----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Johnston <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, November 26, 2001 11:42 PM
Subject: The best FINE PRINTER'S format
> Issac (I think...I'm never really sure...<g>) wrote:
>
> > I guess you could call me a large
> > format snob, I've never really considered 35mm all that great as far as
> > image quality goes.
>
> 35mm really isn't a printer's medium. In the '30s and '40s it was
considered
> "miniature," and no self-respecting photographer would think of turning in
> work done with one. The arguments used against foreshadowed the very
> arguments we're hearing against digital today.
>
> Oddly enough, 4x5 was once considered "as small as film should get" as
well,
> in comparison to "real" large formats which were used in stand cameras.
But
> it was so much easier to use, could be handheld (albeit often with flash),
> and was so handy that it came to predominate.
When people ask why I like to shoot with large format cameras, I usually
tell them that I'm lazy... I have, from the very first, found that it is
MUCH easier to get beautiful prints from large format negs. I have to work
like hell and jump through all sorts of hoops to get stuff I really like in
35mm. 35mm is great for snapshots and small prints, but almost all of my
"serious" shooting is of static things. This is why I'm looking forward to a
nice digital camera, for me it will easily replace 35mm for snapshots...
<SNIP>
> This doesn't consider a lot of issues such as the fact that 6x7 can be
used
> handheld, 4x5 has movements and individual development of sheets of film,
> 6x7 lenses are faster, 4x5 is cheaper, etc., etc. All I'm talking about is
> the way viewers perceive prints.
This sounds about right, but I don't know if I could ever give up single
sheet development... For me that is the biggest advantage of LF over medium
format, the actual image quality probably isn't that much different, but it
is easier to print from a neg that has been optimally developed. I'm also
amazed at the current value of LF gear. We just sold a Linhof Color Kardan
with a Fuji 240mm lens for $800! Talk about bang for the buck! There are
much cheaper cameras out there, now might be the best time ever for trying
LF!
Isaac
>
> --Mike
-
This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe,
go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to
visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
