Saturday, April 4, 2009

Setting up a View Camera

I had the opportunity to photograph this camera and it got me thinking about how different it is to work with a view camera. There is a deliberation that takes place long before a picture is even taken. Pick your spot, take meter readings, set up the tripod (this one was a bear by the way) and get ready to unpack the camera. Unpack, unfold, (monorail camera users results may vary), check groundglass (not broken I hope,did I pack an extra?) select lens, mount lens, and mount on tripod,attach cable release. I walk around the camera check the levels, zero the front and rear standards, open the lens and get ready to go under the darkcloth to compose the picture. How many film holders did I bring?
Not a single picture taken yet.
There is something abou this that is soothing in a way, an air of "Wax On Wax Off."

PS You will probably point out some step I missed, feel free to let me know.

No comments:

Post a Comment