Large format camera

Large format camera

To the left is an example of the kind of large format camera i will be using for this project. We got a talk and were shown how to set up and use these cameras today, we also got shown the development process and even got a chance to take a photo, my first impressions on using this camera isn't bad but i do think the process may take a while to get the shot set up as there is a lot you need to do to make sure the image in right. 

But needless to say i think after knowing a little more about the camera i am excited to take it out properly!

A large format camera takes negatives that are the size 4x5, these are quite large compared the the more commonly known 35mm film that goes into more modern black and white cameras.

Assembling and using the camera

To assemble this camera there is a lot of things to know and remember. You need to attach a lens to the camera that is fixed to a plate. To attach the lens you need to place the bottom end into place and slot it in then pull a leaver down to secure it in place. On the lens there is the shutter, aperture and shutter speed. To zoom you can push or out the middle section of the camera and to focus you can use two knobs that are usually situated at the front of the camera at the bottom of the lens. At the back of the camera you pull a leaver and it opens up a section where you can slot the dark slide that contains your film for the negatives. Before you can reveal your paper you must make sure you have done a light meter reading and set the camera to the right settings and closed the lens to avoid light ruining the paper, you also have to look through the glass at the back to view the image to get the focus and zoom right. To look through the glass to see the image you more often than not need to have a black sheet over your head to stop the sun glaring on the glass. The camera reflects the image backwards and upside down and this can make it a little difficult to see what is in the image is really like. Once you have done this you can cock the shutter and take the image.