This video was a real eye opener: Its so easy once you know how...
Thomas
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I've been using (and still use) view cameras for 12 years now. One thing I do not like is how the use of movements - be it a view camera or a PC lenses on a DSLR - looks complicated or comes accross that way. Nothing can be further from the truth.
The reality is, whatever camera system you are using, just get out there and use it. Put all the math and technical books away, and just get out there and use the lens and/or the system. It's not that hard at all once you actually start using movements.
The second, and very, very important point is this: When it comes to movements, very often, less is more. I've used extreme front rise when shooting a church with a large steeple or a mountain, but the reality is, a small shift in movement can made a big difference.
When you advertisements for either view cameras or PC lenses, they are often show at the maximum extent of their range. I've seen view cameras twisted up like a pretzel in issues of "View Camera" magazine and I don't remember ever setting up any of my 4x5's like they are posed. The same is true for PC lenses when I once used them on my Nikons. The reality is most movements that will use in the field will only be 2-3 degrees one way or another.
Yes, your mileage may vary, and yes, many of you have excellent photos that are taken with some sort of extreme shift and/or movement. But I'm talking hwo you end up using the lens on an everyday basis.
Think of a PC lens the same way you use garlic when cooking - a little bit of garlic goes a long way when making a pot roast, but using a whole pound or a half a kilo of garlic to cook a single roast will likely ruin it. Movements in any format can be much the same.
My last bit of advice is do not be intimidated at all. Mount your camera on a tripod, and look while you focus. Take your time, and you will all be surprized how very intiuitive it can become if you just take your time. My advice to the first time PC lens (or view camera ) owner is before you shoot anything critical, take a weekend, go out, and shoot flowers, buildings, whatever catches your fancy. It's the best and only real way you will learn. Rome wasn't built in a day.
joe
PS - just in case you didn't get it - relax and take your time.