Large Format Photography Introduction
For all you budding large-format photographers demanding the absolute highest quality images film can offer, large format photography has long been the answer The smallest standard film size being 4 inches by 5 inches, it's of course no wonder that the quality can be so much better. On the 8x10 print,s a 4x5 negative is a mere 2x enlargement, where a 35mm negative is an 8.5x enlargement. Even the 6x7 medium format negative cannot compare with a 3.6x enlargement at 8x10.
Also take into account that there are large format cameras that can easily take 5x7 and 8x10 film, formats and it's so very easy to understand how image quality can be so astounding good. Beside from larger negatives, most large format cameras offer various movements for perspective control. On most other field cameras and the old press cameras, the movements may be limited to limited rise, fall with drop-bed, and tilt, but even these minor limited movements often will allow photographers very impressive freedom over controlling the perspective.
In fact, the amount of rise, fall, and tilt is often as good as (or far better than) the movements found on expensive perspective control lenses for 35mm and medium format. As a result, the most demanding photographers often choose large format to obtain the absolute highest quality results and complete control over perspective. But wait, If large format is the Holy Grail of quality and control, why doesn't everybody use it? The problem of course is the size of the equipment, and the high cost.
While you can often buy a top notch 4x5 camera and lens for less than a medium format system, the cameras are far larger and heavier,hence less portable, and also more complex to work with. Additionally, while you can get something like a Speed Graphic with lens for only $300 or so, film costs of $2 or more per sheet of film plus a hefty development cost quickly drives the cost of ownership up. So as a result, large format cameras tends to be used only by professionals who require the image quality,
or the serious amateurs who develop and print their own black and white film.
However, if the ultimate in image quality is your main goal, or if you want to perfect your photography in the most challenging of mediums, large format provides the ulitmate answer!
However, if the ultimate in image quality is your main goal, or if you want to perfect your photography in the most challenging of mediums, large format provides the ulitmate answer!
