| Photography Forum: Large Format Photography Forum: |
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Q. Newbie's First LF Shoot
Asked by Joffre Swait
(K=626) on 7/27/2002
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Hello everyone! This isn't so much a question as it is my reaction to my first outing with my Century Graphic w/ 162mm Raptar, and Polaroid Type 55 and Provia 100F in Quickload.
Wow, was this ever different from shooting MF! I spent 4 hours out there and brought home 6 shots (3 B/W, 3 transparencies) - and I don't even know if these turned out yet (I'll develop the Type 55 later). The shooting process was so slow, painstaking and deliberate. I made my share of mistakes, the most common of which was to shoot before pulling out the protective envelope - I suppose that's better than forgetting to close the iris diaphragm before pulling out the envelope!
Anyway, this was a process characterized by delight over the degree of control one has over a shot, but corresponding frustration over the slowness and myriad of details involved! I'm sure it'll become easier over time, but it would be difficult to use this at a rodeo ... :>) ... though I was reading about someone that does just that!
Reactions? Advice? Pointers?
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David Goldfarb
(K=7611) - Comment Date 7/27/2002
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Hey, you're getting out there and shooting, and that's the first step. Sure there are a lot more things to remember, but once you do it for a while, they all become second nature. Remember that most news photography was done with press cameras just like yours for a long time, not to mention weddings, events, and all kinds of work requiring quick timing. Everyone occasionally makes mistakes like forgetting to stop down the lens, leaving the lens open when pulling the darkslide, forgetting to check for vignetting, and such, but you make these errors once or twice, and you learn never to make them again. Here's a checklist:
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/mistakes.html
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Joffre Swait
(K=626) - Comment Date 7/27/2002
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David: That's a great checklist you mentioned, it looks super useful. I was particularly interested in the extra level of care and detail that would be entailed if I weren't using Quickload and Type 55, but regular film holders instead. Glad I can afford the more expensive stuff ...
Looks like the three B&W shots will be usable, just developed them ... :>) ... so it wasn't all for nought!
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Matt Oulman
(K=1052) - Comment Date 7/28/2002
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Joffre,
Did I understand you to say that you are using Quickloads in a polaroid back? If so, do yourself a favor and get a Quickload holder. The Polaroid does not hold the film flat enough for critical work, and you will have focus problems ....The Quickload holder is a precision piece of equipment, whereas the Polaroid 5xx are intented primarily for proofing, so critical flatness is not so important.
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Joffre Swait
(K=626) - Comment Date 7/28/2002
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Matt,
Thanks for the heads up. However, I will note that the Quickload technical insert itself includes instructions on the use of the film with the Polaroid holder. Surely Fuji wouldn't want to compromise its product by recommending its use with a subpar holder?
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Ricky Sanders
(K=190) - Comment Date 7/29/2002
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I would have to agree with Matt. I have two Polaroid backs: an older 545 and the newer 545i. Kodak Readyloads will work in the older but not all in the new one despite what Kodak and Polaroid say. I've had problems with Fuji in the older one. So now I have a back (both Kodak and Fuji) for the specific type of film. The films only work in the type specific holders. Otherwise, a good portion of the time, the bottom metal strip will not release properly. Since the swith to the specific holder, I've not had a single problem.
Good luck.
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Joffre Swait
(K=626) - Comment Date 7/30/2002
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Matt/Ricky,
I followed up with Fuji about Quickload compatibility with the Polaroid 545i holder. This was my email to them:
"Question/Comment: I have just started using Provia 100F in Quickload format. I am using it in a Polaroid 545i holder, which is an option mentioned in the technical materials accompanying the film. However, another photographer has pointed out to me that it is known that using Quickloads in this holder is problematic in terms of image sharpness. I have found using a single holder for different film types a great convenience, and would be surprised that Fuji would recommend the use of its excellent film in a holder that would compromise the film's quality.
Thus, I would appreciate clarification of Fuji's stand on use of this film/holder combination. Thank you for your attention."
Their response was this (07/30/2002):
"Please be advised that we are not aware of image quality issues when using our Quickload films with a Polaroid 545i holder. These films are designed to be fully compatible with serveral Quickload-type film holders including the Polaroid 545i. If you should encounter any such issues, please contact one of our Professional Camera Technicians at 1-800-659-3854, ext. 3239 so that we may investigate the matter more fully.
Thank you for your interest in Fujifilm products.
Respectfully,
Website Coordinator
Consumer Information Service Center
Corporate Communications Division
KR"
Since Fuji believe there should be no image quality problems with the Quickload+Polaroid 545i holder (as well as others that are mentioned in the response but not explicitly named), it would be a service to LF photographers if either or both of you would contact them and give them a heads up on this.
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