The View Camera

 

Cameras and Accessories

View cameras come in a variety of sizes, ranging in inches  from 2 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ up to 11 x 14 formats. There are larger models, but those are usually used only for special-purpose photography because of  the limits imposed  by  their massive size and weight. The two most popular sizes are 4×5  and 8 x 10. All monorail cameras are modular  in  design. These can be specifically configured in terms of bellows, monorail length, and type of back and front components to serve  a wide variety of photographic needs.  …

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Definitions

The view camera is unique because its lens and back are not rigidly fixed in one position; they can be moved readily. These movements change the relationship between the film and the lens and consequently reposition the area of sharpness or alter the shape of the subject. Each movement produces a specific effect and is defined in relation to the camera’s neutral position. …

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Rising-falling and lateral movements

These movements alter the position of the image-up, down or sideways with respect to the film (Fig.  50). Identical results can be achieved with the swings and tilts combined with a change in the angle of the camera bed. There are two reasons for using the rising­falling and lateral adjustments, however. …

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Tilting by using Lens or the Back Adjustments

Either the lens or the back adjustments  can be used to control the plane of sharp focus, whereas the shape of the image is controlled solely by the back. Both the lens and back can be adjusted when either one alone does not provide sufficient control. However,  if  it is necessary to control shape and the plane of  sharp focus on the  same photograph, the back must be used to control the  shape and the lens to control the plane of sharp focus, and the back must be adjusted first. …

PDF: Tilting by using Lens or the Back Adjustments

 

Photographing a Flat Surface

To photograph a flat, rectangular subject, so that the entire image is in focus and all vertical and horizontal lines are parallel. …

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Photographing a Flat Surface at an Angle

To photograph a flat subject at an angle and have the subject sharp from one end to the other. …

PDF: Photographing a Flat Surface at an Angle

 

Photographing a Box or Building From Ground Level

How to maintain both parallels and sharp focus in two planes. …

PDF: Photographing a Box or Building From Ground Level

 

Using the Rising Front

Only a single adjustment is required to include the top of the building. …

PDF: Using the Rising Front

 

Photographing a Subject With Two Inclined Planes

To photograph an inclined plane that is skewed, or tilts both to the side and from front to rear. …

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Improving the Image Sharpness by using Tilts and Swings. …

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Loading and Exposure

A step by step guide to making an exposure on the 5×4 camera. …

PDF: Loading and Exposure

A introduction and step by step guide to making an exposure on the 5×4 camera. …

PDF: Exposure on the 5×4 Camera

 

Bellows Extension Calculations

As the bellows on the camera are extended in order to focus and magnify the image,  the amount of light reaching  the film decreases rapidly. To ensure an accurate exposure it is vital to compensate  for  this loss of light by opening the aperture  in the lens or by adding more time onto the shutter speed. This can be calculated using the  following method …

PDF: Bellows Extension Calculations