How Many LF Formats Do You Use/Own?

[Richard K.]

This question comes as a result of Kerik gently chiding me over the apparent multiplicity of formats that I own or will own (only 4!!)...

How many different LF FORMATS (not cameras, but feel free to brag!) do you own?:o

How many do you use regularly?:rolleyes:

Do you suffer from format confusion?:confused:

If this has been asked before, please gently point me to the thread(s) (I DID search but did not find) and moderators feel free to dilute this post...

OK I'll start.

8x20, 14x17 (coming Nov.), WP, 7x11 (coming Feb.) My plan is to produce a few portfolios with the 8x20 and 14x17 (minimum 1 year working with) and then decide if I'm up to continuing working with them and which, if either, to keep. The WP is a 100% keeper as I suspect the 7x11 will be. I battle format confusion by taking each out regularly either alone or in twos. Thank you for indulging my neurosis...:D

[Daniel_Buck]

4x5 and 8x10 for me :-) But I do shoot my 8x10 as a 4x10 (two shots per 8x10 sheet) fairly often.

[Richard K.]

4x5 and 8x10 for me :-) But I do shoot my 8x10 as a 4x10 (two shots per 8x10 sheet) fairly often.

So that's THREE formats. Average so far 3.5 formats...:)

[eric black]

Ill kill the average a bit- I have 4x5, wish I had 4x10 and 8x10, but those are still on the horizon

[Greg Lockrey]

I'm just a poor country boy from Michigan and have only three 4x5 cameras. A Speed Graphic, Sinar P, and an Ebony SV45TE. Nine lenses from 90 to 500mm. :)

[Richard K.]

NINE LENSES?!?!:)
That makes up for the one camera; I've got only four lenses for four formats...

[Ron Marshall]

Two 4x5 and one 5x7. The 4x5 is used about 5 times as often as the 5x7 as I like to shoot far from my car. Nine lenses, five used regularly.

[Greg Lockrey]

NINE LENSES?!?!:)
That makes up for the one camera; I've got only four lenses for four formats...

When I can afford it, I want either a 65 and or 58 xl then I'll be done. Maybe get the 720 for the Nikkor too. :)

Lately, I restarted shooting with a pinhole and find it as an "artist" it is very satisfying. It's like drawing to me in a lot of ways.

[Scott Schroeder]

Well you did say formats....
With wetplate you can have any size you want...
currently I have
5X7,8X10,11x14 for squarish and 5X8,7X11, and 8X13 for panoish

I've been meaning to make a whole plate size.

[ic-racer]

8x10, 4x5 and 6x9cm

[willwilson]

Richard, I understand your dilemma. At one point I had 3 formats and 5 cameras: 3-4x5, 1-8x10, 1-5x7. But I have reduced my arsenal to a single Chamonix 45N-1. I would be shooting 8x10, but my darkroom can not accommodate an 8x10 enlarger. I also tend to do a good bit of hiking and 4x5 lets me carry an additional lens or two. It is also easier to go extreme with a 4x5 rig: macro, tele, and super-wide(47mm XL).

But in the end it's all about the print.

[Bill_1856]

Five

[Bruce Watson]

Exactly one. One 5x4 camera, five lenses. That's it, nearly as simple as I can make it.

[reellis67]

Two - 4x5 and 8x10. I use 4x5 most of the time and the 8x10 only when I can work out of the trunk, which is not often. Given that the aspect ratio of these two is the same, it's not at all confusing to move between the formats.

- Randy

[IanMazursky]

4x5, 5x7 and 12x20.
I will eventually get an 8x10, that should be big enough to try wet plate.

[John Bowen]

Five

Bill, what LF formats do you shoot?

[jnantz]

***

[John Bowen]

4 formats 4x5 (almost never anymore), 5x7 (rarely), 8x10 (mostly) and 7x17 (whenever a panoramic presents itself). I'm pretty sure I have 13 unique LF lenses from 90mm to 600mm to cover all those formats.

As I stated in another thread, all I'm looking to buy these days is some 8x20 Lodima...

[Mike Castles]

Own - 4 4x5,5x7,8x10 and 7x11

Shoot - 3 5x7,8x10 and 7x11

Still think 11x14 would be nice - but darkroom space is somewhat limited so stay with the above.

[Michael Graves]

Shoot a lot of 4x5 because I have more film for it.

5x7 is my favorite format and as soon as the next royalty check comes in, I'll be using it more.

I have shot about 200 sheets of 8x10 in my whole life, and I'm just now getting "confident" with it. Meaning I don't screw up totally more than 50% of the time now.
But I love the tactile feel of the contact sheet. I plan on using it more in the future.

[Bill_1856]

Bill, what LF formats do you shoot?

John, I shoot FIVE sheet film/plate formats, but none of them very well (as you may remember). 2 1/4x3 1/4 Crown Graphic, 3 1/4 x 4 1/4, and 4x5 Speed/Crown Graphics and Super D Graflexes; 6.5x9 cm Zeiss Maximar; 9x12 cm Maximar and Technika IV. (Started with a 9x12 Gaumont in 1950.)
Oh, make it SIX -- I forgot that there's a 5x7 back for my 4x5 Nagaoka.
That's a lot of cameras to play with on a rainy day, but except for some nice 4x5 Polaroids over the years, I'm embarrased to show my work from any of these wonderful old LF tigers.

[Vaughn]

Three and a half.

4x5 -- don't use it much anymore
5x7 -- used a lot, then stolen (1995), just got a replacement and will use occasionally
8x10 -- used a lot, and occasionally used with a cut darkslide to get two 4x10's on an 8x10 piece of film (thus the "half")

Vaughn

[Filmnut]

I only shoot 4X5, and with only one camera, a Speed Graphic that my Dad bought in 1951, and used until 1970, I have used it since about 1972.
I have three lenses, a 90mm Wollensak, a 127mm Ektar, and a 203mm Ektar.
I do lust for more though!
Keith

[PaulRicciardi]

For now 4x5
11x14 is next on the list and I'll be happy with just those two formats

[Vick Vickery]

I have three 4x5 cameras, but I shoot them as 4x5, 2x5, 6x9, and 6x7 formats.

[Jim C.]

Two, a Busch 4x5 with 127mm Raptar and a Cambo 4x5 SC with a Fujinon 210mm and a Nikkor 135mm.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

I would have to say 4 systems currently. 4x5,8x10,11x14 and 8x20. I love using my 4x5 and I find it is real easy to use after the big cameras. My 8x10 is my go to camera and format. Great for contact prints and carbon transfer. I do have an 8x10 enlarger in the works. My hand built 11x14 and 8x20 cameras are my pride and joy as are the two Walnut tripods I've built to go with them. Of the two the 8x20 is the easiest to set up and use and I'm still learning to "see" in this format. My 11x14 is a great camera and format. I've always loved this image size and with my recent adjustments to the camera it is much more solid and stable and I know it will get a lot of use. I have backpacks for all of these and it is not to bad hauling them. Going up north next week to the Redwoods and I'm taking the 8x10,11x14 and the 8x20. Just hope there is room for everything else.

Jim

[David A. Goldfarb]

2x3"--Tech V 23b, becoming the travel camera since we now travel with child.

