Should TPF add an LF section similar to Sports/PJ/Weddings?

[Mike G]

Commercial Photography might make sense (as would a performing arts section .. hint hint Abel) but equipment is still equipment, why would we really need a special section to talk about LF and MF?

[Tapper]

If someone has a particular interest in large format (or basket weaving, proton acelerators, or left-handed putters), that interest would be difficult to pursue in a forum largely dominated by discussion about digital SLRs. Organized information is just easier to follow. It's going to be harder to find and follow a thread on sheimphlug factors in a forum full of threads about canon lenses, fullframe vs. aps, etc.

I'd point out, that all of the people I've seen interested in Large Format, are also primarily digital shooters, looking for a way to hone their skillset or do something different and interesting. So they are going to be in both places regardless. But those interested in LF are a pretty small part of the whole here, I'm guessing.

And although digital and large format photography share the fundamental elements in common, their processes and workflows are radically different. So is the fundamental zen of the two disciplines.

I'd say yes, just because it would allow me to look in one place for LF stuff, but I'd still be following the other fora as well. On the other hand, I'm a little surprised at the latent antagonism to the idea, so I'd say no, if I thought folks were going to get upset about it.

[Tapper]

Originally Posted by johnastovall

Hey, doesn't the Holga and my Yashicamat 124 at least get me to MF status?

Damn right it does. Those little Yashicamat cameras can take some really fine images. One of those anomalies - great lens on a relatively low-priced camera. In fact, it not only makes you an MF'er, it also means you're a member of the elite square-shooters :)

[venchka]

Fair enough. I actually get a big grin fielding questions like "That is a great B&W conversion. How did you do it?" or "How do you get rid of the noise?"

I must admit that it took me awhile before I caught on to the very nearly digital only discussions here. I still have a hard time with crop factors and lens usage. I'm learning. It's all good.

[Jeff_Green]

The Human Form section is slow enough, but a LF/MF section would be even slower! Especially when most of the things photographed would fall into one of the sections already existing.

[KJMoore]

That would be cool if there was another section for it. I don't own a LF setup nor can I afford one anytime soon, but I sure am interested in it.

[venchka]

GOOGLE and Ye shall find. There's lots of them around. I would start at APUG. Luminous Landscape is a great resource for ALL formats. Photo.net also.

Shameless plug for The Rangefinder Forum. Primarily 135 film based, but formats of all persuasions are welcome. As a matter of fact, the Classifieds have MF offerings all the time. A Yashica 124G went on sale today.

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by KJMoore

That would be cool if there was another section for it. I don't own a LF setup nor can I afford one anytime soon, but I sure am interested in it.

Here's a good place to read and dream about LF and find other resources as will as histories and tutorials.

[KJMoore]

Sweet thanks guys. Now I have something to read for the rest of the day hehe.

[Duffy Pratt]

I voted no because I have a passing interest in Large Format Photography. The interest is big enough so that I will read the threads when they appear in the forums I generally read. But if a separate forum was devoted to it, I wouldn't go there. That's a problem I always have with the Balkanization of forums. I understand that the division of forums is a balancing act. But until there is so much LF traffic on, say, the Equipment Forum that it becomes a bother to people not interested in it, I don't think theres a reason to segregate it out.

Duffy

[Gordon]

Originally Posted by Duffy Pratt

But if a separate forum was devoted to it, I wouldn't go there. That's a problem I always have with the Balkanization of forums.

I guess I don't really worry too much about that, because I just only ever read one forum and that's the 'New Posts' forum.

[Daniel Bates]

I'm with Gorgon.


ehh.... Gordon, got it.

[Jim Victory]

Originally Posted by Duffy Pratt

I voted no because I have a passing interest in Large Format Photography. The interest is big enough so that I will read the threads when they appear in the forums I generally read. But if a separate forum was devoted to it, I wouldn't go there. That's a problem I always have with the Balkanization of forums. I understand that the division of forums is a balancing act. But until there is so much LF traffic on, say, the Equipment Forum that it becomes a bother to people not interested in it, I don't think theres a reason to segregate it out.

Duffy

I agree with Duffy. There really isn't enough traffic to even consider splitting from Canon to Nikon equipment forums and there is way more of each than MF or LF.

There is enough difference in both brands and workflows as there is in MF and LF. It is easy to pick which one to respond usually by the title and the same could be for MF and LF. I really don't think they will get lost in the Equipment Forum.

[Abel]

Originally Posted by Duffy Pratt

I understand that the division of forums is a balancing act. But until there is so much LF traffic on, say, the Equipment Forum that it becomes a bother to people not interested in it, I don't think theres a reason to segregate it out.

That hit the nail right on the head...

Typically I'll create separate specific forums when and only when certain topics and/or content become very overwhelming within it original forum section.

For example, we didn't used to have a Weddings section... Bridals and ceremony shots all fell under the People section. It was only when we started getting a ton of wedding related photos that I decided to devote an entire section to it so that those that are interested in taking and viewing portraits etc wouldn't have to wade thru all of the weddings shots in the People Section. Same goes with the Workshops and Website sections... those too become a hot enough topic and had enough following to warrant a separate section devoted to their topic.

If LF and MF stuff becomes a very popular topic here on the forum then we could segregate it out to its own section... that is always an option.

[Abel]

Also the "Sports/PJ/Weddings" sections u reference in the title were originally intended for posting photos only... not necessarily discussing those aspects of photography.

it has since turned into that and we havent pushed it one way or the other... just left it as is..