[LargeFormat] The Big Digit

[Pete Caluori]

Greetings,

This thread has prompted some interesting discussion.  I loved your post 
Uncle Dick! Here are a few rambling thoughts…

I’ve seen similar discussion on other forums about the demise of LF, film, 
etc. and how digital is the new wave and the best thing since sliced bread, 
but the one thing I seldom see factored into the discussion is suitability.

Most people miss a simple fact when they talk about digital – it’s just 
another tool.  Les, pretty much summed it up, when he said he could do the 
illustrations via conventional methods, but doing the illustrations 
digitally would simplify it.  It’s about using the best tool for the job.

Like many reading this forum, I choose to use LF because I like to.  I don’t 
derive income from my photography (at least not yet) so I have the luxury of 
choice based upon my budget and my likes.

I evaluate most things (not only photography) by looking at all aspects.  In 
essence, what do I gain and at what cost.  What I gain, usually translates 
into quality, ease of use, availability, cost, etc., while at what cost 
translates into the opposite.  What do I lose in quality, how difficult is 
it to use/learn, how difficult is it to acquire, how much does it cost.

When our host requested images for the f32 site, I used a recently acquired, 
point and shoot digital camera to photograph some unframed 8x10 prints.  The 
goal was not to produce a “fine art” print, but rather something suitable 
for viewing on the WEB.  In my opinion, this was the right tool for the job. 
  Had I a scanner at the time, I might have scanned the prints, but I didn’t 
and the digital camera proved more than capable in this case.  I would not 
use the digital camera for creating “fine art” prints, but not having any 
other camera with me, did capture an image that is art and is hanging on the 
wall.

My point is that no one thing is universal; everything has a place and a 
use.  The average person is welcoming digital with open arms, because for 
once it’s giving them control.  Previously, they would buy a film camera not 
knowing how it works, select a film not knowing anything about its 
properties, then bring it to a one hour lab, where some teenager who has 
his/her mind on god knows what, attempts to process it and produce a print.  
Any wonder the average person likes digital.

For those of us that know the difference, or are looking for the ultimate 
(without winning the lottery, or breaking the bank) choose LF.  We do so 
because the reward comes at a “price” and any reward that comes easily is 
usually not very satisfying.

Good light all…

Regards, Pete




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