Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into a fascinating photographic journey, exploring the magic that happens when classic lenses meet large format photography. We're talking about the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 150mm F4.5 lens, paired with the Standard Cameras 4x5, and the ever-so-reliable Ilford Ortho 80 Plus film. This combination isn't just about taking pictures; it's about crafting images with a distinct character, a unique feel that digital photography sometimes struggles to replicate. So, let's get started and unpack what makes this setup so special, and how you can potentially leverage it for your photographic endeavors.
Unveiling the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 150mm F4.5
Let's kick things off by dissecting the star of the show: the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 150mm F4.5. Guys, this lens is a gem! Voigtlander has a rich history of producing exceptional optics, and the Apo Lanthar series is a testament to their dedication to quality. The "Apo" designation is key here, signifying apochromatic correction. What does that even mean, you ask? Well, in simple terms, it means that the lens is meticulously designed to minimize chromatic aberration, which is that annoying color fringing you sometimes see in high-contrast areas of an image. This is achieved through the use of special glass elements and intricate optical designs. The result? Images with stunning clarity, sharpness, and color rendition.
At 150mm, this lens offers a field of view that's considered a moderate telephoto on a 4x5 camera. This focal length is incredibly versatile, lending itself beautifully to portraiture, landscapes, and even still life photography. The F4.5 aperture might not be the fastest out there, but it's perfectly respectable for large format work, offering a decent amount of control over depth of field. Plus, the slightly slower aperture contributes to the lens's overall compact size and manageable weight, which is always a bonus when you're lugging around a large format setup. What truly sets the Apo Lanthar apart is its ability to render images with a certain "glow" or "smoothness". It's a characteristic that's hard to quantify but immediately noticeable in the final print. It's this unique rendering that makes it a favorite among many large format photographers who appreciate a more classic, filmic aesthetic.
The Standard Cameras 4x5: A Workhorse of Large Format
Now, let's shift our focus to the camera body: the Standard Cameras 4x5. This is where things get really interesting. The 4x5 format is the heart and soul of large format photography, offering an immense amount of detail and tonal range that's simply unmatched by smaller formats. Standard Cameras, as a manufacturer, might not be as widely recognized as some of the bigger names like Linhof or Sinar, but they produce robust, reliable cameras that are built to last. A 4x5 camera, in its essence, is a relatively simple device. It's basically a light-tight box with a lens on one end and a ground glass on the other. The beauty lies in its movements – the ability to tilt, shift, and swing the lens and film plane independently. These movements are the secret sauce of large format photography, allowing you to control perspective, depth of field, and even the shape of your subject in ways that are impossible with smaller cameras.
The Standard Cameras 4x5 typically offers a full range of these movements, giving you incredible creative control. Imagine being able to straighten converging lines in architectural shots, or selectively focus on a specific plane of your subject while blurring out the rest. It's like having Photoshop built into your camera! Working with a 4x5 camera is a deliberate process. It's slow, methodical, and requires patience. You compose on the ground glass, often under a dark cloth, carefully adjusting your focus and movements. There's no instant gratification here; it's about slowing down, seeing the world in a different way, and crafting each image with intention. This tactile and immersive experience is a huge part of the appeal of large format photography for many photographers. The Standard Cameras 4x5, with its sturdy construction and full movements, provides an excellent platform for exploring this world.
Ilford Ortho 80 Plus: The Film Choice
Finally, let's talk about the film: Ilford Ortho 80 Plus. This film is a bit of a departure from your typical black and white film, and that's what makes it so intriguing. Orthochromatic film is sensitive to blue and green light, but not to red. This might sound like a limitation, but it's actually a powerful creative tool. Because it's not sensitive to red light, Ilford Ortho 80 Plus renders reds as very dark, often almost black. This can create dramatic, high-contrast images with a unique tonal palette. Think of portraits with striking skin tones, or landscapes with deep, brooding skies. The ISO 80 speed means it's not the fastest film out there, but it's perfectly manageable in most daylight situations, especially with the F4.5 aperture of the Apo Lanthar lens. Plus, the slower speed contributes to finer grain and greater detail in your images.
