Large Format

Pros of Large Format (LF) Photography compared to smaller Formats

Large format photography, which typically refers to the use of cameras that capture images on large-format film, offers several advantages compared to smaller formats such as 35mm or medium format. Some of the pros of large format photography include:

Image Quality:
Large format cameras use larger film sizes, which result in higher resolution and finer detail in the captured images. This is particularly useful for applications that require high-quality, detailed images, such as fine art photography, landscape photography, and commercial product photography.
Flexibility in Printing and Enlarging:
The larger negative or transparency size of large format film allows for greater flexibility in printing and enlarging. It provides more room for cropping and offers greater control over image composition, resulting in larger prints with minimal loss of image quality.
Tonal Range:
Large format film has a wider tonal range, which allows for capturing a greater level of detail in highlights and shadows. This results in images with smoother gradations, richer tones, and better control over contrast, making large format photography ideal for capturing scenes with a wide dynamic range, such as landscapes or high-contrast lighting situations.
Perspective Control:
Large format cameras often come with movements, such as tilt, shift, and swing, which allow for greater control over perspective and depth of field. This is particularly useful in architectural and product photography where precise control over perspective is important.
Slow and Deliberate Process:
Large format photography typically requires a slow and deliberate workflow, which encourages careful composition, thoughtful framing, and meticulous focusing. This can result in a more intentional approach to photography, with increased attention to detail and creative vision.
Unique Aesthetic:
Large format images have a distinct aesthetic characterized by a shallow depth of field, smooth tonal transitions, and a unique rendering of out-of-focus areas known as bokeh. This aesthetic is often sought after by fine art and commercial photographers for its distinct, timeless look.
Large Format Lenses:
Large format lenses are known for their high-quality optics, often offering excellent sharpness, minimal distortion, and low chromatic aberration. These lenses can deliver exceptional image quality and optical performance, contributing to the overall advantages of large format photography.
Equipment:
Aside of ther critical shutters being at east min. 10 years old (Copal* stopoed production in 2013), large format equipment has been primarily made only for professionals in terms of features and durability after the 1930s.

Cons of Large Format (LF) Photography compared to smaller Formats

Cost:
Large format cameras, lenses, and accessories are typically more expensive than smaller format counterparts due to their specialized nature and larger size.
BUT: Fortunately, there is still a sufficiently large used market with often significantly reduced prices compared to the original price. Where the used market is crucial, especially since almost no usable lenses were produced after 2010.
Limitations due to the Available lens Field of View:
The selection of lenses for large format cameras is significantly more limited in wide-angle and narrow field-of-view (commonly referred to as telephoto lenses) than with medium format or 35mm (135 film).
Size and Weight:
Large format cameras are bulkier, heavier, and less portable than smaller formats, making them less convenient for travel or situations requiring mobility. Großformatkameras sind sperriger, schwerer und weniger tragbar als kleinere Formate, was sie weniger praktisch für Reisen oder Situationen macht, die Mobilität erfordern.
Complexity:
The process of setting up the large format camera, composing, focusing, and exposing the film requires more time and expertise.
Only One or Two Frames per Film Holder:
Large format film holders usually accommodate only one or two film sheets per holder. This limitation might affect certain shooting styles or projects.
Slower Operation:
Large format cameras tend to be slower in operation due to the manual adjustments required for focusing, composing, and adjusting settings, which might pose challenges in capturing fast-moving subjects or events.
Limited Availability:
Compared to more popular formats like 35mm or medium format, there is a more limited selection of film stocks large format photography.
BUT: Fortunately, despite the limited availability of lenses ever manufactured and suitable for ultra-large format photography, there is still a sufficiently large used market with often significantly reduced prices compared to the original price. Where the used market is crucial since almost no usable lenses were produced after 2005-10.
Inconvenience in Field Work:
Setting up and using large format equipment outdoors or in challenging conditions can be more cumbersome and less adaptable than smaller, more portable formats.

My Conclusion(s)

Unique Aesthetic and Perspective Control:
The shallow depth of field, as well as the often technically enforced longer exposure times, combined with perspective control and high resolution, create for me this unique and especially different overall aesthetic of thge large format compared to analog 135 or digital full-frame.

20.12.24

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