CCFS: Getting ready for a new semester

This fall semester I am super excited be returning to CCSF to teach View Camera Techniques.  The course is Saturdays, so it might be a little more accessible to you working students.  Here's a link to the school website: http://www.ccsf.edu/Schedule/Fall/photography.shtml

Here's a couple other things you'll want to know about the class:

Course overview

PHOT 83 is an introductory course in large format photography.  Students will master the unique applications of a manual view camera, understand techniques to properly expose and process large format film, and create quality prints and digital files from negatives.  To receive a passing grade, students must demonstrate accomplishment of course goals, participate in course activities, and complete all assignments to a satisfactory level.

Textbook

A User’s Guide to the View Camera, 3^rd or 4^th Edition, by Jim Stone

Prerequisites/corequisites

Prerequisite is PHOT 51 or demonstration of exit skills.

Upon completion of this course a student will be able to:

Describe view camera parts

Calculate view camera shooting exposures

Measure bellows extension exposure factors

Compare and contrast reflected light meter readings with incident light meter readings

Demonstrate vertical perspective control

Demonstrate horizontal perspective control

Describe Scheimpflug Principle

Experiment with camera movements to achieve selective focus.

This is the type of camera we'll be using.  A 4x5 rail camera.  

These Cambo cameras are pretty easy and affordable to find on Ebay or B&H, but I recommend using the department cameras first.  Once you figure out what you like and don't like about it, you can get your own or pick out a camera model that's just right for your needs.