> I should be grateful indeed if you could share your experiences and >give me some advice on this. >Or, in other words, would you like to push me or stop me? > >Bulent
I would recommend against a 5x7 camera for practical reasons. 1) if you're shooting 4x5, the camera is a lot bigger 2) if you're able to find 5x7 film ... good for you. It's hard to find. You'll end up with a bulky 4x5. That said ... 4x5 results are awesome. 8x10 is, too. But ... up to 16x20 it's tough to see the different between a quality medium format shot (like a Blad, Mamiya RZ, or Fuji) and a 4x5. So if you're printing 11x14 and you're not needing to do any lens movements a medium format might be a better bet. If you're shooting landscapes or table-top stills where you want some rise or tilt, then consider a 4x5 body with a roll back. But then you'll have to spend a good amount on quality lenses lest your shots look a bit low in contrast or detail. (IOW, avoid the old 50s & 60s vintage Schneiders.) Of course a medium format with everything might be the Fuji GX680 series. Quality glass and solid hardware. Plus all the movements you'll probably need. And it's a lot easier to process file medium format negs. My thoughts are then: First) 4x5. You'll be able to do medium format as well as sheet film. Not very heavy but holders can be bulky. Second) Medium format will let you do everything a 4x5 will. More weight on the hardware side, less work in the darkroom. Third) 8x10. Make your time worthwhile and just print contacts. You'll not be disappointed. But you'll spend a bunch per shot so make 'em count. -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
