Does the 5X8 format have advantages over 5X7?

[Jim Noel]

From the few 4X5 LF photos I have taken, I like the 5X8 ratio. I plan to take a couple B&W photos each week (use up my box of 100 sheets) to get comfortable with the adjustment and exposure process. After that I should have a better idea which direction to head.

A couple concerns I have are:

Recognizing a 5X8 has twice the film area of a 4X5, I will be effectively wasting half my exposed 4X5 film if I like the 1:1.6 aspect ratio.

What conversion do you use to equate a 35mm equavalent focal length? For example my 90mm and 210mm are similar to a 26mm and 60mm on a 35mm camera. It looks like the 90mm would not be usable on a 5X8. What top three lenses are appropriate for 5X8.

What labs would process and scan color 5X8 film?

What logical print (paper) enlargements are available? 10"X16"? maximum?

I never worry about equivalents tp 35mm lenses. In my mind, everything to do with 35mm is a compromise because the worker wants a smaller camera. When I began using sheet film. 4x5 was considered medium format.
Don't depend on others - do your own darkroom work - that is a major part of the pleasure of LF.
How about 5x8 feet?

[William Whitaker]

For 5x8, using an 8x10 with internal dividers to put two 5x8 images on a sheet of 8x10 film seems a way to go -- and you can go 8x10 if an image calls for it...or even make a couple 4x10s...

And having two 5x8 sheets commercially color-processed might cost more than one sheet of 8x10.

But why stop there? I make 5.5x14 negs with my 11x14. It is just a little more weight...

...and an interesting diptych!