4x5"--Tech V, My most used all around format.

5x7"--Press Graflex, perfect for family snapshots and chasing our toddler when I have enough light.

8x10"--Sinar P for studio, Gowland PocketView for the field. Still the most intuitive format for me, and I try to shoot it whenever I can.

11x14"--Gets out occasionally. When I'm more comfortable coating big albumen sheets, I'll use it more.

7x17"--Camera needs a bit more work, so I've been slow getting started with this format, but I like it so far.

[EuGene Smith]

4x5, 5x7, 8x10. only 2 of the 5x7 and several of the other 2 sizes. Making a film holder and back for 4x10, but I'm so slow that it takes me 6 months to shine my shoes! Use 4x5 mostly because of film cost. About 15 or so lenses in shutter and about the same in barrel to use with several Packards.

Smiff

[David Karp]

3: 4x5, 6.5x8.5 (which I have been using mostly lately), and recently purchased a 5x7 reducing back for the 6.5x8.5, so I am going to give that a whirl too.

[Preston]

One--4x5.

I'd like to get a 240mm lens someday to round out my kit. Someday I'd like to replace my Tachihara with a Chamonix.

-P

[Eric Leppanen]

I shoot 8x10 (primarily) and 4x5 (when 8x10 won't work). When I want to go panoramic I just crop (have been tempted to try the left rear shift/right rear shift/digitally stitch the two images together panoramic thing, but haven't actually done it yet).

[Paul O]

5x4 (remember I'm from the UK!) and 6x17cms (does this even count as LF) :D

[keeds]

8x10 and 7x17

[Ole Tjugen]

30x40cm
24x30cm
8x10"
18x24cm
13x18cm
5x7"
4x5"
9x12cm
(6.5x9cm and 6x4.5cm are below 100 cm^2)

And I think I have a 10x15cm holder with adapter to use in 5x7" cameras somewhere, too.

Note that I have a camera that can only use 13x18cm in addition to a "normal" 13x18/5x7" one. Same with 18x24cm/8x10" and 9x12/4x5"...

[George Hart]

5x4 & 5x7

[Diane Maher]

4x5, 5x7, 6½ x 8½, 8x10, 5x12

The formats that have seen the most use recently are 6½ x 8½ and 5x12.

[Bill Kumpf]

One Format - a 4x5 Zone VI camera with 135mm, 210mm, and 300mm Nikkors.

I am still trying to master this system.

[climbabout]

With the V8 Deardorff I shoot 8x10(most used), 5x7 and 4x10
When I need to go more compact - 4x5 Toko
More compact - 6x9 Super Ikonta
Occasionally my wife will let me use her Mamiya 7 (6x7), when I need compactness, a built in meter and interchangeable lenses.
I have my first camera, a mamiya c220(6x6), which I never use anymore, but will never sell as well as a 35mm contax which I never use.
Tim

[Frank Petronio]

I use both 8x10 and 10x8.

[GPS]

I use both 8x10 and 10x8.

Must be horribly confusing! Do you change your lens each time you change the format??:confused:

[Ralph Barker]

Only two - 4x5 and 8x10. No format confusion here. ;)

[Jim Galli]

4X5 5X7 6.5X8.5 8X10 7X11 10X12 11X14 5X12 7X17 8X20 and 12X20. I've simplified recently and sold the 14X17. Most used in some seblence of order, 8X10, 65X85, 7X11, 5X12, & 5X7.

[BennehBoy]

4x5 & 8x10 - Sinar P2

[John Kasaian]

12x20, 8x10, 9-1/2" roll film, 7" roll film, 5x7 & 4x5 so potentially 6 formats, but
the 8x10 sees 99.9% of the "action" :)

[Benno Jones]

I have a couple of 9x12 cameras that I haven't shot in a year or two, same for a 10x15. I mostly shoot my Shen-Hao 4x5 (and also have an adjustable mf pano back for it so I can go 6x9, 6x12 & 6x17 - in theory anyway as I can't find the masks right now). As I'm starting a pinhole project I have been using my Leonardo 3" 4x5 camera after having it sit on a shelf for 4 years or so. Also in 4x5 I have a pre-Anniversary Speed Graphic lying around (anyone who wants to make an offer PM me for pics and info), a Calumet monorail and a 4x5 box camera. I am planning to start shooting 5x7 more often as I perfect my alt. process skills and want bigger prints than 4x5 contacts without the weight of my 8x10. I have a B&J 5x7 and a Kodak (can't recall the model offhand) (edit - A quick eBay search reminds me it's a Kodak 33a.) as well as a Seneca (No.5 if I recall correctly) and a frankenstein-ish Conley with a Voigtlander lens that doesn't really cover the full negative. In 8x10 I have my trusty (and weighty) B&J.

[Kirk Keyes]

Own 4x5 and 8x10. Shoot only 4x5, well, very occasionally 8x10. I plan on using the 8x10 more with home made dry plates.

[Richard K.]

4X5 5X7 6.5X8.5 8X10 7X11 10X12 11X14 5X12 7X17 8X20 and 12X20. I've simplified recently and sold the 14X17. Most used in some seblence of order, 8X10, 65X85, 7X11, 5X12, & 5X7.

Um...OK...you win Jim! Do you take anything or get counselling for the format confusion? :)

[Richard K.]

I use both 8x10 and 10x8.

Hmmm...the 8x10 in US and the 10x8 in the UK?

[MIke Sherck]

4x5 (Zone VI) and 8x10 (B&J Grover monorail.) The 5x7 (B&J) tailboard camera is broken and I'm not a good enough woodworker to fix it. Shot mostly 8x10 with a Wehman until film costs rose so dramatically earlier this year and sold it; now I regret it terribly. The B&J is an ok camera but it's no Wehman! Saving for another one; will just shoot cheaper film, I guess. I have a 4x5 enlarger but contact print the 5x7 and 8x10.

Two lenses for the 8x10 (420mm Fuji, 12" Commercial Ektar) and three for the Zone VI (90mm Angulon, just acquired this summer and not used yet,) 150mm Fuji and 210mm Fuji which can double as wide angle on 8x10 with no movements, but I used it so little I don't carry it any more.) The 12" Ektar gets used on both cameras.

Mike

[Armin Seeholzer]

I only use 4x5 and or 8x10!
I don't tell you how many cams and lenses!

[eddie]

3x4, 4x5, 5x7 (reducing back), 8x10 (4x10 with a mod. dark slide), 11x14.

i use the 4x5 and 8x10 the most....i try to use the 11x14 but i get lazy at times!

[Ben Hopson]

4X5, 5X7, 8X10 and occasionally 4X10 via splitter on the 8X10.

[John Kasaian]

4X5, 5X7, 8X10 and occasionally 4X10 via splitter on the 8X10.

I forgot about the splitters! Add to my list: 4x10, 5x8, 7x2-1/2, 5x3-1/2 :o

[domenico Foschi]

2 4x5s
1 5X7
1 8X10

[BradS]

I only own/shoot one format, 4x5. I have four cameras and something on the order of sixteen lenses. I'd like to give 2-1/4 X 3-1/4 a go but, have yet to find a decent camera at a reasonable price.

