Have Large Format Cameras Been Forgotten - Research Paper Example

Have Large Format Cameras been forgotten by People Today? Abstract A large format camera can be defined as to be a camera that has the potential of collecting a high amount of data during the capture time. The camera has a large amount of variation in terms of processes and techniques. Moreover it allows individuals to surpass the normal print quality common amongst other ordinary cameras. The cameras are easily characterized by large image sizes, identical lenses, ground glass viewing and flexibility which are quite different from those used by other smaller cameras (Weber 133). In order to find is large format cameras forgotten by people today? Much more research will have to be done.  Due to the industrial revolutions and rapid technological growth, manufactures are able to produce film cameras and digital cameras at much lower costs than before. People occasionally use large format cameras.  There are several advantages and disadvantages to using large format cameras, as a whole the large format camera should still be used today. Function of Large Format Camera The functions of a large format camera are basically meant to allow a photographer perform his desires while using the camera. The large format camera allows a photographer an opportunity to set up his camera and compose an image according to the ground glass. Secondly, it functions to provide details which can not be provided by other cameras. It means that photographers are allowed to see small details that are of importance to in the finished print (Crave 49). Thirdly, it functions to provide a favorable setting that allows the photographer to set his camera, therefore eliminating surrounding objects and only living the photographer and the image he or she is capturing. Fourthly, it functions to create a more effective visual impression of the image captured to the photographer. This is essential as it assist the brain from stressing itself in interpreting an image which is upside down (Crave 18). Differences between Large Format Camera and Other Formats of Cameras The differences between large format camera and other formats of camera is that it posse a large image size unlike other formats of cameras. This makes the quality of the image captured to be sharper as compared to other camera formats. Moreover, the tonality of the image emanating from the large image size is high therefore allowing a photographer to use other processes and applications easily. Secondly, they allow for free camera movements unlike other formats which are fixed and do not allow the camera to move freely. This gives a photographer the desired angle to use in capturing an image and in the process influences such qualities like sharpness and others. Thirdly, they posses’ individual sheets of film unlike other formats of camera. This enables a photographer to use a variety of film leading to high result in the final print of the image. Moreover, the individual’s sheets make it possible for a photographer to capture an image in black and white film. Fourthly, it allows a photographer to take his time while capturing an image as it does not reset itself manually like the other camera formats. However, this means that individual spends more time than other camera formats while capturing a single image (Webe 148). Positive Aspects of large format cameras The quality of large format cameras is high compared to those of other normal format cameras. This gives photographers a valuable experience when setting up the camera to capture an image or study an object for further details. The quality of the camera in light or in darkness the quality of the captured can not be disputed because the tones in the camera are levelised leading to perfect result of the image captured. Photographers examining the film sheet are always not disappointed because of the confidence developed from exposing an image captured on the ground correctly in a photo (Weston 15). The megapixels of the large format camera can also be increased because the process of using the camera itself allows a photographer to set a camera, compose and focus on an image, decide on the level of exposure he or she desires for the image captured and load the film after exposing the image. This is because the camera has manual process which operates slowly leading to quality in the creation of images captured. The megapixels are increased in the ground glass screen which is responsible for projecting an image that is to be captured. The cost of the large format camera is slightly higher than those of other camera formats. This is because the cost of an image is determined by the quality and the latter is known for providing high quality images. In addition, large format camera supports a low volume of films being captured but produces fine images which are effective in addressing a situation or symbolizing an art work. This is contrary to other formats which are meant to serve commercial purposes by capturing large stocks of films used for various purposes. Large format camera is also expensive because majority of the equipments used in its creation are outdated making them difficult to locate in the market. This means that the few available are highly priced and the costs in many cases is shifted to films images captured as prices are increased to match the expenses incurred (Weston 16). The large format cameras are also used for special purposes like making maps, used with satellites, used for astronomical purposes and lastly used in the military. This is because it has numerous features that promote the enlargement capacity of the images captured. The difference in the enlargement ratio to other cameras allows it be used for the purpose of examining things or objects. It allows usage of optimal conditions which when not considered might negatively affect the quality of an image captured. The productivity in quantity of great images is increased as it does not take into consideration the quantity of the images captured. An example is that for astronomical purposes, the camera allows a photographer to create news tricks during focusing and in the process overcomes the challenges which might pose in an attempt to capture an image or identify an object. For military purposes, a photographer is allowed to take images in extremely weird conditions like when there is no light or in extreme light without drawing the attention of the enemy (McBroom. 