My first attempt at handheld shots with my linhof 4x5 camera went better than expected even though it had its challenges. Join me for a walk around munich’s werkSviertel.
I have been meaning to attempt handheld shots with my Linhof 4x5 camera for a while, I even bought a brand new strap from the Linhof team a few months ago. Last weekend I met up with my fellow large format photography friend, Andrea; we went for a walk around Munich’s Werksviertel, a large site near the Ostbahnhof station that has been redeveloped from an old factory and now includes modern buildings, entertainment, a ferris wheel, and cool bars and clubs.
I brought along 8 sheets of Fomapan 400 and had to remind myself to adjust my light meter accordingly, because I only ever shoot Fomapan 100 with my Linhof 4x5 camera (on a tripod!). I only had my 150mm lens with me, as it is the only one that fits inside the camera with it closed so I can walk around with it hanging around my neck - not an easy feat given the whole kit weighs approx 4kg. I also had the relevant ‘cam‘ bit, which couples the lens to the rangefinder, allowing for me to make some approximate focusing arrangements. Some of the shots were taken wide open at f5.6 (an absolute nightmare to do any accurate focusing) and the rest at f8 or f11 where I tried for focusing at infinity where possible.
Using the Linhof handheld is interesting to say the least. You first check composition with the external viewfinder (which incidentally is on top of the camera so not strictly the accurate position your lens is looking at given it is beneath it), you then check focus with the rangefinder on the side of the camera. Once that is done you somehow manage to insert the film sheet holder into the back of the camera whilst it is hanging around your neck and you’re fiddling around. You then go through the whole prepping of the large format lens and once that is done you probably have a look at the composition again and use the shutter release cable that connects to the lens and is conveniently held into the hand grip on the side of the camera.
What I found most disconcerting is that I usually shoot on a tripod at f22 or f32 with relatively long exposures, so I know the lens has worked. Shooting handlheld, with faster ISO 400 film, and at f5.6 or f8 led to shutter speeds at 1/250 or 1/500 of a second, which you barely notice/hear the lens opening.
Some phone shots of Andrea’s cool Sinar setup, including a shot of me with my Linhof.
My first shot, I totally missed the focus on Andrea’s Sinar camera.
Andrea with his awesome Sinar setup
Lots of really cool locations in this area for photography.
My blog post cover.
We found this nearly torn down building round the back part of the precinct.
I took a shot of Andrea under his dark cloth getting setup for a shot but I think in the first image he kind of just blends into the background so I cropped it in the middle shot.
The last shot was taken wide open at f5.6 and for some reason the background blur doesn’t really work or the exposure was off.
Andrea with his Sinar and the KPMG building behind him.
I really like this portrait, but it is a pity I didn’t nail the focus.
Using the Linhof handheld and shooting upwards is no easy feat, I am really happy this shot came out clearly!
Final of the 8 shots of the ferris wheel. Bit underexposed but I like the mood of the clouds.
overall observations
I am actually quite pleased with the results, even if some of them are a bit underexposed, but the main thing is that the setup worked. I can’t say handholding this beast of a camera makes a lot of sense but with the handgrip and knowing what you are doing it is possible. At the very least it means carrying around one lens and not worrying about a tripod or the other many accessories I usually have with me.
So there you have it, shooting with the Linhof Master Technika 4x5 large format camera IS possible. Would I recommend it? It depends. Certainly only if you have a Linhof or decent neck strap AND a handgrip, but even then it is very bulky to carry around. I also feel that all the benefits of large format are lost when shooting handheld, however it is nice to know it is possible!
Thanks for stopping by and see you out there for another photowalk soon!
Neil