[Jiri Vasina]

6×9cm (roll film back), 3¼×4¼”, 9×12cm, 4×5”, 4¾×6½”, 13×18cm, 5×8”.

I also have a 5×7” holder, but no film yet, and 6½×8½” film and neither holder nor camera for that size :)

[darr]

Ebony 45SU
Ebony RSW45
Arca Swiss 4x5 F-Classic Field with Micrometric Orbix
Arca Swiss 6x9 F-Compact
Linhof 6x9 Baby Color

--

Too many at this point in time!

[Turner Reich]

2x3, 6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9, 35mm, sheet and roll; slr and rf.

4x5: some when forced to as opposed to 120 roll film.
5x7: more and more these days.
8x10: should use it more and probably will soon.
11x14: don't use it any more but will keep it and the dozen film holders acquired over the years.

120 roll film, economical, lighter to carry.

Enlargers in formats from 35mm to 8x10 and the lenses to match each format. Four enlargers, two in daily use.

With all of the tank lines, trays, and darkroom equipment it gets crowded.

If I had one format to choose from it would be 5x7.
Or maybe a 120 roll film size.

[robert fallis]

5 x 4 graphix
5 x 4 monorail (homemade)
Halfplate monorail (homemade)
2 : 8 on 120
2 : 12 on 120

[Daniel Grenier]

8x10 and 7x17 with the 8x10 soon to be out the door (maybe) as one big camera is more than a handful as it is.

[Brian Stein]

4x5
Just received:
half-plate
5x7 (bought because half-plate appeared to have been eaten by post......)
someday 8x10

[willwilson]

I didn't read the whole thread, but wouldn't a poll be interesting? Can you add a poll to an existing thread?

Maybe this is a bad idea, just scanning this thread is making my wallet hurt.

[Scott Davis]

3.25 x 4.25, 4x5, 5x7 (x2) (one of my favorites), 5x12 (another favorite) WP (x3), 8x10 (x2) (probably least favorite), 11x14. 4x5 has fallen out of favor because it's basically too small for contact prints most of the time, and I've all but abandoned enlarging for anything. But then I just bought a Rollei 2.8E. Go figure. As for the LF stuff, when it comes to film costs, all I can say is Thank God for Arista.EDU Ultra! I couldn't afford to feed the bigger beasts without it.

[Michael Alpert]

How many different LF FORMATS (not cameras, but feel free to brag!) do you own?:

How many do you use regularly?

Do you suffer from format confusion?



1. Three: 4x5, 5x7, 8x10.

2. One: For the last four years 5x7 has taken over. I love working in this format.

3. No.

[Hollis]

4x5 (4), Whole Plate and 8x15.

[rfesk]

Five -- 2 1/4 X 3 1/2, 9 X 12, 4X5, 5X7, 8X10.

I find that 4X5 to be the best, around LF for my use and I use it at least 90% of the time.

The 9X12 is an old much-modified plate camera with two lenses and is used strictly when traveling by air. The 5X7 has the best aspect ratio for landscapes. I have never taken a photo with my 8X10 Century Universal.

[IanG]

Four formats, but many cameras

A 2¼ x 3½ Busch Pressman which I rarely use
5 9x12's but it's the Patent Etui thats currently used
6 5"x4" cameras, most used is the Wista, then a Crown Graphic but also Cambo, De Vere, & 2 Speed Graphics
2 10x8 Agfa Ansco's one of which is currently in use.

Ian

[archivue]

arca Fline 69 and 4x5 kit and a 6x12 linhof technorollex
Toyo 45A
Toyo M810
58xl, 80xl, 110xl, 150S, 150 Xenar, 240AR, 240S, 360

But for my personal work i use 4X5 and 3 lenses only (110, 150, 240)

i'd like a RM3D and a leaf back instead...

[Jon Wilson]

4x5 (tachihara & pacemaker); 8x10 Deardorff w/ reducing backs for 4x5 & 5x7 plus splitters, 8x10 Universal Century, and 11x14 New Improved Empire State.

[Rafael Garcia]

5x7:
Gundlach Korona View
Asanuma King 1


4x5:
Calumet monorail
Asanuma King 1
Gundlach Korona View
Chamonix 045N
Wista 45SP
Anniversary Speed Graphic

[Rodney Polden]

8x10, 4x10 and 5x7 on the Century Universal.
4x5 and 6x9 on several 4x5 systems.

4x5 and 8x10 get the most use, but 4x10 via the Deardorff splitter is a very appealing format for some situations. I'm rediscovering 5x7 after a long gap (please tell me it's not really thirty years), and I'm enjoying the dynamism of the format ratio - it has a bit more pull or squeeze or something - after the squareness of 4x5/8x10.

No, I wouldn't say there's format confusion. After a time, all the un-needed information drops out of the aging brain (you know, home address, wedding anniversary, names of offspring etc.) and the available space gets stacked up with all the important stuff - coverage circles, lens focal length equivalents, available film stock.... Oh dear

[john collins]

Only one - 5X8 Chamonix

[butterflydream]

Mainly 5x7 & 4x10 Canham + 210mm Sironar N / 120mm Nikkor SW
For selected shots 8x10 Canham + 300mm Sironar N / 240mm Sironar N
For travel Chamonix 4x5 + 135mm Sironar N / 90mm Angulon

[raucousimages]

4X5 and 8X10 with a 5X7 back for the 8X10

[seabird]

How many different LF FORMATS do you own?

How many do you use regularly?

Do you suffer from format confusion?



1. One (4x5 Super Technika IV - or is it 5x4?)

2. One (see answer to 1. above)

3. Yes (see answer to 1. above)

Cheers from Oz

Carey Bird

http://members.iinet.net.au/~cbird/index.html

[jack_hui]

4x5
1) Toya 45AII
2) Toya 45CF
3) Horseman 45 Woodman

8x10
1) Tachi 2-extension
2) Horseman LE
3) Philips Explorer
4) Philips Compact II

[Salty]

4x5 most often :D
8x10 next :)
5x7 rarely (reducing back)

[redrockcoulee]

Four formats I own but two of them have not been used

4X5 Shen Hao and Crown Graphic the latter which I hope to have permission to sell next spring

5X7 Seneca Improved which has in the past been used mainly with the 4X5 reducing back but now have lots of holders and some film for 5X7

5X8 Rochester with no holders and no intention of shooting. It does have a brass lens that seems to be about 120mm and needs waterstops which of course I do not have.

Whole Plate Seneca Improved which is brand new to us. Have film on order and am looking for more holders. Eventually plan on selling the 5X7 and getting/making a 5X7 back for the whole plate camera.

So far a total of 4 lenses with shutters and one barrel lens for the three formats as well as a collection of pinholes for them. Also a 22 and 23 roll film backs for the 4X5 but most likely sell the 22 as bought into a Hasselblad system and don't need both.

No confusion here as it is very easy to tell the difference between the brown wood of the Shen Hao and the black whole plate camera plus they do have their name plates on them just in case I am uncertain. Plus there is the size difference.

As my wife shoots occasionally does that half or double us in the stats ? If it was just me I most likely would have sold the 5X7 years ago and not bought the whole plate but am getting excited about its potential. Also have film holders for three sizes that I have no cameras for.