255). A photographer using a large format camera has am higher and finer resolution that a photographer using other formats of cameras. This is because it uses a large fraction of the film to capture an image as compared to other formats of cameras which uses small films to capture the object. An example is that sometimes of large format cameras has the ability to create a magnification which is equivalent to fourteen times of that created by other normal format cameras. The better resolution allows a user to make use of the space in highlight the characteristics of the image and the end result is that the image is fine and all components captured can be easily viewed. In addition, the grain used in the film does not need to enlarge a number of times since by enlarging for example four times, a large format print is created and this allows a photographer to use the camera extensively for film purposes. The camera also encourages an individual to enjoy using it for shooting purposes because it creates space through the modified bellows designed especially for studio purposes. This implies that a photographer is expected to position his or her self behind the camera to capture accurately the image formed on the camera’s screen. The position of standing behind the camera enables a photographer to be more comfortable when taking film shots as angle in a large format camera. Since all image produced in a large format camera are composed with regards to the angle of the photographer, the result is that the final quality can be determined by a photographer through positioning himself or herself. Moreover, quality of the image is supported by the much longer time needed for the images to create leading to a passive photography as compare to those produced by other camera formats. Additionally, since photography is an art, extensive skills and commitment is required to make the best out of the photography process and the use of large format cameras enables a photographer to become more committed to his works because lack of commitment leads to poor photography and losses to the photographer. Lastly, large format cameras enables creation of high megapixels digital backs, new kinds of films and better quality of lens. This is because it enables a photographer to crop up an image as it gives shot which is made perfectly making it easy to view and distinguish on a printed format. Using the camera enables creation of new megapixels by counting the number of pixels on the gadget designed for increasing the finess of images captured. An example is that when a photographer wants to increase the sharpness of an image, he increases the megapixels by adjusting the knobs and counting on the pixels to use. Creating or increasing the number of pixels to use in capturing an image leads to an increased quality of lens. A bigger pixel encourages better quality of lens which is cheap and affordable to a photographer. Moreover better quality of lens leads to color differentiation of an image being captured as the lens are capable of noticing smoother colors than the lens used for smaller formats. A large format camera encourages the use of use of ultra-ultrawide lenses which are not available in other formats of cameras (McBroo. 250). Negative Aspects of Large format cameras Large format cameras posse weight making them heavy compared to other camera formats. The cameras are bulky and heavy making them difficult to move around as a photographer experiences difficulty in packaging for those not designed for studio environments. For cameras designed for studio purposes, a photographer may find it challenging to capture an image because he or she has to unfold it from its pack and make it ready for use by setting it. This contributes to the high costs of equipment and film as the weight and bulk is proportional to the film area. An example is that a photographer using other formats of camera stands a chance of capturing an image in motion than the one using a large format camera as he or she has to set-up the camera before capturing an image (The Art and Science of Digital Compositing156). A large format camera also takes time as every step involved in making the camera ready for capturing an image is time consuming. A photographer waste a lot of time when packing or unpacking the camera a home and even at work. Because of the weight, the camera is not flexible; therefore considerable time is lost when moving the camera from one point to the next. Likewise, setting up the camera in readiness for use consumes time as a photographer has to unpack and set up all the elements in order to use it. Moreover, the focusing process of the camera is also time consuming because a photographer has to take his time to establish the best location and position to capture an image (Aber et al. 69). Lastly, capturing an image is time consuming because the films are exposed to unnecessary long exposures. A large format camera also is difficult to use in light controls because of the extended focal needed to capture an image. This forces a photographer to use light meter before capturing an image because for quality image to be captured, a high, magnification of an image is required and this can not be achieved by when lights are unregulated. A photographer is forced to set the light controls manually like shifting positions to have fine image of an object in order to prevent images which are fogged due to double exposures of the weather conditions at the particular time. The end result is that the quality of the image captured might be negatively affected as manual entries are prone to mistakes. An example is that a photographer may experience difficulty in capturing a moving object because controlling the lights becomes a problem (The Art and Science of Digital Compositing 156). A large format camera may also lead to unknown