AboutDavid Barry Expertise I have a lot of experience in most traditional forms of photography, so I`m quite knowledgeable about things like camera types and formats, techniques, exposure, film types, colour, filters, lighting, standard colour and black and white developing and printing.
I do not make recommendations about brands or models, and I am not a camera technician so I may not be able to tell you what is wrong with your equipment if it`s not working .
I also know a little about digital photography and imaging with scanners and digital cameras, so ask me and I will answer if I can.
Experience Experience in the area
I have been seriously involved in photography for over 25 years, including about 4 years as a professional, as well as 2 years providing administrative service to government photographers, requiring interpreting photographers' requirements and trade technicalities for those unfamiliar with such.
I have successfully trained several beginners in photography, helping them to become competent in basic techniques.
Organizations belong to:
None at present, but have been in about 4 camera clubs, having won or had placings in 2 club competitions.
Publications:
A lot of my photos have been in educational / training manuals, books and some photography magazines, as well as 2-3 dozen images been on the Web so far.
Education/Credentials:
Completed 4-year diploma in professional photography technique at Sydney's Technical College
Awards and Honors:
3 placings and / or merits in camera club competitions.
Expert: David Barry Date: 5/3/2007 Subject: least expensive fuctional lens selection
Question Mr. Barry,
Hello to you sir! I just purchased my first large format camera. Since I am a greenhorn at this, what lens can I purchase that will give acceptable results and at the same time not put me in debtors prison?
Thank you very much for your time and effort.
John Hrichak
Hjohnnyh@aol.com
Answer John
You didn't mention which size of large format you chose :
4 x 5" / 5 x 7" / 8 x 10" . . .?
Since some of the 'functionality' of a lens on a large format camera is partly relative to the size / format of the film used, then I will give you some examples for each.
I'm not in the habit of recommending particular brands / makes / models, but will list some typical brands which are popular among our large format fraternity.
As for price, unless you troll around the used/second hand dealers, you are likely to pay significantly more for any large-format lens than you would for a lens for a smaller camera. Since I don't know where you are, I can't really give you any guidance of likely prices.
Anyhow, as a starting lens with which to learn the fundamentals of large format, I suggest the following :
for 4 x 5" : a lens around 135 - 210 mm focal length range ;
for 5 x 7" : " " " 180 - 300 mm " " " ;
for 8 x 10": " " " 240 - 360 mm " " "
depending on your personal taste for image perspective and depth-of-field.
The shorter lengths will naturally give a more 'wide angle' type of view, greater depth-of-field, but less scope for using the full extent of your camera's swing / shift movements, whilst the longer lengths will give a more 'telephoto'-like compressed perspective, shallower depth-of-field, but more leeway for using the swing shift movements.
I personally went for 180 mm focal length with my 4 x 5" as a good 'medium', reasonably versatile size.
Some examples of brands to look for are Schneider Symmar, and Rodenstock Sironar. Fuji and Nikon used to make a range of large format lenses, but I believe they have discontinued their production in the last few years.
Feel free to ask any more questions on large format, as this is one of my favourite areas (licking my lips) to discuss and practice.