[Pete Watkins]

On the Wista DX
6x7 Roll film holder
6x9 Roll film holder
4x5
On the (beautiful) B&J
4x5
half plate
5x7
On the BIG one
8x10
11x14 (but not often, have you seen the price of film?)

[Gene McCluney]

I use 4x5, 5x7, 8x10 and 11x14. In order of volume of film shot: 5x7, 4x5, 8x10, 11x14. For my professional studio work, it is exclusively 4x5 color transparency.

[ljsegil]

too many, true in large format as well as MF and 35mm, but I love using them all.

3 4x5, one Technika, 2 Speeds, Technika currently getting rangefinder re-installed and cams made, first Speed had Graflex back (didn't know the difference when I bought it, so I picked up Eddie's beater with a spring back that enables me to shoot polaroids (for a little while longer yet).

1 5x7 Canham standard with 4x5 back and 6x17 roll film holder. A dream camera, and I can carry it in a Photobackpacker backpack on the airlines with a reasonable lens selection, reducing back and readyload film holder, some 5x7 film holders and quick/ready loads and sheet film for easier traveling and still walk uphill with the kit without needing CPR (though not too far uphill and certainly not quickly). Camera does everything I know to ask it to do.

1 Canham 8x10 standard with an adapter to take the 4x5 and 5x7 backs (and thus the 6x17 also), so potentially the total package when a little sanding is completed to make all the parts fit as they should. Heavier than the 5x7 kit by a noticeable bit, and won't fit into a small enough pack for air flight. Can still make it uphill with the kit in the backpack, but I sure know when I'm going up. For me, ultimately versatility with the Canham quality. And 8x10!

A passle of lens, mostly modern with a few classics, range from the 58SAXL to the Fuji 600C (and the 600T, willing to sell if anyone feels the urge, for that matter will soon be listing the 72SAXL and the 80SSXL, as well as the Fuji W 210). Classics include 9 and 14 inch Veritos, 71/4" and 12" Velostigmats, 130, 210, and 300 Goerz doppel anastigmats, a Vesta, Petzal of unknown lineage, and insanely bizarre double meniscus of equally mysterious origin. Current favorite, a 14" Goerz red dot Apo Artar. Just makes my pictures a little better, I guess. Others help fill the drawers and keep me from concentrating enough on any one lens to really learn it. Trying to be better about that. Obviously severe acquisitive disorder, not helped by our good friend Jim, but I swear, no more....

Still mostly shooting to learn the best situations for the various formats. Very much like the film selection for 4x5 and convenience of quick/readyload system and Grafmatics, like everyone who shoots color wish for more choice in 5x7, regret Kodak's decision to drop 8x10 E100VS as I prefer it to Velvia 50 (but I can still enjoy it in 4x5 and 6x17).

Pretty crazy, and only more so if we were listing smaller formats or the obligatory digital for more menial tasks. So, more than anyone cared to hear, but there it is, and I'm ready to accept psychotherapy to cure this wonderful disease.

LJS

[Geert]

Jim Gali has way too much cameras. I propose that the sends a camera to every 10th replier in this thread.

I only shoot 3:
4x5
8x10
7x17
and use them regularily, i.e. at least once a month.

G

[xavier deltell]

I only use two formats:

4x5 95%
5x7 5%

[Darryl Baird]

own:6x7, 6x9, 6x12, 6x17, 9x12, 4x5, 4x10 (w/split darkslide), 8x10
use: 6x17, 4x5, 8x10 about equally

[Dan Fromm]

One format, 2.25" x 3.25". More than one camera, many lenses.

The logical step up would be to 5x7 (more that twice as large on both dimensions) but I'm put off by the cost. I don't expect to shoot larger, not even 4x5.

[alec4444]

5x7 and 11x14. The 11x14 actually has gotten more use, but that's because the 5x7 is a relatively new acquisition.

When I can get up the gumption to cut my extra dark slide, I'll be shooting 5.5 x 14 quite a bit, I hope....

--A

Ooops, forgot about the 4x5 reducing back I have for the 5x7. Clearly I don't use it a lot....I don't even have 4x5 film holders!

[Ted Stoddard]

Well I own a Kodak 8x10 2D w/ a 4x5 and 5x7 reducing back, 2 4x5's- Tachihara & Shen-Hao, plus a Kodak Empire State No. 1 11x14 rarely used(would love to sell so I can get the 12x20)... I mostly use the 8x10 and 4x5's... I haven't shot w/the 5x7 reducing back so far but thinking about it... I want a 20x24 for Alternative processes and a 12x20... for pan project I want to do... but so far 8x10 my fav to use... I also own 7 lenses maybe more lost count.... I also have a Kodak 5x7 that is getting very slowly restored... by me...

[Andrew O'Neill]

4x5 and 8x10.

[Craig Griffiths]

I currently use 4 cameras covering 3 formats. 4x5 when I go walking, 8x10 when I want something to contact print rather than enlarge, and an 8x20 for when I feel younger than I am.

I like the 8x20 the most followed by the 8x10 and 4x5. Currently in the pipeline is an 11x14 that I am building from various bits and pieces. Hopefully this will be finished by the end of next month but will probably only be used for portraits, not for carrying around too much.

I tend to see in the format I have with me so dont get too confused with the format differences. What does confuse though is when I am using the 8x20 and my 9 year old is using the 4x5 next to me. When that happens I find it difficult to switch between the 2 formats, but I have lots more fun

[Michael Kadillak]

I am hopelessly addicted to Lf and ULF. I tend to shoot them all but at some point will need to thin things downat some point.

4x5 - two cameras

5x7 - three cameras

8x10 - three cameras

11x14 - one camera

8x20 - two cameras

12x20 - two cameras

[Richard K.]

I am hopelessly addicted to Lf and ULF. I tend to shoot them all but at some point will need to thin things downat some point.

4x5 - two cameras

5x7 - three cameras

8x10 - three cameras

11x14 - one camera

8x20 - two cameras

12x20 - two cameras

Michael, I hate to tell you, but I see significant gaps in your kit ....WP? 7x11? 14x17? 7x17? A REAL addict would have at least one of these as well...:D

[Jan Pedersen]

Just 3 formats so far.
4x5 one camera
5x7 one camera
8x10 two cameras with 5x7 backs

8x10 used 90% of the time.
Many lenses but there's always room for one more.

[Oren Grad]

Um...OK...you win Jim!

Nope.

2.25x3.25
3.25x4.25
3.25x5.5
4x5
5x7
6.5x8.5
6x10 (actually, a Japanese format that's close)
7x11
8x10
7x17
11x14

:o :p

Guess I shouldn't have sold my 5x12. Then again, I guess Jim shouldn't have sold his 14x17. Little did we realize what was at stake.

Do Jim and I get to split the $1.3 million prize now? :D

[dsphotog]

1 3/4 -8x10 calumet C-1's (long story)
3/4 of an 8x10 Ansco...in progress
2 1/2 -asst. wood 5x7's
2 -4x5 crown graphic
4x5 omega view 45F

I've used the 4x5's the most (26 yrs.)
Then I found a 5x7 Beseler enlarger...So I started shooting 5x7, I really like that format best.
Last year I got a deal on an 8x10 Durst enlarger..... So now I've started the 8x10 obsession....

