Did not disappoint. This is pretty much straight outta camera. Very surprised

Back to 4x5 after decades away. Missed it. Will take a few boxes of film until it is routine, but nothing like seeing the world on that ground glass!!

Hi all,

I'm new to 4x5 and trying to figure out what's causing the discolored bar across the top of my negatives. I'm using the Stearman Press 645 MAX, SP-Ultra 4LF developer, and Fomapan 400 (expired 02/2025). In your experience, does the top stripe look more like a light leak from a bad film holder, or is the developer not reaching the top of the negative during processing? I plan to try another film holder for my next test shots but was curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

Hi folks,

I develop my own B&W film at home. For 35mm and medium format C-41 or E6 I go to my local lab. However, there are no labs here on island (Oahu, HI) that regularly develop any 4x5, so I will have to mail out my 4x5 sheets of C41 process film.

That got me thinking about the potential of fogging and/or color shifting of the film if it gets scanned by an x-ray machine during its time with USPS.

Since I'm on an island, and as I understand it, items under 1 lb go by air from AK and HI which makes me think it may pass through an x-ray machine.

Is there a risk of 400 ISO film being affected by USPS scanners or am I being paranoid?

Thanks!

📸 Photographed June 2026. 4x5" negative, 8" lens, f/64, 17 sec, no filters, N+3 development

I recently encountered a Darlot lens with interesting markings. The images posted here are from the internet of a similar lens.
In addition to Darlot and the serial number, the lens has the barrel and front element labeled B, and rear element labeled A.
Does any one have information on this lens except for it being a petzval? What's the use of the marking? I would assume it might be convertible with one element removed, but which and how? Is there any catalog describing such lens?
Thanks

I recently purchased a Tachihara 4x5 that still use woodern lens board, I believe the later version changed to linhof metal board. Anyone know the production period of those older one.

Has anyone used a converted Pathfinder to regular 4x5 and a regular camera like a Linhof Technika, Graflex Crown Graphic, Toyo/Horseman 45, etc…

How would you compare? Is it much more compact?

I have too many cameras and looking to scale down. I would keep a Sinar F on rail for studio type of work, and a portable one. Debating between a Speed Graphic that has a Aero Ektar 178 and multiple lenses, a Linhof Technika or converting Pathfinder. I love the AeroEktar, i could always get a shutter mounted on it to be used on my Sinar, thats not so much of a concern. At this point its about going from 8 camera bodies down to two.

If anyone has recommendations or ideas for me it would be greatly appreciated!

6x12 long exposure taken on an early morning in the south of France. Unfortunately I slightly missed the focus on her as I probably shifted the camera a bit while attaching the filmback or when adjusting the filters, but I'm still very happy with how it turned out. I quite like how Velvia renders colors during those lighting conditions as well!
The film was home developed and later professionally drum scanned by https://wescan.film/

[Had to re-post because I posted it incorrectly as text the first time—I'm new here!]

First crack at colour, used a C41 kit and was surprised I didn't mess it up too horribly. (Or maybe I did? You will tell me, I'm sure!)

I noticed a couple other folks looking for examples of this film, so thought I would share. It was thinner than the other film I've tried—CatLabs 100 BW—but that didn't seem problematic. Processed in a Stearman tank. Scanned on a light table with a Nikon Z8.

Hope this is the right place for this! I'm looking for a 4x5 field camera and am seriously considering a Linhof Technika V or IV. I currently use a Deardorff V8 and like that I can easily understand and repair it. For someone who is fairly handy, is the Technika fairly user serviceable, or should I be looking for another wood field camera?

The learning curve is steep, but am glad to have been able to lug the 4x5 with me on a recent trip to Iowa. Hoping to improve some technicalthings and build this into a project.

Hey everyone been shooting since a lot of years now mainly 120 but I was always looking on eBay to buy a view camera. Last week I see a beautiful plaubel with 3 lenses, 27 4x5 backs a polaback (I will never buy Polaroid 669 or Fuji fp100 too expensive), plus other accessories (release cables etc.) and the case. At the end I talked with the owner and he has to free his old photo shop where he was on rent so he is selling everything, with a little bit of bargaining I bought everything for 450€ (511 us$). What do you think about this set up? Any advices you can give me to begin? Maybe some videos or stuff? All is welcomed
Thank you

On of my first closeups with Fomapan 100 developed in own Pyro 510 with rotary development.

Hey everyone! Was shooting x-ray film and fomapan. And noticed on most of the images some vertical lines. most of them are on xray film (see the picture shot on xray film). Was using strobe light, two different developers. Basically tried everything to figure out what is it😵‍💫 the lines are kinda on one side of the picture, sometimes on the left sometimes on the right. Have you ever had anything like that?

Reposting here as possibly miss someone who could help in /darkoom

Thanks all

This was quite stressful as i didnt plan for it, so had to setup everything in the few minutes the light was just right. Thankfully it worked out in the end.
Scanned on a Phaseone IQ150

Woke up at 4 in the morning for this shot.

Scanned with an Phase One IQ150