effects like wastage of film or over exposure because the focals of a large format camera requires same angle of view to obtain a quality image. Task requiring extremely high degree of magnification becomes difficult since lenses are expected to be long and an in accurate angle leads to barriers when capturing an image (Bilou 54). It is also difficult to change lenses when using a large format camera because lenses are very expensive in the market. In addition, older lenses are not being commonly used in the market therefore locating or purchasing them may prove to be a problem because they are not readily available in the market. Capturing colorful images also requires that the images are processed in a lab and this discourages many photographers as they view this limitation on their side. Moreover, most large format cameras are delicate as some of them are modified to serve studio purposes and this makes to be easy to break. An example is that it is extremely difficult for a large format to function properly incase it falls on the ground or on a hard surface. It is a common belief that quality of product or an item is determined by the cost charged on it. Poor quality products always pick the lowest prices in the market whereas quality ones are known to gather the highest possible price. A large format camera is expensive both in purchase and to use. Because the demand for the cameras is low in the market, their economies of scale are reduced resulting to the high cost of purchase and use in the market. When the demand for a product is low, the production or creation process becomes difficult as the cost involved is high compared to when they are produced in large quantities. Majority of the large format cameras are hand made and not manufactured using machines. This leads to an increase in all the components used in making it like the lens and sheet films. Because of their size and components, large format cameras can not use long focal lengths as it is not practical to create long lenses which are used for focusing when only short focal lengths are the ones commonly used in the market. The small maximum aperture does not give it the focal length required to situations where long lengths are needed to accurately capture an image. Moreover, expertise is required to operate the large format cameras because of certain qualities like steep learning curves. An example is that not anyone cane use large format cameras as they are required to master the camera engagements and the reciprocity of the cameras in question. However, the experience of using large format camera can be made pleasant and memorable through designing a lightweight body for those cameras designed for studio purposes to enable users to freely move them around hence reduce the limitation caused due to bulk. The built body should be also designed with a large format sensor to enable users to effectively capture an image without over exposures to various limiting agents. Secondly, a new kind of film holder should also be designed to enable users to capture many films hence avoid the time wasted due to long exposures by the camera. Thirdly, an in-camera light meter should be designed in the cameras to enable photographers to take an accurate image as the camera will be able to control the lighting problems experienced when capturing images using large format cameras. Moreover, by disabling the internal light source, a light contrast is created in capturing a camera hence making the art of photography more likeable as the end results are eye catching. An example is that improvising a large format camera tends to create images similar those being produced by the Epson 700 camera that is more efficient and economical to use in the long run. Fourthly, light weight lenses should also be used to enable individuals to easily replaces lenses incase they are damaged or worn out as the current lenses being used are heavy and does not allow users to change them as much as they would wish to. Lastly, low price editions of large format cameras should be introduced to enable individuals to frequently use the camera in capturing images (Bilous 58). In sum, to reduce the costs involved in using a large format camera, improvisation is the key as it largely influences the quality of the photography captured. Conclusion In conclusion, using large format cameras has associated advantages which can not be found on other camera formats. Images captured with this type of cameras displays quality and eminence that is rare to find and used for various purposes by institution and studies. In spite of the advantages of using a large format camera, there exist disadvantages which affect the quality and ease of using the camera. The disadvantages experienced with the use if the camera are the bull caused by weight, high cost, expertise, apertures size among other factors. In order to find is large format cameras forgotten by people today? Much more research will have to be done. The solution, even with the lower priced and new technology cameras came out, the large format cameras can still alive with its special functions and the newer product will make the large format cameras become popular. Works Cited Weber, Ernst A. The Practical Photographer. London: Fountain Press, 1973. Print. 133 and 148 Craven, George M. Object and Image: An Introduction to Photography. Englewood Cliffs, N.J: Prentice Hall, 1990. Print. 18 and 249 Aber, James S, Irene Marzolff, and Johannes B. Ries. Small-format Aerial Photography: Principles, Techniques and Geoscience Applications. Amsterdam: Elsevier Science, 2010. Internet resource. Bilous, Peter. The Beginner's Guide to Photographing Nudes: Techniques for Digital Photography. Buffalo, N.Y: Amherst Media, 2009. Print. The Art and Science of Digital Compositing: Buch. San Diego [u.a.: Academic Press [u.a., 1999. Print. McBroom, Michael. Mcbroom's Camera Bluebook: A Complete, Up-to-Date Price and Buyer's Guide for New and Used Cameras, Lenses & Accessories. Buffalo, NY: Amherst Media, 2000. Internet resource. Weston, Christopher. Photographers' Essential Field Techniques. Newton Abbot: David & Charles, 2008. Print. Read More