Using the View Camera

The below video, made by Gerhard Witteveen, summarises the movements you can achieve with a view camera. It's a good introduction for getting introduced to view camera movements. From there we continue with the next video in which we put the movements to use. Next to that, we also will break down some of the images created in a step by step approach. 

 

This product Video, also made by Gerhard Witteveen, of the Actus-MV shows an example of some of the movements and the results that you can achieve with a view camera. All with just a crayon box! Below we continue to discuss the movements seperately.

 

A summary of what just has been shown

 

No movements 

Without any movements in the View Camera, it is not possible to get the whole subject in focus. This is similar to using your mirrorless of dslr camera.  

 

Front Tilt 

To have the complete subject in focus, you can make use of front tilt on the camera. Note, you might have to use the Rise/Fall option on the back of the camera to recompose your shot. 

 

Selective focus by using tilt and swing momvements.

By combining tilt and swing movements, you can achieve having exactly one product in focus in this composition.

The steps taken to make below image: 

1. Using front tilt to make the plane of focus perpendicularto the subject.
2. Rise-Fall movements on the back of the camera to recompose.
3. Using front swing to rotate the plane of focus.
4. Rear shift movements to recompose the shot.

 

Controlling perspective in low angle shots by using rear tilt

In this case the view camera is tilted upwards. As you can see in the first image, when not using any movements, the lines of the subject converge.  Rear tilt gives you control over the perspective. 

Before using rear tilt


 

After using rear tilt

The steps taken to create this image:

1. Using rear tilt to create straight vertical lines.
2. Put the plance of focus straight up by:
   1. Put the middle of the subject in focus.
   2. Set the front tilt to the same angle as the rear panel.
   3. Using rear rise/fall movements to re-compose.
3. Now finish by focussing on the subject.

Controlling perspective in low angle shots by using rear tilt, now also adding front swing

The below image is being made in fairly similar circumstances as the previous one. However, this time also front swing is being added to get the complete subject in focus.

The steps taken to create this image:

1. Using rear tilt to create straight vertical lines.
2. Put the plance of focus straight up by:
   1. Put the middle of the subject in focus.
   2. Set the front tilt to the same angle as the rear panel.
   3. Using rear rise/fall movements to re-compose.
3. Focus at the middle of the subject.
4. Use swing to rotate the plane of focus.
5. When focussing at the middle of the subject, now also left and right should be in focus.

 

This is just the beginning

Many more results can be achieved with a view camera. Hopefullly, we helped you with starting off your view camera journey!