Staying with MF or going to LF ?

[tweenkle]

Hi everybody.


I really feel like buying a LF camera and preferably a Linhof, but I'm wondering whether it would be good idea. It's mainly to make portraits and still.

I own a Mamiya Press Universal with a 100mm 3,5 and I only use it with a polaroid back in which I put FUJI FP 100 C or BW. I also ordered some FP 3000.

I also own a Durst BW 670 which I use with films made with my Leica M2 or my Rolleicord (6x6).

I find the Linhof really beautiful but I do hesitate to buy one (a IV or a V) for several reasons :

- I like very much FUJI instant film (BW and color) and in 4x5 format, there is only the color available ;
- If I want to make 4x5 films, I would have to buy a new enlarger
- I don't know if the movements would be really useful for me
- is it better to stay with the Mamiya, with which I can use the 3 kind of FUJI instant film. I could buy a 6x7 back and use them with my Durst enlarger
- the cost of films (instant and BW) is a lot higher in 4x5 but the size is bigger !

So, in a nutshell, what would you do ? Stay with the Mamiya or go with the Linhof ?

Thanks.

[Gem Singer]

Stay with the Mamiya.

[ki6mf]

Go with the LF. You can then comment to MF shooters that you don't shoot anything that small.

[tweenkle]

Thanks guys!
Any other opinions ?

[Brian C. Miller]

Another vote for LF. You can use a roll film back on the camera, and then you will have movements, and still use your current enlarger. 4x5 enlargers are pretty cheap on the used market, and you can find people who will give you one just knowing that it will go to a good home.

[Joseph Dickerson]

You're decision should be based on what you shoot. You mention that movements might not be useful, so why bother. The main reason for large fomat, over medium format, is the camera movements that are available.

If you don't have a need for movements, never enlarge bigger than 11x14 or 16x20, like to shoot subjects that are animate (I.E. portraits), and like to shoot spontaneously, then larger format ain't your thing!

By the way, it seems that Fuji instant films are going the way of the dodo. So I wouldn't base any decisions on their continued availability. I know, I loved the 4x5 stuff, and don't even get me started on the loss of Quickloads!

JD

[Sirius Glass]

Go with LF. I started with 35mm. Now I shoot single frame 35mm, full frame 35mm, 6x6, and 4x5. The choice depends on what I am looking for and the situation.

In the US 4x5 enlargers are not hard to find at a good price. Some other parts of the world, it can be harder.

Steve

[Heespharm]

I think in ur mind you subconsciously made ur own decision.... You posted this in large format forum... Of course we're gonna say go large format ;-)

[Rayt]

While you don't need movements for portraits you can do a lot with them.

[JamesFromSydney]

You won't know if you like LF or not until you shoot it for a while. It will change the way you shoot.

Why does it have to be one or the other?

Just get the Linhof, see if you like it, and if not, sell it.