Hello all! I am new here and just purchased a Speed Graphic from an elderly gentleman who seemed to forget how to use the camera (although based on the body condition, it has been used to death). In fact, I just learned from my dear colleagues on the Fine Art Board on Yahoo how to open the lens to focus (the shutter had to be cocked - hmph).
Anyhow, My work is all self-portraiture, so a bulb cable release is something I use all the time. I can't seem to angle it to fit onto the Speed Graphic, and someone told me I could buy an "L" extender? What is this, where can I get one, and are there any other ideas?
I apologize if this topic has already been covered and bare with me as I have not used a 4x5 in about 10 years (since college).
Thanks for all your help!

An L-connector is just a short device which fits on the end of your release [in your case I'm assuming it is a piston activated by air pressure through a tube from the bulb, right?] which is bent in the shape of the letter "L". The male end screws into the cable release outlet on your shutter, and your release screws into the other end. They are usually only an inch or 2 long, meant only to let the force of the release change direction [hope that makes sense].

All self-portraiture, huh? Guess I better not go there.

go to:

http://www.mpex.com/

Look under "Large Format->Large Format Basics" to find:

Flex Ext. Cable Release Adapter (which I recommend)

or:

"L" Cable Release Adapter, for your 'L' adapter.

I recommend the flexible extension as it it less likely to break under use and allows connection to more varied lens/shutter/lensboard combos.

If you live near NYC, there are many camera stores (B&H, Adorama, etc) that have these in stock...

And I won't ask any questions either

P.S.

If you search mpex for "self timer", you'll find:

DELUXE SELF TIMER by Dot Line. This, along with the flex extension may be easier than trying to work the air-bulb. Depending on your posing anyways...

here is my website if you want to see my work so now you won't need to ask:
http://www.annmarietornabene.net

thanks for the info - I will check out B&H

Quote:

On 2005-03-21 13:06, fairy69 wrote: here is my website if you want to see my work so now you won't need to ask: http://www.annmarietornabene.net thanks for the info - I will check out B&H

Some very nice art work! And after following some links, I see where you get your nick-name here also

B&H will deffinitely have everything you need for remote triggering the shutter.

I didn't see a mention of what types of cameras you've been using, but if this is your first large format, you might now want to investigate Polaroid transfers and emulsion lifts. Would seem to fit right in with your art.

Good luck with it all!

(and how do you hide your wings in the photos?)

Thanks, Rich. I have done Polaroid transfers/emulsion lifts long ago. Acrylic transfers, which I am doing now, seem a little more permanent. Besides, I can make bigger images that way (unless I try to go to lengths to rent a 20x24 Polaroid!)

As for hiding my wings, it isn't always so easy

Ohh, the dream of a 20x24 Polaroid.....

As much as I understand science, photography and the Polaroid process, I still firmly believe that Polaroid's involve Magick...

But in 20x24, I'd have to do chocolate prints! Which I can't even afford to try in 8x10... Maybe someday (if I ever stop buying equipment...)

Acrylic transfers sound interesting. Do you use a standard silver print and coat it with acrylic first? Hmmm, doesn't seem like that would work... How about a quick explanation? Sounds like it might be fun...

Chocolate Prints?? DO TELL! (craving a Chunky bar as I type)

Acrylic transfers are really easy: You take a Xerox or an ink jet print and brush on between 8-10 coats of acrylic LIQUID medium. You dry each layer with a hair dryer and then after applying the last layer, let it dry overnight. You then wash the print in warm, soapy water and peel/rub off the paper backing. You are left with a transluscent, flimsy image that you can either mat alone as a delicate piece, or,like what I am doing, mount them on top of other photos, drawings, etc. for a physical layering effect.

I forgot to answer your previous question on what equipment I currently use - my trusty Nikon FM2

"Nikon"... Figures... (I was always a Minolta person with XK manual cameras).

I remember that process. We used to make decals that way for models (the platic glue-together kind) and then cars. I was never very 'artistic' myself...

Hmmm... Fancy art, fancy processes, fancy camera, and you don't know about Chocolate prints???

Unfortunately, it has nothing to do with chocolate... It's a very simple process, but from what I hear, a bit difficult to get the image you're looking for.

Very simply really. You shoot a color Polaroid, then use a B&W print sheet for the development. Unfortunately, you can only do it in 8x10 or 20x24 as those are the only films with seperate negative/print sheets allowing the mix. That's why it's so expensive. you have to use up two sets of Polaroid to make a single print. Although I have no idea what would happen if you tried to use the B&W negative with a color print sheet???

I know there's info on the Polaroid site about the process, but I didn't find it with a quick search. But here's an artist selling prints made this way:
http://www.annatomczak.com/anna/chocolate.htm

Now if someone could only figure out a way to make real chocolate prints....

thanks for ruining my fantasy of being in a darkroom smearing myself with chocolate and printing - whoops, wrong forum (I do hope there isn't a forum nazi that censors posts, is there?)

That photographer's prints were nice but I can stain my prints with tea and get the same effect - hehehe....

By the way, I will plan to use Polaroid Type 55 - was the reason I got the 4x5 to begin with!

We don't have a "forum nazi", but we do get reminded on very rare occasion about certain things. It's a friendly forum...

Who says your fantasies have to be ruined? But _that_ topic is deffinitely for a different forum...

Type 55 is, I think, Polaroid's best film. Good print, but simply fantastic negative. My favorite film...

As far as toning prints. I can't say from experience, but chocolate prints are suppose to have a 'color' _and_ texture that can't be duplicated any other way. I can't argue it, but I'll take their word for it. There's too many people doing it for it to be duplicated by some other easier method. Maye next year I'll find out? This year I made the mistake of getting into a Super Graphic system. Not really a 'mistake' as it's a great camera, but I tend to go overboard and am still buying accessories for it... Some people just never learn... On the other hand, it has me excited about doing hand-held rangefinder photography which I never really did with any of my other Speeds or Crowns... The whole thing is just a bit addicting... Not unlike chocolate

It seems you are a gear-head and I know many of those. I am a starving artist, so I just use what I need to to get the job done.

What got me interested again in 4x5 was an inspiring moment:
My full time job is an artists' model for art schools, workshops, etc. and I was modeling for a college photo class not too long ago. The professor was doing alt. processes with the kids and so he allowed them to use his 4x5 to photograph me with. He, too used Type 55 and I got excited again when I saw the results.

Just ordered a U adapter for my bulb release from B&H. I plan to split the cost of the 55 with a fellow photographer for the time being and I will test this baby out. Is there a place on here to post images?

I suppose "gear head" is one description. Back when I was a kid, it was "motor head". I'm a 'technician' by trade and birth. I make things work... Old cameras fit right in...

Nice to know that some college brings the LF experience to it's students. From what I hear, it's becoming a lost art...

You can't _post_ images here, but you can display them here. If you look through the "BBcode" help just below the posting window, you'll find the [ / img ] tag. You have to host the image somplace else and put the url between the 'img' tags...

yes, I am familar with img tags...I found a box of Fuji Velvia 4x5 film in my studio from ancient times that I will use to test the camera out with, so if any luck, I will add an image here.

what sort of technician?