Photography Poses and Other Cool Stuff

Is a view camera (such as the Cambo X2 Pro) good for fashion photography and portraits?

5 Responses to “Is a view camera (such as the Cambo X2 Pro) good for fashion photography and portraits?”

1. 

   Sentimental Treasures Photo

   - 12th Jul, 10 02:07pm

   I can’t comment on view cameras… but have you tried a Lensbaby as an alternative?
   References :

2. 

   fhotoace

   - 12th Jul, 10 03:07pm

   For less than $1900 for the Cambo X2 camera with no lens plate or lens, you can buy a nice Nikon PC lens.

   http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2174/PC-E-Micro-NIKKOR-45mm-f%252F2.8D-ED.html

   http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/570498-GREY/Nikon_2174_PC_E_Micro_Nikkor_45mm.html

   Probably a better deal.

   If you really want a view camera, you can buy a nice used Cambo 4×5 view camera with lens for under $700 and the converter back for your Nikon DSLR for about $200

   http://www.rugift.com/photocameras/4×5-camera_nikon_adapter.htm

   When I shoot studio fashion, the shoots are much too dynamic to use a view camera with the styles art directors want and need.

   A good D3 or D300 with a 24-70 mm f/2.8 is a much better choice … add a 70-200 mm f/2.8 and you will be able to satisfy most art directors, young or experienced.
   References :
   Fashion photorapher

3. 

   Mere Mortal

   - 12th Jul, 10 03:07pm

   A view camera is great for landscapes and traditional portraits.

   It is little slow for the fast pace of fashion photography. Any decent digital FF camera would work for fashion photography.
   References :

4. 

   Marco M

   - 12th Jul, 10 04:07pm

   You can’t make an absolute rule, because the minute you say "You shouldn’t . . .," someone will do exactly that, and make it work. However, in general, the only good reason to use a view camera is that it allows camera movements (tilt, shift, swings, etc.) But if you use movements, you’ll spend 45 minutes setting up every shot.
   But an old press camera — Speed Graphic, Crown graphic, etc, gives you as big a negative, and it’s a FAR more responsive instrument than a view camera. So bottom line, if you’re shooting landscapes, architecture or still life, use a view camera. For fashion, I’d use a press camera and a fast lens, and learn to shoot like a sports photographer.
   References :

5. 

   Bruce M

   - 12th Jul, 10 04:07pm

   Google Karsh
   He used an eight by ten view camera for his work.. Set up in Ottawa Canada forever..

   Yes, view cameras have been used for YEARS for this work.
   Is it easy to do? No.. would I do more of it ? maybe.. I have negs somewhere in storage where the Cambo was used for both but frankly I used the Hasselblad a LOT more. The view camera use was frankly one, to impress myself and two, to impress myself.. yea, no one cared other them me what I used as long at the images were what they wanted.
   References :
   http://karsh.org/
   did it for you