I've owned a custom photo lab since 1982 so....
Don't get me started on Enlargers & processing equip.
David Silva
Modesto,Ca

[John Powers]

7x17 Phillips
8x10 Phillips Advantage and Sinar P
4v5 Technikardan

I have been shooting mostly 7x17, building a 100 image series for a book and using 30 of those for a show opening next weekend. I seem to see most comfortably in 7x17 and 8x10. The 8x10 enlarged to 20x24.

In APUG convention critique in 2006, Les McLean suggested a show combining all three. The 4x5 contact prints would be of very small details, the other two formats as fit my vision of the series subject. At that time I was working on “entropy” in a group of twenty greenhouses in a row, six acres under glass, deteriorating the last 15 years by Lake Erie. Suggestion of this brought complete rejection of the thought from the two professors of photography where I study in my retirement. They said that uniformity of format proved you could do a related series. Les' idea seemed far more advanced and interesting. The argument might work for some as a separate thread.

John

[Michael Roberts]

Formats:
2 1/2 x 5 (w/ darkslide splitter)
4x5 (SO convenient compared to the bigger cameras)
4x10
5x8
8x10 (with splitters, can shoot the two smaller formats above)
11x14 (had camera; sold it; have holders and lenses, building new camera)
12x20 (have holder and lenses, building expansion back for 11x14 camera)
so...7

interesting thread, Richard; thanks

[Richard K.]

Guess I shouldn't have sold my 5x12. Then again, I guess Jim shouldn't have sold his 14x17. Little did we realize what was at stake.

Do Jim and I get to split the $1.3 million prize now? :D

That $1.3 million was in CAD$ and was to be used for the sole purpose of buying needed or wanted LF cameras and lenses. BUT, it was to be secret and now that you've revealed the surprise, I'm afraid I have to take it off the table :(

I guess we would have to declare you and Jim co-winners. You (plural) are truly an inspiration to and humble the rest of us! What do you tell your significant others?!? Aren't they going to clue in that not every lens or camera you pick up was free or $12.95...:)

[Richard K.]

interesting thread, Richard; thanks

It totally re-affirms my view that we LF photographers are a dedicated, slightly off-kilter, friendly bunch, revelling in our arcane little world, willing to sacrifice bank balance and even (temporarily) spousal affection for that just one more piece of coveted equipment...:)
It is even more gratifying to see that for the most part, we all try to get out there and actually use it!

[goamules]

I agree with Scott above:
With wetplate you can have any size you want... But you have to go about "one size larger" due to the way I make plate holders. It get's confusing as I move larger, in cronological order:

4x5 Speed Graphic - 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 plates
5x7 Kodak 2D - 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 and half plate (4 1/4 x 5 1/2)
8x10 Century Studio - Same as above, but holds the giant 10lb lenses!
8x10 Seneca Improved - TBD....getting ready to build plate holders for at least whole plate (6 1/2 x 8 1/2)

But now I'm thinking I need to make a panoramic format too. Hmmm xxx by 8 1/2...

Garrett

[Oren Grad]

You can have any size you want with film too, so long as you have available some larger size of film that you can down to fit your holders. Examples that come to mind are Jim's 5x14, and the 9x9 back that Butch Welch made as part of his fabulous home-brew multiformat view camera kit.

[Steve M Hostetter]

8x10, 11x14...

[Tintype Bob]

I have an Old Kodak 4x5 view camera 4 speed graphic 4x5 but one is used for tintype only and a 3 1/4 X 4 1/4 speed. not to mention several medium format and many 35s

[eric mac]

4x5 ( Anba Ikeda, Zone VI, and the home brew), 8x10 (Dorff and Wista), 4x10 (home brew Zone VI back), and hopefully 7x17 by the end of the year. I have almost all the parts for my 7x17 project.

Eric

[focalplane]

4x5 Gandolfi Variant III w/3 lenses: 90/150/300 works well for me.

[nathanm]

I have one 4x5 with 3 lenses. My goal is to have one 8x10 camera with 4x5 and 4x10 reducing backs. Although a standalone 4x10 camera wouldn't be bad either, they look pretty slick. I have no "need" for an 8x10, except that my 90mm lens gives me more area than I can get on 4x5 and it bugs me. If not for that temptation I'd be happy with 4x5.

[Drew Bedo]

Two: An early Zone VI (single extension, by Wista) in 4x5, and an 8x10 Kodak Eastman View 2D.

[Richard M. Coda]

4x5 Arca Field - mostly for color, lately
8x10 Arca - all B&W and what I use most of the time now
11x14 Canham/Arca hybrid - I pick it up tomorrow :D - will use for B&W

[shadow images]

Down to zone vi 4x5 and deardorff 8x10

[Lenny Eiger]

I have two, Ebony 4x5SU and Canham 8x10, both very fine cameras. Just got a 300mm Sironar S I am excited about.

This thread has convinced me without question is that Photography, amongst possibly other things, is basically a disease.

;-)

Lenny

[chris_4622]

11x14 Canham/Arca hybrid - I pick it up tomorrow :D - will use for B&W

Richard,

Can you let me know how much this one weighs?

[Richard M. Coda]

Richard,

Can you let me know how much this one weighs?

Will do.

[tim o'brien]

2x3
3x4
4x5
5x7
8x10

I do have 9x12 and a 6x9 Zeiss Platten cameras but have never gotten any film for them.

And one of these days I will put the splitter boards into the 8x10 to make 4x10 negatives.

So 5 1/2

tim in san jose

[Archphoto]

Sinar P2 8x10 inch + rear frame and bellows for 4x5 inch aswell,
Wista monorail 4x5 geathering dust

I mostly use 4x5, 8x10 on occasion both mainly color neg and slide.
I love Velvia........

[Renato Tonelli]

Jim Gali has way too much cameras. I propose that the sends a camera to every 10th replier in this thread.

G

I think this is an excellent idea!

I have/use only one large format: 4x5 (AKA 5x4)

[seawolf66]

G.A.S. has me at one calumet/combo 45n and a Toyo 45CF and Pony Premo #6 4x5 and Voigtlander 6x9 [1949] after that too many lens'es and a few 35mm cameras

[evan clarke]

4x5, 5x7 and 8x10..Evan Clarke

[jb7]

Arca Swiss 4x5,
Arca Irish 8x10.

Shot my first 8x10 negs recently,
but I'm still not set up to process them without introducing a lot of dust-

soon...

[Cesare Berti]

120 - Mamiya 6 & Pentax 6x7
4x5 - Linhof Tech V
5X7 - Deardorff 4x5 special with both backs
8x10 - Deardorff plus 5x7 back

120 and 4x5 get used the most though I'm using 5x7 more and more. Still not sure about 8x10, I love the big negatives but it stays at home more often than not.

[Gary L. Quay]

8x10, 4x5, 9x12cm, 2.25"x3.25"
--Gary

[SamReeves]

Just the 4x5 Tachi.

