possess. OMmmmm ....

[shadowfox]

Dumb question because I have never shot LF: Do you still see the difference if you never print your images and only post them to a site like Flickr? I've shot Mamiya 67 and I could see the difference, but I'm wondering if the jump from 6x7 MF to 5x7 LF is as obvious as 35mm to MF.

Thanks

I think a better way to look at it is LF can be a good springboard for you to get into printing.

One main thing that I see in prints that I don't on screen (flickr etc.) is texture and how it impacts the tones. Your images will come "alive" when printed, totally different experience.

You know that you don't need an enlarger, or even necessarily a darkroom. Alternative printing processes like cyanotype, argyrotype, ziatype, etc. can be done without a darkroom, you only need a contact-printing frame as big as the print you're making (8x10 is a good starting point). And they are not expensive especially if you can find it locally.

[david.elliott]

You know that you don't need an enlarger, or even necessarily a darkroom. Alternative printing processes like cyanotype, argyrotype, ziatype, etc. can be done without a darkroom, you only need a contact-printing frame as big as the print you're making (8x10 is a good starting point). And they are not expensive especially if you can find it locally.

I can make prints without an enlarger and a darkroom?!!?! I didnt know that!

Time to google alternative printing processes.

[varjag]

It's not that you have to use alternative processes for contact printing. Normal gelatin silver would do just as fine.

[besk]

I believe I recognize that tripod in the picture. It is way too light and wobbly for the camera! I used to use mine with a Crown Graphic 4X5 so I know from experience.

A sturdier one.could easily make a difference in sharpness - especially if there is a little wind.

[x-ray]

The old 5x7 B&J is a fine camera as is the Wollensak (tessar) lens. My favorite all round LF format is 5x7 due to lighter weight/performance ratio, lower cost of equipment, most 4x5 lenses work fine on 5x7 and wide variety of B&W film. Contact prints are large enough to view easily also.

I owned an 11x14 version of that camera and shot catalog work with it for years.

Great images!

[shadowfox]

I can make prints without an enlarger and a darkroom?!!?! I didnt know that!

Time to google alternative printing processes.

I have recently done a bunch of research on those also. As long as you heed the warnings and tips on handling chemicals, these processes opens a new door to your photography. Almost a different world, really :)

In addition to "the collective" (a.k.a google), look for these books in your local library, I meant to write another post regarding these (that's why I took this shot):

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2461/3665456739_922719ca94_o.jpg

[shadowfox]

It's not that you have to use alternative processes for contact printing. Normal gelatin silver would do just as fine.

Eugene is absolutely correct.

If using normal B&W paper like Ilford Multigrade, Fomabrom, Bregger, etc. you only need a low wattage light bulb.

[venchka]

This is what I hate about this forum ... People like Will (and Keith) stepping out of the RF world, enticing me with attachments to what I do not possess. OMmmmm ....

Just doing our job Earl! ;)

[novum]

Dumb question because I have never shot LF: Do you still see the difference if you never print your images and only post them to a site like Flickr? I've shot Mamiya 67 and I could see the difference, but I'm wondering if the jump from 6x7 MF to 5x7 LF is as obvious as 35mm to MF.

Thanks

Not a dumb question, and yes, you would see a difference. But the print, especially an 8x10 or larger contact print, will be the real difference.