Large Format (4x5 Sheet Film)

Linhof Technikardan

This is probably my favorite camera. The Linhof Technikardan is a compact view-camera with a telescoping rail, extensive bellows range, and small (Technika) lensboards. Whether in the studio or the field, this camera proves its worth. Having the telescoping rail and compact standards means the camera folds up very neatly. I generally remove the bellows completely for transport and keep both the standard, and the wide-angle bellows in a zip-lock baggie for protection. I can use my entire battery of lenses, from the 75mm ultra wide-angle, to the long, 450mm. I also have a generous and precise array of swings and tilts, as well as rise and fall; mostly limited by the image circle of the lenses. I also love the supple, rear-focus mechanism and scale. I consider this to be the pinnacle of German view camera innovation, design, and build quality. Is it the “perfect camera?” No, that creature does not exist; but for my purposes, shooting historic architecture, landscapes, and the occasional still-life, the Technikardan is a pleasure to work with.

Linhof Master Technika 2000

The Linhof Master Technika 2000 is an excellent purpose-built field camera. It inspires confidence with similar design and build quality as the Technikardan. The main difference is that the Master Technika was made for use in the field, so it is lacking some of the precise movements (especially on the rear) of the Technickardan; it lacks the bellows draw (and option for a wide-angle bellows); but on the other hand, it folds up into its own sturdy, compact, metal box. The model I have did not come with a rangefinder focus module, nor does it have the optional anatomical grip. I don’t miss either of them. Shooting from a tripod, I think they would just be in the way. And I certainly appreciate not having to make space for them in my already over-stuffed backpack (a Lowepro Pro Trekker BP 650 AW II).

Zone VI wood field & Calumet 4x5 monorail

My first large format cameras, now enjoying retirement. I purchased the Zone VI from my mentor and it served me well as I learned the basics. The Zone VI now lives in a display cabinet in my living room sporting an old Kodak Ektar lens. The Calumet is in the closet and mostly just comes out to accompany exhibits to help attendees understand the technique involved. It worked well while learning the subtle nuances of view camera movements that are still so darn useful. But it was very bulky (okay, very, VERY bulky). One famous photographer allegedly observed that there was nothing worth photographing more than 500 yards from the parking lot. Were I limited to the Calumet, I might have agreed with him. However, I took the Zone VI and 3 or 4 lenses on day hikes of several miles.

Large Format Lenses

Lenses are quasi-magical things in how they bring what we see in the world to the film plane to be recorded for posterity. There are plenty of folks out there who were much better at physics than I ever hoped to be who can make the complicated science of lens design seem pretty simple. I will just say that the lens is one of the most important tools in a photographer’s kit and can have the most profound impact on the final image.

In assembling my battery of lenses, price and availability were important considerations. I also wanted a group of lenses of similar size so I could buy only a couple of step-up rings and one size of filters. To that end, with one exception, my large format lenses were all made by Nikon. These are all well-designed and with modern lens coatings (although, since I shoot black and white, I don’t worry quite as much about consistency of color rendition). The Nikkors have adequate coverage for 4x5 film, and decent (if not spectacular) speed. I have not bothered to test their sharpness by shooting test patterns, but over the years I have been very pleased with the results (user-error is the reason for the vast majority of failures).

Nikkor: 90mm SW f/8; 150mm W f/5.6; 180mm W f/5.6; 210mm W f/5.6; 300mm M f/9; 450mm M f/9.

Schneider: 65mm Super Angulon f/5.6