At 07:56 AM 3/26/2006, you wrote:
Ralf,
I'm in general agreement.
For those who enjoy and want the best out of film large format is a
relatively inexpensive venture.
(That is, compared to what I've seen in some 35 outfits.)
4x5 -- a. $150 for a good press camera to start with (Busch Pressman
'D' or Crown Graphic)
or
$300 - $500 for a decent wood field. (Nagaoka. Perhaps a
used Shen Hao or similar.)
b. Add a good lens for $100 to $300. (Fujinon, Schneider, most any)
or
an excellent lens for $300 to $600. (Schneider, Rodenstock)
8x10 -- a. $200 for a starter body (Kodak 2-D)
or
$1000 for an excellent body. (Deardorff)
b. $300 for a basic lens. (Schneider Symmar 300mm)
Look at the options and add it up. Then add up what's in your digital world.
My outfit is probably a medium-sized film/digital outfit but adds up
in value to over $2000.
With 8x10 you really don't need an enlarger. Just a contact printing
frame and a light
source direct enough to allow dodging. These prints will always satisfy.
(Last year I met a 4x5 photographer who never
enlarged. Nicely-framed 4x5 contacts
are/can be rather attractive.)
But if you do need to enlarge, just add (build yourself) a new back
for the 8x10
(a light source) and put it (the camera) on a heavy copy stand.
Collin
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose"
-- Jim Elliott
