This page contains links to webpages that I have found to be useful in my photographic education as well as helpful in solving problems and challenges dealing with photography and camera equipment. This is a constantly growing list and I will organize it into the appropriate categories as best I can.
Camera, Lens, and Accessory Information:
Camera Manual Library - By far the best resource for camera and camera accessory manuals on the web. If a manual isn't here it's unlikely you'll find it anywhere. If you find yourself frequently using this website as I do I highly recommend that you make a donation to help support its survival.
Graflex - one of the best resources for anything Graflex.
Graflex Speed Graphic Page - A wealth of information on the Graflex Speed Graphic press camera and its many models and accessories.
Large Format Lenses - Phenomenal introduction (and a wealth of valuable information) to large format lenses. Includes and overview of the anatomy of a LF lens, shutters, barrel lenses, physics of the lens and the image circle, types of lenses (normal, long, wide, tele, convertible), manufactures, and information on building your lens kit.
How to Focus the View Camera - Excellent primer on focusing the view camera.
Modern Lenses for 5x7 Cameras - Excellent review of many available modern lenses for use with 5x7 size cameras. Contains a list of manufacturers and their lenses and information on image circle, coverage, and which lenses have room for the most movements.
The 5x7 Format - This is a decent overview of the 5x7 size view camera. It goes into some of the pros and cons of the format but the article has been around for a little while and doesn't touch on the recent increase in difficulty of getting 5x7 film.
Graflex Grafmatic Sheet Film Holder - Instruction for using the Gafmatic holder.
Graflex Bag Mag Sheet Film Holder - Instruction for using the Bag Mag film holder for R.B. Graflex cameras.
Camera and Lens Repair, Modification, and Construction:
Fixing Rangefinder Alignment On Zeiss Super Ikonta (models A and C) - Good instruction for adjusting/ repairing the rangefinder alignment of these legendary medium format cameras.
Telex Rangefinder Adjustment - A thread from Photo.net with instruction for adjusting the Telex shoe mount rangefinder.
Modifying the Super Speed Graphic - Instruction for modifying the Super Speed for use as a functional view camera for landscape and similar field work.
Polaroid SX-70 Modification to Accept 600 Film - Instructions for modification of the SX-70 Polaroid cameras.
Camera, Film, and Photographic Projects:
Building Your Home Made TLR - Excellent student article on building a functioning TLR out of easily found materials. This page offers a solid explanation of the construction of a basic TLR for those interested in the repair and construction of their own TLR's.
Fuji FP-100C Color Negative Reclamation - Instruction for reclaiming the color negative from Fuji's FP-100C color instant film.
Fuji FP-100B B&W Negative Reclamation - Instruction for reclaiming the negative from Fuji's FP-100B black and white instant film.
Make Your Own Film - This is a pretty good resource for people interested in experimenting with making their own film.
Silver-Based Photographic Emulsion - Instructions for making a simple silver-based photographic emulsion for coating on glass or film.
Electronic Shutter Speed Tester - Instructions for making a shutter speed tester from a phototransistor you can get at any electronic supply store.
Check Shutter Speeds Using an Old TV - Copy of an older article on how to use a television (CRT) to test shutter speeds.
Chemistry Tempering Tray - Instruction for building a tempering tray for those who need to raise and maintain the temperature of their chemistry. Especially valuable for those living in cooler climates.
Photographic Processes:
Alternative Photography - Undoubtedly the largest and best alternative process community on the web. The pages of the site contain the largest library of information on alternative process and examples of modern photographers using them.
Ilford Paper Negatives - Very interesting article by Ilford on making paper negatives and retouching by using paper negatives. Definitely worth a read for paper negative enthusiasts and those interested in experimenting with paper negs.
Technique and Technical Instruction:
The Zone System Primer - This is an easily understood primer on the zone system and how to use it. This is a good starting place.
The Digital Zone System - Excellent page on adapting the Zone System for use with digital cameras.
Developing Film by Inspection - Excellent article my Michael A. Smith on developing by inspection and how to do it for those interested in this method of negative development.
On Printing - Excellent article by Michael A. Smith on his method of printing and why he uses it. Valuable information herein.
Print Dry Down and Compensation - Excellent article by Les McLean on the phenomenon of print dry down, how to measure it, and how to use those measurements to compensate for it.
Complete Self Instructing Library of Practical Photography - Very useful resource on early photographic techniques that are still useful today. I have an actual hardcopy of the full volume and it is very useful.
Print Spotting - Excellent online PDF with instruction for spotting a print.
Resources For Buyers:
Cress Photo - One of the few remaining resources for flash bulbs.