[cjbroadbent]

3 cameras sizes: 4x5, 5x7, 8x10.
6 Film holder sizes needed to feed them: 4x5 and 10x12 cm, 5x7 and 13x18 cm, 8x10 and 18x24 cm.
3 in actual use: 4x5, 13x18 cm (the only metric size still sold in Europe) and 8x10.

[Filmnut]

I only use my Speed Graphic, but I also own an neat looking 4X5 from the early twentieth century that is brass and mahogany with a red bellows.
That's about it for large format for me!
Keith

[Jimi]

3 in actual use: 4x5, 13x18 cm (the only metric size still sold in Europe) and 8x10.

Metric B/W 9x12 and 18x24 is still sold in Europe, but I am not so sure about the availabilty of colour stock in these sizes.

And, I use the 5x7/13x18 format. That's my thing. :)

[Richard M. Coda]

4x5 Arca Field - mostly for color, lately
8x10 Arca - all B&W and what I use most of the time now
11x14 Canham/Arca hybrid - I pick it up tomorrow :D - will use for B&W

Have photos of my first exposure on the 11x14 hybrid back for my Arca.

http://gallery.me.com/sd92101/100031
Photos courtesy of my friend, the famous Larry Golsh

We don't have any scales in the house, but I estimate the back weighs in around 5-6 lbs. Then add the rail and the front standard/lens of the Arca... still pretty light. Discovered that's a bad thing even with a little breeze. Had to have some help breaking the wind with a dark cloth. Switched formats in just a few minutes.

[nikon_sam]

One format, one camera...
A Zone VI 4x5 (Black Walnut) w/Gold Plated Brass fittings...it's beautiful!!!
A Calumet 6x7 (120 roll film holder) back...
Caltar II lenses 75mm, 90mm, 150mm, 210mm
Just picked up a Kodak Ektar 127mm 4.7 lens and a Zeiss Ikon lens I need to find more info on...
I'll be shooting more of the 6x7 format now that I've figured out a combo of film, developer and paper that I like...
I can shoot and develop 4x5 but limited to contact prints for now...that's why 6x7 is going to be the format for me...looking for a 6x9 holder...

[Darren H]

One.

Once you have an Arca-Swiss you need nothing else.

[Richard M. Coda]

One.

Once you have an Arca-Swiss you need nothing else.

That is true... except a hybrid format larger than Arca makes! :D

[Darren H]

That is true... except a hybrid format larger than Arca makes! :D

Ok, that is one nice way to go bigger! :)

[Nana Sousa Dias]

Shen Hao 4x5, Linof Technika III 45, Kodak 2D 8x10, Cambo Legend 8x10 with 5x7 and 4x5 reducing backs.

Schneider 47, 65, 90, 127, 150, 360
Nikon 210
Rodenstock 360

Durst 139G with 301 CLS Colorhead, De Vere 504 Dichromat.

[sgelb]

120:
rollei 2.8D (i heart this thing)

3x4:
graflex slr

4x5:
cambo wide 900
graflex SLR
speed graphic

8x10
deardorff

have around 7 lenses?

[Alan Davenport]

Just the one format: 4x5.
Two cameras: Tachi and Calumet 540.
Three lenses: 90, 150, 254.

I also have a 120 roll film back (6x7) but that isn't LF...

[Michael_4514]

8x10 An old Empire State with a bad light leak.

18 x 24 cm Something German (Meyer Gorlitz maybe), on a large wooden tripod that weighs about a ton. Takes fine pictures though.

4 x 5. Using mainly an Arca Discovery. Have another Arca, a couple old Calumets, a Linhof Technika, and the usual assortment of Graphics.

3 x 4 Speed Graphic that I've never shot.

[Jon Wilson]

35mm, Medium format 4.5 x 6 (Bronica)and 6x6 (Bronica) and 6x9 (Horsman Back w/ Tachihara), 4x5, 5x7, 8x10, and 11x14. numerous lens....just shy of the number Jim Galli has [not counting his "special" ones]...I just don't have the time to use them as much. :(

[CamShaw74]

Two formats, three cameras.

4x5 - Wista 45VX & Crown Graphic Special
Half-plate - Thornton Pickard Imperial triple extension

[Tin Can]

I use some

I repair some

Some I fondle

[John Kasaian]

These days, 8x10. Some 5x7.

[Michael Graves]

2x3 Graflex RB
3x4 Graflex RB
4x5 Several different models
5x7 three different models
8x10 A field and a monorail

The only camera that gives me "format confusion" is the 8x10 Horseman, because it's controls are a bit different. I only use it as a studio camera, since it weights about 8000 pounds (give or take a couple of tons), but I seldom get much opportunity these days. I might have to take up still life just to use it.

[Havoc]

4 x 5: Wista 45N, 45D and a pinhole camera
3-1/4 x 4-1/4: National Photocolor 3T44
6.5 x 9 : Devin Tricolor (but that's MF I guess)

I do have some 5x7 holders around but no camera to put them in :( Maybe make a pinhole one day.

[Greg]

120
Pentax 67II (fisheye - 500mm)
Noblex PRO 6/150 UX
FUJI GSW690III
Agfa Isolette
Mottweiler P.90 (pan pinhole)

4x5
Sinar Norma + X (65mm - 600mm)

whole plate
Chamonix (90mm SAXL - 600mm)

8x10
Sinar Norma + Chamonix (120mm - 600mm)
pinhole box

11x14
Chamonix (5.9" - 27")
pinhole box

In the winter I pretty much only shoot 120. Come spring through the fall, I use the largest format that I can easily carry to the location. I always carry with me a Linhof multifocus finder with equivalent lenses for 4x5 to 11x14 formats marked on it. "format confusion"... nope. Shoot with only one film: FP4 PLUS which greatly simplifies things.

[Dugan]

6x17
6x18
4x5
5x7
13x18
WP
8x10

[linhofbiker]

120/220
Linhof 220
Fujifilm GW670III
4x5
all being sold to raise money for another project
5x7
Linhof Kardan Bi
4x10
pinhole camera
Linhof Kardan TL with 4x10 back from China

[fotopfw]

Only 4x5" and 8x10" both Sinar P2 left over from the era they brought in money. I have also a Linhof Technika 4x5" that's older than I am.
I do shoot 4x10" with the half slide method, but not that much.

[abruzzi]

I shoot 4 LF formats (hey the title just said how many, not which... ;) )

[rfesk]

Own a bunch of 4x5 and 6x9 cameras but only use 6x9, 4x5, 5x7 backs on an original Toyo Field camera, plus a Busch Pressman 4x5 and a homemade 5x7 P&S.

Other formats: Also own but don't shoot 3x4, 9x12, 8x10.

[Michael Wellman]

4x5, 8x10, 8x20 and 14x17. I'm trying to fight off the urge for an 11x14.

[Dugan]

^^^^but you need an 11x14! :)

[Joseph Kashi]

It's good to see large format remains alive and well.

[Bernice Loui]

5x7, Sinar Norma, P or configured as needed driven by image goals with a fleet of mostly barrel lenses (72mm to 780mm) to support this.

2x3, Linhof Technikardan, usually 120 roll film. Lens focal lengths from 38mm to 500mm.

