New 5x7 Shen Hao

[Aaron Rocky]

Why do they want to make such outdated camera for which film is scarce and expensive? A light 4x5 would make much more sense.

[Scott Davis]

Why do they want to make such outdated camera for which film is scarce and expensive? A light 4x5 would make much more sense.

Well, for starters, a 5x7 is twice the size filmwise of a 4x5. Second, the proportion of the format is nicer for portraits. Third, it gets you halfway to an 8x10 without the weight and size penalties. Fourth, most 4x5 lenses also cover 5x7, so it is an easy way for someone with a smaller format to step up without replacing or duplicating all their gear. You've obviously never shot a 5x7 or you wouldn't be asking that question.

[Nick_3536]

Plus just add the 4x5 back and it is a 4x5.

4x5 is okay for some things but it's a less then perfect format. OTOH is a perfect format.

[Ron Marshall]

Why do they want to make such outdated camera for which film is scarce and expensive? A light 4x5 would make much more sense.

I have a light-weight 4x5, Toho, and a 5x7. Both make sense for me.

[Geert]

Why do they want to make such outdated camera for which film is scarce and expensive? A light 4x5 would make much more sense.

huh? Scarce and expensive?

Every hobby is expensive. It depends on the level you want to excercise it. Luckily, the European counterweight 13x18cm is readily available here :-)

OTOH, you are correct about the leighweight remark. A 5x7 with a 4x5" reducing back might cut the costs on a new camera but you only benefit from the smaller film size and the ability to enlarge if you don't have a 5x7 enarger, like me. Packing an carrying a double weight camera is not funny.

G