[LargeFormat] about to take the jump

[philip lambert]

> > large format photography is far more expensive.  The cost of the camera
is only a small part of the cost.  You'll need a lens with shutter.  Minimum
> > $300. Then there's the tripod.  You need a sturdy one with a sturdy
head: $100-$200.
Then the film ($1-$2 a sheet) and processing (about $3 a  sheet).
> > Just be aware of what you're in for.

In the UK a sheet of 5x4 Fuji plus processing costs roughly the same as a
120 rollfilm inc processing which would give you 8 or 10 shots.
I bought a slide-in Calumet rollfilm back for £85 (in need of some satin
black touch up paint) and it enables me to use even an oldfashioned Speed
Graphic with a non-removable ground glass that won't take a standard
rollfilm back. This is a very cheap Speed Graphic with a focal plane shutter
that accepts enlarger lenses with no shutter.
Anybody new to 5x4 is going to make a few mistakes.
Using a 120 back means you are not inhibited by cost considerations when
learning to use a new camera.
If you use the rfb a 90mm becomes a standard lens and 135mm and 180mm useful
longfocus lenses. Edge of field limitations that apply to cheap lenses used
on 5x4 don't matter with rollfilm negatives. This gives you a cheap entry
and you have all the movements of the monorail. Wideangle means a 47/58/65mm
lens and the camera's limitations will bite. Of course rollfilm isn't
largeformat but 100 or 160 ISO films are now very sharp.If you can get
acceptable 9x6 inch prints off a 35mm Nikon think how much sharper 120
'chromes will be. Once you are comfortable using the camera you are free to
use real 5x4 materials.
But nothing compares with a 10x8 negative and contact prints....I never
tried 11x14.....PL