Which system for Old Churches

[Pawlowski6132]

I'm embarking on a project to shoot the old churches of Detroit. I've never shot architecture before so...this will be something new.

I want to end up with 16x20 prints. My main decision at this point is what system/format to use:

1. Zone VI 4x5 with Super Angulon 90mm

or

2. Eastman 2d 8x10 with Anguon 165mm


Which would you choose and why.

ps, no front tilt on the Eastman.

[E. von Hoegh]

Zone VI. The 165 just covers 8x10, and may not give enough movement.You'd also need an 8x10 enlarger.

You may or may not need front tilt, but you almost certainly will need front rise.
I'd definitely go with the 4x5.

[Mark Sampson]

I've shot lots of architecture with a Z-VI 4x5. It has worked well, but you're going to need the bag bellows.

[Pawlowski6132]

Zone VI. The 165 just covers 8x10, and may not give enough movement.You'd also need an 8x10 enlarger.

You may or may not need front tilt, but you almost certainly will need front rise.
I'd definitely go with the 4x5.

I could crop the 8x10 shots if I had to I guess. I do have an 8x10 enlarger. The 2D has front rise.

[Pawlowski6132]

I've shot lots of architecture with a Z-VI 4x5. It has worked well, but you're going to need the bag bellows.

Really? You don't think I could get away w/o the bag? I don't have it and I certainly can't afford to spring for it. They're $200 to $300 right?

[Kirk Gittings]

You absolutely need the bag bellows on this camera to get full movements with a 90. Having shot hundreds of churches, most of which are tall vertical structures, I wouldn't work without bag bellows on this camera. This is especially true on interiors where you don't have the freedom to get far back from your subject.

[E. von Hoegh]

I could crop the 8x10 shots if I had to I guess. I do have an 8x10 enlarger. The 2D has front rise.

I've found that it is best to use the smallest format that gets the job done.

[Pawlowski6132]

You absolutely need the bag bellows on this camera to get full movements with a 90. Having shot hundreds of churches, most of which are tall vertical structures, I wouldn't work without bag bellows on this camera. This is especially true on interiors where you don't have the freedom to get far back from your subject.

Crap. So much for that project.

[Ari]

I'd use a 4x5, just for the relative compactness and lightness for working all day.
You will need a bag bellows, but the best way to see that is to try a shot of a church with the equipment you presently have.
If you're shooting older churches, they most likely will have tall steeples, and they will soon become your enemy without a lot of front rise.

[E. von Hoegh]

You know, if there is room at the scene you can move back and use a longer lens on either camera.There's no rule that says you HAVE to use a W.A. lens for architecture.

Just a thought.