Hey guys,

This past few months i am trying to research about large formats. I am starting to like it. I tried this Sinar P2 and it was great but the budget for it is really GREAT!!! Right now im trying to find some options for large format.

I have seen TOYO and looks good but don't know if its worth it. There is Linhof,horseman and so on. Im interested to know is which large format is commonly used there in the philippines to have an advantage on the know how, services, spare parts.

Hope you can give me some ideas!!!

Thanks!

Cristo

Hi Christofer, Sadly only Sinar is carried locally here thru Island Multi Industrial. It would help to know what kind of work you are planning to shoot with your 4 X 5. For studio work, the P2 would be perfect (as all movements are geared and more precise) but it wouldnt be advisable to use it in the field.

If you are thinking of getting a field camera, a toyo field 45cf will do most of the things the more expensive cameras will do, again, i'd spend on the glass more than the camera body.

There is a cheaper alternative to the P2, which is the Sinar X.

I have used most of the brands you mentioned, from Sinar, Toyo, Linhof, Hoerseman etc etc. Sadly though i don't get to use it my 4 X 5 much anymore since film is very hard to source over here, and is very expensive when it is in stock.

Hope this helps

Hi toto, is firm problem to source there and if its available how much it cost? (to have idea only). Last april i think i attended a seminar workshop by WPP and i seen this large format by Mr.Villanueva i think it was a 8X10 dont know the brand. he said there are supplies but haven't had the chance to chat with him.

I really love the photo that was produced with a contact print. But i think i wanna go with the 4x5 for a while to learn more. I am currently an interior designer here in Riyadh. And i will probably used it most of the time in my finished projects for practice. Then hope will go shoot some landscape with it especially on the dunes. then i will also like to practice on still life.

SO if i buy the TOYO 45 Cf is what glass would you recommend? Not familiar with the glass yet. I just heard about this rodenstock,sneider, and so on and hope to have idea how this glass performs.

Thanks!

Cristo

Also additional is 120 film still available out there? also processing services? Also do you advice drumscanning? I am starting to shoot more in medium formats and i want to convert some into digital.

Sadly there are only a few suppliers here that have 120 or 4X5 film in stock, I personally ger my film from Studio 58, which they also process.

If the film you want is not in stock, they can order it for you and have it fed exed here from the States, Singapore, Hong Kong or Australia.


You mentioned 3 disciplines in large format photography that will probably require three lenses. For your architechture / interior i recommend the nikon Wide Angle 75mm f/4.5 Nikkor-SW Lens with Copal #0 or the 90mm version of this lens which is a little cheaper. A field camera though like the TOYO i mentioned won't do well with architectural since your cameras movements will be limited. A sinar P@ or x will do a much better job.

For your landscapes, aside form your wide angle, maybe a schneider 210 or 240mm will do (the 210 is considered the normal lens in 4X5)

Hope this helps

If your into interiors i think a Horseman is better for your kind of work but if you are into food and products i suggest sinar is better.

I have been using Sinar in the last few years now for product and architectural work. The movements are precise and serves me well. I have to stock up on 4x5 and 8x10 films because its hard to come by when I travel to small or unfamiliar cities to me. Staff at mainsttream camera stores (such as Wolf or Ritz) are unfamiliar with the film and usually gives me a strange look when I ask for one.

Just like Toto, I would also recommend spending more on glass than body.

If your into interiors i think a Horseman is better for your kind of work but if you are into food and products i suggest sinar is better.

Which Horseman model? I think the Sinar P2 is kind of off my budget its too expensive. I rather spend it on the glass.

I have been using Sinar in the last few years now for product and architectural work. The movements are precise and serves me well. I have to stock up on 4x5 and 8x10 films because its hard to come by when I travel to small or unfamiliar cities to me. Staff at mainsttream camera stores (such as Wolf or Ritz) are unfamiliar with the film and usually gives me a strange look when I ask for one.

Just like Toto, I would also recommend spending more on glass than body.

I am trying to get a Sinar here but its still expensive....i rather import a TOYO. But i am still looking for a second hand in good condition. ITs true its easy to operate the Sinar P2 than the other large even i havent try others yet but based on the explanation of my friend its really complicated if you have not tried one yet.

BTW can i see some photo taken by sinar? Interior shots?

Hi Christopher, in all honesty, i don't think you'll be able to tell the difference if you viewed film taken by a sinar or a horseman, or an arca-swiss, or a toyo for that matter. Most large format cameras (in the same price range) will offer you the same geared precision movements in their standards. Likwise, the non geared models, and the field cameras.

You have choices of materials also, from wood to carbon fiber, but, really, what matters is not how they look on paper but how they feel in your hands. Personally, i never liked how the cheaper Sinar's standards bolted onto the railing, ame for the Toyo's. But budget will play a huge part in this since these cameras cost so much.

Best advice i can give is to actually try to get your hands on several brands and shoot.

Hi Christopher, in all honesty, i don't think you'll be able to tell the difference if you viewed film taken by a sinar or a horseman, or an arca-swiss, or a toyo for that matter. Most large format cameras (in the same price range) will offer you the same geared precision movements in their standards. Likwise, the non geared models, and the field cameras.

You have choices of materials also, from wood to carbon fiber, but, really, what matters is not how they look on paper but how they feel in your hands. Personally, i never liked how the cheaper Sinar's standards bolted onto the railing, ame for the Toyo's. But budget will play a huge part in this since these cameras cost so much.

Best advice i can give is to actually try to get your hands on several brands and shoot.

Right now i just tried sinar p2 but i am trying to figure out if i will go for a field camera or a view camera. I really would like to shoot my interiors with a large format. But since i am also wanna go out there on the fields and shoot some architecture.

To list down my priority list....
1. Interior Photography
2. Architecture and Landscape
3. Studio

so do ou think i should go on a field camera or a vview?

Thanks toto for your comments it really does give me direction.

Also one factor i can consiter is that rental of equipements in the philippines. Do SInar have rental there?

Studio 58 can order film for you if you want to order from them. They dont always carry stock but if you inform them, they can source it for you. 120 up to 8x10

8430770 you can look for Bengy Toda (the owner) if you want to get technical or to Julie his secretary if you just want to ask about available film.
HTH

Judging by your needs, i'd just get the full on view camera and not a field camera. Shooting interiors with a field camera is possible but, as i mentioned, you are limited to the movements.

Sad to say rentals here in Manila are non existent. You can try island multi industrial (dealer of sinar) but i doubt if they will rent you a P2. The only way you could "rent" one here is if you are really close to someone who actually has one. That's how most of us do it here.

I guess i will need to find somebody who has large format and shoot. I will try to work on it then for now i guess i will shoot in medium for a while while i find a large format to fiddle with.

BTW, since i will think about the body how about the lens....What do you suggest i will invest on. I may start with a superwide angle lens?

Studio 58 can order film for you if you want to order from them. They dont always carry stock but if you inform them, they can source it for you. 120 up to 8x10

8430770 you can look for Bengy Toda (the owner) if you want to get technical or to Julie his secretary if you just want to ask about available film.
HTH

Thanks ...do you also have the email address? thank you again. I might email them instead.