Oh "GOODIE" a newbie!

In article ,
"Bert" wrote:

Hi,

I've just discovered your newsgroup, so here goes!

I want to move up from 35mm / digital because for me quality of final image
is important. I'm unsure wether to go to 6x6 or right into 5x4 (shooting
mainly ladscapes). I've seen the quality you can get from 5x4 (fantastic),
but I have some concerns and questions. If anyone can advise or maybe there
is a 'beginners website', a link of two would be appreciated. I'd add that I
like to take my time over taking a photograph, so setting up and time isn't
a problem.

First its fair to inform you it will take some time to acquire the
skills to utilize the camera in a manner that will produce good work.
Lots of people try larger format cameras and cast them aside. It also
takes gumption to lug the cameras around in place of smaller easier to
wield formats. I have been doing LF work since I was twenty, and am now
40.

In any event I try to encourage anyone to try the larger format cameras
mainly because its good for the users that others will buy film,gear etc.
Keeps the makers in business.


Here are some of my questions:

Cost is not an issue, and I appreciate finest engineering / optical quality,
so recommendations for suitable cameras please (Ebony? Hasselblad - is the
SWC worth considering?)

There are literally a ton of different 4x5 type cameras basically
deciding what features you want and the weight you will carry are
starting points. If doing landscapes a field camera is probably what
you will want. Kerry Thalmann who posts here has a lot of insight
regarding lenses and their specifications....website at

http://www.thalmann.com/largeformat/

In any event more expensive is not always the best choice when starting
there are alot of things to buy so being conservative until you find
wether you like using the LF cameras is probably prudent.


How much 'better' is 5x4" over top quality 6x6cm (typically I'd want
enlargements to A2/A1)

Typically we use standard printing paper sizes as opposed to office
notation :-) 8x10, 11x14 and 16x20 at just about any size the LF should
be head and shoulders above the 6x6.....you've seen it already!!!


What's the best lens available (wide-angle)?

I've been told you need to take the lenses apart to mount on the board, is
this difficult or can it be done by the dealer?

No problem at all, we use what is called a spanner wrench.


Is the fuji quickload system worth considering?

Personally I don't like it or the other readyload holders.

How do you develop the film (!) - how easy/difficult is it compared to
processing 35mm?

One exposure or 6 at a time. Not more difficult.


On a picture by picture basis, how much does it cost on average to process
and print the relative formats?

Really depends on the size, who develops and prints etc, etc.
(Just the film) B&W processed at home is under a buck.
and color runs about 3.00 to four dollars per exposure (If you use a
lab).


I have a hundred more questions!

Any help or comments appreciated.

Regards

Steve

--
LF Website @ http://members.verizon.net/~gregoryblank

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the President,
or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong,
is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable
to the American public."--Theodore Roosevelt, May 7, 1918