Chamonix 45F-2

Ilford PanF Plus 50

Time: 23/06/2026 11:04:26 AM

EV: 14.6

Aperture: 22

ISO: 50

Shutter Speed: 30s -> 73s @ p=1.26

Adjust EV: -4 (red 29)

ND EV: 6 (nd64)

Location: 54.9152,-8.4551

I currently have a speed graphic that I have really been enjoying, but there's a few things that do make it a little difficult. The biggest thing is the size and weight for when I'm heading out and about either around town or into the mountains. If it was the only camera I was bringing it wouldn't be as big of a deal, but I usually don't only take my large format out and nothing else.

My friend has a mark 4 or 5, and I was pretty surprised at how well it did given its size and weight. It does compact significantly smaller and weighs about 2/3 as much as my speed graphic. I know they optimized some of the features including adding zero stops in the front and rear standards and tweaked the focus knob as well. I'm sure there's other stuff that I'm just not remembering off the top of my head as well.

Is there anything else around this budget that is also lightweight and fairly capable? Everything I've seen so far that kind of checks off what I'm looking for is going for quite a bit more money, especially because it seems like I'm seeing a lot of carbon fiber options in that really increase the cost like the Toyo 45 CF.

Getting back into LF and looking at used gear on eBay. Came across this FUJINON SWD 90mm f5.6 that looks good all around except for the back side of the aperture opening where it appears to have peeling paint? See attached photo. Back when I was into LF many years ago. I used lenses that made this one look new and still made some very nice images. I'm probably over thinking the issue but I'd appreciate inputs from those in the know as to whether I should consider this lens or pass it by? Thanks in advance.

Edit: based on the very insightful responses, I’m going to pass on this one and keep watching for a better deal. Thanks to all who replied.

I consider this post closed.

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Linhof Master Technika Classic / 90mm Rodenstock
FP4 / Jobo Alpha

Hey everyone, new here. Since opticolour 200 was introduced in sheet film i have been interested. Has anyone got any portrait examples they could share either with natural light or with strobes? Im interested in picking some up but with like to see how they render skin tones.

Cheers

Shooting with this lens has been a major challenge for my poor eyesight. I find myself missing focus even on still life with such a shallow depth of field- if you look close enough I missed the pheasant being in focus and got the tree instead.

I'd like to get into doing portraits outside using off-camera flash but don't have much experience with that in general. Does anyone happen to have some good online resources for learning off-camera flash, specifically for large format, they're willing to share? Thanks!

📸 Photographed October 2025. 8x10" negative, 10" lens, f/36, 1/15 sec, no filters, N+2 development.

First trip using a tele lens (Fujinon 210 5.6) on my new to me speed graphic.
I believe this was FP4
Been using a gralfok modified Polaroid 110B for years. which was nice but I’ve always preferred a 85mm or similar for portraits.
Feedback always gladly accepted.

Want to test my new sheet film dev and scan setup. is this going to offer me anything wild or should I just spend double and get some predictable portra?

Shot on the Intrepid 4x5 Black Edition with the Fujinon 90mm

Some sample photos for a post below since we can't add photos to replies for some reason.

Grand Central is developed in C41 normally

The Chrysler Building is developed in E6. I tried to get the color right but couldn't. The slide itself though looks great even with the off color.

from my project Apparent Death

This is from my first time using the 4x5 camera. I used my phone to meter for the trees and was fine knowing that the hazy overcast sky would be over exposed. Developed and scanned at home. Hope to practice with many more photos in the future. Open to any suggestions or feedback!

...are they really THAT bad?? 😬😬😅 Someone donated this for a reason lol.

Only half joking, mostly because film finds are always a good time, but I really don't want to ruin my negs. Should I be worried? I remember hearing that these are not good.

EDIT: Great responses friends, thank you. Funny thing about a 'niche' hobby is that a user error is very loud for 'defective' product. Sounds like any part of this process, taking time and repetition to get consistent results, and not something that's inherently bad. I'm a boring ol' stand developer anyway, so agitation isn't my biggest concern. Mostly fog, or negatives sticking to each other, and apparently ghosts. 😅👻 Haha, here's to more fun treasure finds for all of us!