View camera becomes the preferred tool due to it's ability to apply camera. movements as needed and the attributes of sheet film (5x7). The 2x3 comes into it's own as it allows view camera movements on 120 roll film with GOOD image quality at lower per frame film cost compare to sheet film.

Not used 4x5 or 8x10 in decades.


Bernice

[cp_photo]

I've narrowed it down to a sweet spot for my own purposes.

4x5 - Horseman L45 monorail. Mostly used at home. A great camera and stable/heavy.

5x7 - Argentum Excursor I. This is the camera I bring places. Very lightweight but still very stable, a pleasure to use.

11x14 - Svedovsky with 11x14, 8x10 and 5x7 backs. This camera is a weighty beast and I don't yet have a Ries or other capable tripod for it, so I have mostly been adapting a small writing table as a stand for it and using it in the neighborhood and at home inside and out.

[Serge S]

4x5

5x7

Deardorff with two backs + Linhof MT

[Daniel Unkefer]

9x12cm
4x5
13x18cm
5x7
18x24
8x10

Studio now fully equipped. Twelve Norma LF cameras. 50+ or more shuttered and barrel LF lenses. Not counting 120 cameras and lenses, those are medium format.

I thought I had a lot, until Geoff Berliner and I spoke at length. He has 1500+ LF lenses. Then I felt much better :)

[Monty McCutchen]

10 x 12

7 x 17

20 x 24

Pt/Pd, Wet Plate Collodion

I took a new role in my job a couple of years ago that has been rewarding but in return I gave up quite a bit of discretionary time that my old role provided that allowed for the pace of LF—coupled with a significant increase in international travel. Retirements not as far off as it used to be so I look forward to my large format commitment returning to past levels (still shooting it now but time slots are fewer and spaced out in larger increments). So I recently jumped into a Fujifilm GFX system to accommodate artistic pursuits in conjunction with my travel. Lots to learn on that side of the moat.

Monty

[abruzzi]

Retirements not as far off as it used to be so I look forward to my large format commitment returning to past levels

I'm counting the days 'till my retirement (even though it's currently 2088 days away)!

[Tin Can]

I forget

so I buy another

[Havoc]

I'm counting the days 'till my retirement (even though it's currently 2088 days away)!

Still at least 5475 days to go. That is if they don't change the rules and I make it. Honestly, I'm not counting on either of that. Taking photos when I can using the camera I feel that moment. Going more and more back to medium format these days. I even took out an old MF digital.

[Timothy Blomquist]

One 4x5
Three 8x10

[abruzzi]

Still at least 5475 days to go. That is if they don't change the rules and I make it. Honestly, I'm not counting on either of that. Taking photos when I can using the camera I feel that moment. Going more and more back to medium format these days. I even took out an old MF digital.

fortunately I'm in a old school pension, and they always grandfather people in when they make changes, so I'm not too worried about the rug getting pulled out from under me. Given my overall lack of time, I've actually found that pushes more toward LF (or at least sheet film) because, even with 6x9, I have to shoot 8 shots before I can develop. If I go out on a day off with a 5x7, all I need to take is two shots (I prefer to shoot both side of a film holder before developing.) Of course digital doesn't have those limitations, but I hven't powered on my home computer in 6 months, and I really don't want to. (I work in IT, which has made almost all use of a computer dreary and soul-sucking.)

[Luis-F-S]

4 4x5 Sinar F/P, 2 4x5/5x7 V5, 3 8x10 V8's, 1 11x14 V11; use mostly the 8x10’s

[Jim Noel]

1- 2.25x3.25
3 - 4x5
2 - 5x7
1 - 8x10
1 - 5x12
1 - 7x17
The only one I don't use, or do so rarely is the 2x3

[Serge S]

Hi Jim,

Curious, do you have a preferred format?



1- 2.25x3.25
3 - 4x5
2 - 5x7
1 - 8x10
1 - 5x12
1 - 7x17
The only one I don't use, or do so rarely is the 2x3

[Marco Annaratone]

In descending order of frequency, past two years:

- 12x16
- 8x10
- 14x17
- 4x5

[GG12]

I love this thread. Feel better already.

[John Layton]

Started with 4x5, then added 11x14 - and did this combo for a few years before I added 8x10 - and then 5x7, which is still my go-to format, almost to the exclusion of the other three, although I know I'll be upping my 4x5 use as time passes, and will welcome 11x14 back into the fold, but likely mostly for studio (mostly natural light) still life setups...because, well, these bones is gittin' old! :rolleyes:

[Fermat]

Linhof Technikardan 45s
Chamonix 45H-1

Mario

[Howard Tanger]

I am 7755 days into my retirement. I did 35 years in airline passenger service and am very pleased not to be in that line of work any longer. It does not seem to be a happy work place in recent years. Howard Tanger

[Jody_S]

I love this thread. Feel better already.

Me too. I can't even answer the question, I would have to take an inventory.

[Timothy Blomquist]

1- 2.25x3.25
3 - 4x5
2 - 5x7
1 - 8x10
1 - 5x12
1 - 7x17
The only one I don't use, or do so rarely is the 2x3

I guess I should have mentioned my old 1940's Kodak Monitor folding camera in the 620 format ( 2 1/4 x 3 1/4). Started using that before my 4x5 as a teen, and used that Kodak in college as well.

[RichardRitter]

Do I count cameras that work?
Do I also count cameras that are in pieces and can be made into cameras?

[linhofbiker]

Do I count cameras that work?
Do I also count cameras that are in pieces and can be made into cameras?

I didn't count my 5x7 portrait woody in pieces and new bellows bought 10 years ago but never mounted. The wood/brass cleaned up nicely, so is it a camera or a piece of art?

[JLNims]

Just the one 4x5

[Duolab123]

4x5, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14 inches. I have a basic 6x17 cm Fujica, not really large format but.....

[Kirk Gittings]

Just down to one Phillips 4x5 and one Linhof Super Technica 5x7. They are used frequently. They will probably outlive me.

[Eric Woodbury]

4x5 Chamonix, 5x7 Deardorff, and 8x10 Deardorff. I haven't done much with any of them since the Damndemic. And the 8x10 is up for sale soon. I agree with Kirk.

[ekvinkratz]

I have Omega View 45, a Century 45, a Century 6.5x8.5, my Speed Graphic 4x5, the TravelWide, and an Agfa Record 6x9 (Thanks, Jurgen Kreckel @ www.certo6.com )

[islomane]

4x5 Deardorff Special (2), 5x7 Deardorff (1), 8x10 Deardorff (1), Linhof Master Technika (1), 4x5 Linhof Bi Kardan (2), 5x7 Linhof Bi Kardan (1).

[Ari]

One 8x10, three lenses.
That's it.

[nolindan]

2x3 Zeiss Ideal (?)
4x5 Speed Graphic; Sinar F; Sinar P
5x7 Seneca home portrait, or something to that effect
8x10 Century; Shen Hao

Which ones do I use? The Speed Graphic, Sinar F & Shen Hao.

[jammo]

3 , 4x5, 9x12 until I run out of my expired Agfa APX 100, 5x7, 8x10, all with my darling Normas.
14 x 110-450mm lenses.
5x7 by far my favourite for some reason I can't explain.

