Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did the Asylum get its name?
A: We were on a photo outing to
Starved Rock State Park in Illinois in January. It was about 20
degrees outside and there was a fresh dusting of snow covering the
ground (and trails and the hundreds of stone stairs). Someone
asked the question on our home page; "If a group of birds is a flock and
a group of cows is a herd what do you call a group of large format
photographers?" The answer was obvious and it became the
"official" name for the group!
Q: What is large format photography?
A: Essentially it is photography using view cameras which make big
negatives. A more complete answer is here.
Q: How can I be a part of this amazing
group?
A: Check out our Membership page!
Q: Why is large format photography better
than 35mm (or digital or medium format or anything else)?
A: Good question! The question of which format is "better" depends on
the subject matter. Most large format photographs are made of objects
that don't move much, such as landscapes, buildings etc. For those
subjects the advantages of large format are several. First the negative
is much larger than 35mm or medium format. This means that bigger
enlargements are possible, whether the enlargements are made optically
with an enlarger or digitally with a scanner.
Second, especially in black and white, the photographer has complete
control over how each individual negative is processed. That gives the
photographer a degree of control not generally possible with other
formats.
Third, most large format cameras have "movements". Movements mean that
the "front standard" where the lens is mounted and the rear standard
where the film is placed, can be moved or adjusted independently. That
let the photographer control things like "plane of focus", perspective
and the relation of the lens to the film. It really isn't as complicated
as it sounds!
Q: Is large format photography more
expensive than 35mm (or digital or medium format or anything else)?
A: If you are purchasing new large format equipment costs are on a par with
professional digital and medium format cameras and equipment.
Large format film is more expensive per shot than 35mm or medium format
film but because the pace of shooting is slower you will shoot many
fewer images per day. In addition your "hit rate", the number of
good images you get per negative exposed is likely to go way up!
Q: What equipment do I need to get started
in large format photography?
A: The minimum equipment would consist of a camera body, a lens, a dark
cloth for focusing, a tripod, a light meter and a film holder. You
will need a place to load the film holder(s) which can be made
absolutely, totally, completely dark.
Other handy items would be a cable release (for the shutter) and some
type of bag or backpack to carry your equipment in.
Q: What is a "normal" lens in format
photography?
A: That depends on the exact format since large format encompasses a range
of film sizes. However 4x5 inches is the most common large format
size and a "normal" lens for 4x5 is about 150mm. With the 8x10
format a lens of 210mm is considered normal.
Q: What is a good camera to start with in large format photography?
A: That depends on the type of photography you do. If you shoot
mostly in a studio then a monorail camera may be the best choice.
They typically have lots of "movements" and lots of bellows draw
allowing them to use a huge range of lenses. However they are
generally large, heavy and can be a bit unwieldy.
If you shoot mostly outdoors then a "field" camera may be the best. They generally have fewer movements and less bellows draw than monorail cameras but are much lighter and much more compact. Therefore they are easier to carry in the field.
Q: What is the best way to get started?
A: I may be biased but I think joining a group like the Midwest Large
Format Asylum is a great way to start. You can talk to other
members and find out what works for them and get recommendations on
cameras and lenses.