Through many conversations, emails asking for help, and talking to new and aspiring large format photographers, I have developed a comprehensive introduction to getting started with large format photography in video form because it is much easier to learn and understand the concepts visually for most people. 

I have broken the information into three modules that align with the classic trilogy by Ansel Adams (The Camera, The Negative, The Print), but I have completely modernized all of the information in addition to focusing in on the most relevant so that you can get up and running quickly. 

In module 1, I walk you through everything you need to know to get started in large format photography, and you can continue learning in the second and third modules. My focus is on practical application, and I purposely avoid discussing engineering principles and advanced mathematics.  

MODULE 1 - THE VIEW CAMERA

FOREWORD 2

1 - INTRODUCTION 4

- Workshop Access 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS 6

2 - VISUAL TOUR OF THE 4X5 VIEW CAMERA 9

- Most Common Types of View Cameras 9

3 - LARGE FORMAT LENSES 10

- Common Focal Lengths & Equivalents 10

- Tips On Choosing a Lens For Your Scene/Subject 12

- Shutter Overview 13

- Image Circle 14

- How to Check for Lens Coverage 15

- Maintenance 16

- Storage Tips 16

- Tip For Testing Shutter Speed Accuracy 17

- Lens Boards 18

- Lens Buying Tips 18

4 - FILM HOLDERS 20

- How To Load Film Holders 20

- How to Clean & Lubricate Film Holders 21

- Tips on Buying Used Film Holders 22

- Film Changing Tents 22

- Storing Large Format Film 23

- General Tips 23

5 - LARGE FORMAT ACCESSORIES 25

6 - CLOSEUP & MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY WITH LARGE FORMAT 32

- Quick Start Info 33

- Magnification 34

- Near Focus Limit 35

- Exposure Compensation 37

7 - LARGE FORMAT MOVEMENTS 41

- Introduction 42

- Film to Lens Distance 44

- Rise and Fall 45

- Shift 46

- Tilt & Swing 47

- Rear Standard Swings & Tilts 47

- Front Standard Swings & Tilts 49

- Axis vs. Base Tilts 50

- Asymmetrical Tilts 51

8 - QUICK REFERENCE CARDS 53

9 - TWO METHODS FOR MAKING SHARP PHOTOS 54

- Method 1 - Determine Optimum Aperture & Use Camera Movements 58

- Focus On The Far, Tilt To The Near 59

- Method 2 - Use Hyperfocal Distance 61

- Calculating Hyperfocal For Your Lens & Aperture 63

10 - IN THE FIELD - CLOSEUP & MACRO 65

11 - LARGE FORMAT MOVEMENTS CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS 66

- Perspective Control & Managing Parallel Lines 66

12 - 14 STEP LARGE FORMAT CHECKLIST 69

- EXPOSURE INDEX CARDS 72

13 - CONCLUSION & NEXT STEPS 73