Ilford Ortho 80 Plus is also known for its exceptional sharpness and resolving power. This makes it a fantastic choice for capturing intricate details, whether you're shooting architecture, landscapes, or still life subjects. Another interesting characteristic of orthochromatic film is its ability to create a more graphic, almost illustrative look. The lack of red sensitivity can simplify tones and shapes, giving your images a bold, graphic quality that's very appealing. Working with Ilford Ortho 80 Plus requires a bit of experimentation and understanding of how it renders colors. But once you get the hang of it, it can open up a whole new world of creative possibilities. Guys, it's all about understanding the tools at your disposal and using them to their full potential!
The Synergy: How it All Comes Together
So, we've looked at each component individually, but what happens when you combine the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 150mm F4.5, the Standard Cameras 4x5, and the Ilford Ortho 80 Plus? Magic, that's what! This combination is a recipe for creating stunning black and white images with a unique character and a classic feel. The lens delivers exceptional sharpness and clarity, while the 4x5 format provides incredible detail and tonal range. And the Ilford Ortho 80 Plus film adds its own distinctive touch with its high contrast and unique tonal rendering.
The 150mm focal length on a 4x5 is a sweet spot, versatile enough for a variety of subjects. The movements of the Standard Cameras 4x5 allow for precise control over perspective and depth of field. And the orthochromatic nature of the film forces you to think differently about light and color, encouraging a more graphic and intentional approach to composition. This setup is not about speed or convenience; it's about craftsmanship and artistry. It's about slowing down, taking your time, and creating images that are both technically excellent and visually compelling. It's a combination that rewards patience, precision, and a willingness to experiment. For photographers who are looking to explore the world of large format and create images with a timeless quality, this is a setup that's definitely worth considering.
Tips and Tricks for Using This Setup
Okay, guys, now that we've explored the components, let's dive into some practical tips and tricks for using this setup effectively. Large format photography can seem daunting at first, but with a little practice and some guidance, it can become incredibly rewarding.
- Master the Movements: The movements of the 4x5 camera are your secret weapon. Practice tilting, shifting, and swinging the lens and film plane to control perspective and depth of field. There are tons of resources online and in books that can help you understand and master these techniques. Don't be afraid to experiment! The beauty of large format is that you have so much control over the final image.
- Metering for Ortho Film: Because Ilford Ortho 80 Plus is not sensitive to red light, your light meter might give you slightly different readings than you're used to. It's generally a good idea to err on the side of overexposure, especially in scenes with a lot of red. Bracket your exposures to ensure you get the best results. A good starting point is to add about a half-stop to your meter reading, but experimentation is key.
- Use Filters: Filters can be incredibly useful with orthochromatic film. A yellow or orange filter can help darken skies and increase contrast. A green filter can lighten foliage and create more separation in landscapes. Experiment with different filters to see how they affect your images.
- Develop Carefully: Film development is a crucial part of the large format process. Choose a developer that's known for its sharpness and fine grain, and follow the instructions carefully. Agitate consistently and pay attention to temperature and time. Small variations in development can have a big impact on the final image.
- Embrace the Process: Large format photography is a slow and deliberate process. Embrace it! Take your time, compose carefully, and enjoy the experience. There's something incredibly satisfying about creating a beautiful image on film.
Final Thoughts
The combination of the Voigtlander Apo Lanthar 150mm F4.5, Standard Cameras 4x5, and Ilford Ortho 80 Plus is a powerful tool for any photographer looking to explore the world of large format. It's a setup that rewards patience, precision, and a willingness to experiment. With its exceptional sharpness, unique tonal rendering, and incredible creative control, it's a combination that can help you create stunning images with a timeless quality. So, guys, if you're feeling adventurous and want to take your photography to the next level, give this setup a try. You might just be amazed at what you can create. Happy shooting!