I started by comparing the 5D meter to my spot meter using the 5D set at ISO 100 along with Velvia 100 for the 4X5. I checked the spot meter on the 5D with my hand held spot meter. The values were very close to the same. I bracketed the 4x5 1/2 stop each direction on the good shots just to be safe. The 5D meter was right every time. The two bracketed shots were under and over as shot. Maybe I got lucky with this 5D, or shooting at ISO 100 with the 5D is more accurate than at a high ISO?
As far as using two systems, that is a personal decision of course. Before the 5D I carried a Mamiya 7 with an 80mm lens. If nothing else I have seen shots that had to be quick and the Mamiya 7 or 5D can get it and setting up the 4X5 would of missed it. The 5D and lens adds 4 lbs and I enjoyed seeing what my 4X5 shot will look like the same day.
I just printed some 16x24 Images from the 5D and they are as good as my Mamiya 7 can do. It looks like Digital has caught Medium Format.
The biggest problem with Digital is that it is like shooting a machine gun. Shoot enough and you will hit something. Large Format forces you to slow down and work for the Image. Just the time spent setting the camera up and really looking at the ground glass at an Image you only get one shot at is the most rewarding part of photography. The ability to use all the camera movements allows for the perfect Image to be captured. Of course Large Format Digital is here and will only get better and cheaper, but I will never give up the option of looking at a 4X5 transparecy sitting on a light table. Of all the quality Images I have taken, I am most proud of my Large Format Images because I really had to work to get them!
Scott
Bookmarks