James Ballantyne

Its Liminal Everyday

Half In Wood, Half In Iron

Garmisch

Paris

Camera & Landscape - Large Format

The purpose of this blog is to self reflect on how I use different film cameras within the urban landscape. Unearthing how these strategies impact the outcome and how the differences in the camera affect the psyche in such a manner as to alter the method of the self. It is to be said that within this open discussion all the photographs were taken in the urban landscape, but purposefully devoid of people.

Intrepid 4x5 Field Camera

The Intrepid 4x5 is a wooden field camera. It has 3 pieces that assemble together to make the camera. It is a rather lightweight piece of kit designed to be used to traverse the landscape for extended periods of time. Weighing 1.3kg it's significantly lighter than the mamiya, although heavier when including tripods and film holders. I have used this a few times in the urban landscape. It's important to note this camera system was my introduction to large format film.

Initially I was unaware of the difficulties of the format however after some practice I managed to get a loose system. The process of using the camera I enjoyed however the assembly aspect I did not. It made it hard to connect with it, as it scattered into pieces, which got lost in my bag. This system did not suit the work I wanted to make. I like to find connection within the camera and although the format commands attention and respect the system failed at bringing me into it. I couldn't find the zone. It doesn't help that it was my introduction to large format so trying to get into an unconscious space is difficult but not impossible when learning a new format. Overall the camera is great, there is nothing wrong with it, I just struggled to engage with it as it wasnt suitable for my project. It must be noted I used a travel tripod and a heavier tripod with it and I didn't change much, other than the weight on my back.

Linhof Technika 4x5

The Linhof Technika, is a 4x5 big heavy metal beast, weighing in at 3kg. This camera had ‘power’. Paired with my Manfrotto metal tripod, I became a walking turret. The trepid you had to piece like a jigsaw, the linhoff was one solid unit that opened up to reveal the lens. Although it had this authoritative aura about it, I found it difficult to use, my own error. I struggled to see the glass properly so I tried to focus using the rangefinder, it was a mess. Perseverance is key. Even Though it was heavy I still tried to employ the tourist curiosity and aimlessly wander whilst absorbing the landscape around me. Although I moved slowly through the landscape when it came to composing the image, I rushed myself. I wasn't comfortable in the landscape. I followed the protocol I had built for the system but I simply tried to move through it as quickly as possible, as being stationary for a period of time was anxiety inducing, making it hard to really find the zone. After some practice and using the system, I became more comfortable with using the system in the landscape reducing that anxiety. Since the anxiety was reduced it allowed for the process to flow with less restrictions advocating space to find the zone.