These images are from my first outing with a new large format 5×4 camera that was a recent treat to myself. It’s made by Shen Hao in Shanghai and it looks like it was made over 100 years ago. For me large format photography is pure photography, getting back to the roots of image making with nothing more than a wooden box and a piece of film. I’ve been using a 5×4 large format camera since buying one in 1990 so it’s not new to me and even though I haven’t used this size of camera since probably the late 90’s it didn’t feel like starting again at all. It’s almost as if I never stopped. When you use one of these cameras it truly is an ‘experience’ in the way no other camera is, not least because when setting up you’re looking at an upside down image on a ground glass screen, usually with a dark cloth over your head to cut down reflections. Needless to say I attracted some attention around town.
[Tech info:] Films used were Ilford Delta 100 and Adox 25.
A nice old bike, I love the rod brakes.
Doorway, Divinity schools quadrangle.
Builders, Brewer street.
I really like the name of this shop.
Doorway, near Beaumont buildings.
Street musician, Broad street.
A man at peace with his pint, outside The Kings Arms pub
Patricia, Art Jericho gallery.
Really nice images!
Congratulations for your purchase.
I was thinking to try a large format camera but never tried.
Looking forward to see more photos.
What is average cost of larger format film (sheets) including processing?
Are you also developing it at home?
Thanks, Konstantin. It’s hard to work out a cost per shot because I’m processing everything myself. It’s probably a £3-4 per shot if you factor in time involved as well as film/chemicals.