[Rick A]

I have a 4x5 Tachihara, a 5x7/4x5 Dorffclone (two backs) and an 8x10 Nagaoka Seisakusho. I shoot 5x7 more than anything, love the aspect ratio, though I would prefer it were 5x8(golden mean).

[darr]

2 Sinar Normas (one for parts), Master Technika 3000, Cambo Wide 650
*Forgot Harman Titan 4x5* :cool:

[Bill Poole]

I have cycled through Canham DLC and Walker Titan over the last few years, and previously through a Plaubel Peco Jr. and a Deardorff 4x5/5x7 which I NEVER should have sold, but at the time, I thought I would never do LF again. (We perhaps need a thread on "cameras I never should have sold."

Currently Chamonix 45 H-1 and a Linhof Tech V. The Chamonix I bought new, intrigued by the ease of set-up, and for the focal lengths I shoot it is dandy. The Linhof I am keeping for the moment because it of its regidity and longer bellows draw, and because I don't want to add another camera to the "wish I hadn't sold" list. I really would like to get back to 5x7 at some point, but the next project is getting set up for contact printing.

[RyanBuckPhoto]

Auto graflex 3x4 slr, 4x5 speed graphic, 4x5 omegaview monorail, 8x10 Ansco studio with 5x7 back, 5x7 multi back (2 3.5x5 images per sheet) and 8x10 back. I’ve been enjoying working with the packard shutter on the 8x10 so I put one on a lensboard for the omegaview as well.

[newt]

Gosh, I dont know really. I have linhof 8x10 and 4x5, a horseman 4x5, a newtonview 4x5, another that I think is called a crown view 4x5 (it is wood), theres another 8x10 mahogany thing from turn of century, that might even be called a century camera, has a 3 wheeled stand thing, takes up too much space, not to mention the things I have turned into 8x10 pinhole cameras.... too many, or not enough.

[MAubrey]

Too many?

35mm, MF in 645, 66,69

4x5, 5x7, & 11x14.

Trying to convince myself to either get out of 4x5 or 6x9.

[archphotofisher]

Sinar F 4x5

Sinar p 4x5,5x7 and 8x10
the 5x7 and 8x10 get the most use.

[neil poulsen]

Three: Definitely 6x9 and 4x5. I'm selling all my 8x10 lenses, but will likely keep my 8x10 for a particular project.

4x5 is black and white.

6x9 is primarily for digital color, though I'm using all film lenses with this camera. So, medium format film is a nice option for this camera.

[rjmeyer314]

4x5, 5x7, 6 1/2 x 8 1/2, 8x10, 11x14

[mpaniagua18]

Just 6x9 (Horseman) and 4x5 (Tachihara)

[jnantz]

I own a few but do mostly cameraless things now, for use, the last format I used was a 4x5 box camera

[John Kasaian]

4x5, 5x7, 8x10, 12x20. It's got to be some kind of disease.:rolleyes:

[rfesk]

Five -- 2 1/4 X 3 1/2, 9 X 12, 4X5, 5X7, 8X10.

I find that 4X5 to be the best, around LF for my use and I use it at least 90% of the time.

The 9X12 is an old much-modified plate camera with two lenses and is used strictly when traveling by air. The 5X7 has the best aspect ratio for landscapes. I have never taken a photo with my 8X10 Century Universal.

I use my Toyo 4 3/4x6 1/2 original field with 6x9, 4x5 and 5x7 backs mostly but also a Busch Pressman 4x5 when a rangefinder will be useful.

[tdicorcia]

I use my Toyo 4 3/4x6 1/2 original field with 6x9, 4x5 and 5x7 backs mostly but also a Busch Pressman 4x5 when a rangefinder will be useful.

I have a Toyo Field 4 3/4 x 6 1/2. It came with a 4x5 back. I bought a "new-old stock" half-plate back for it. And I have a whole plate adapter (which weighs as much as the camera). I'm slowly working on making a 5x7 back for it, because I have never seen a 5x7 back made for this camera, although rumor has it that there was one. Is your 5x7 back a Toyo product made for this camera? If so, I would be *very* interested in seeing a picture of it.

[bourvil]

OK, my confession starts here: :-)

Toyo 45A, GX and VX 125 for 4x5, Canham Wooden Field for 5x7 and 5x4 as well and Toyo F810MII and Deardorff 810 for 8x10. I have an old German 18x24 wooden camera as well, which is used mainly for wet-plate. And German studio Stella camera as well - this is not used frequently but is ideal candidate for wet plate or serious portraiture work. Deardorff is currently trying to find the new home but the rest seem to be the stable crew...

[redrockcoulee]

I have a 4X5 Shen Hao and a Seneca Whole Plate with a 5X7 back. My wife has two 4X5 and one 5X7 pinhole cameras plus lots of tin cans that range between 4X5 and about 10X17

[Tin Can]

Plenty

[Dave Wooten]

Adequate

[r.e.]

Arca-Swiss configurable for 4x5 and 8x10

[nc-teesquare]

6x9, 6x17, 4x5, 5x7, 4x10, whole plate, 8x10

[rfesk]

I have a Toyo Field 4 3/4 x 6 1/2. It came with a 4x5 back. I bought a "new-old stock" half-plate back for it. And I have a whole plate adapter (which weighs as much as the camera). I'm slowly working on making a 5x7 back for it, because I have never seen a 5x7 back made for this camera, although rumor has it that there was one. Is your 5x7 back a Toyo product made for this camera? If so, I would be *very* interested in seeing a picture of it.

Just noticed this post. I think I have seen photos on the web of the factory back in the past. A search may find something. My back is wooden back from an old 5x7 Burke & James view camera.

[John Layton]

In order of current preferences starting with the most frequently used: 5x7, 4x5, 11x14, 8x10. (BTW...I don't consider anything less than 4x5 to be LF).

In my dreams I'd be adding either 16x20 or 20x24 to this...and just might sharpen a few tools sometime this fall. Then again...holders and lenses...hmmm. (might try DIY-ing some holders)

The format which has me very intrigued at this point is whole plate (6 1/2 X 8 1/2), from which I'd make enlargements. With this in mind, I sometimes kick myself for not having sold my other kidney and just gone with a Heiland 8x10 VC LED unit instead of my current 5x7 one, which I'd sold a Hassy SWC to finance (which kinda felt like selling a kidney!) I guess I could look into DIY-ing a VC LED light source to cobble onto my DIY horizontal 8x10 enlarger (DIY this, DIY that...jeeesh!) - but the 5x7 Heiland has me completely spoiled!

At any rate...perhaps WP is a bit close to 5x7 anyway - but I do love the aspect ratio!

[jnantz]

BTW...I don't consider anything less than 4x5 to be LF).


uh oh..

[Sal Santamaura]

...BTW...I don't consider anything less than 4x5 to be LF...


uh oh..

Why "uh oh" John? That's exactly how this forum officially defines large format. Anything smaller is by site rule relegated to The Lounge. :)

[Kirk Gittings]

Plenty

good answer.

I long ago decided I needed fewer cameras but more film, gas, time to make meaningful images.

[Bernice Loui]

For the last three decades it's been vast majority 5x7 or 13x18cm..
4x5 stopped in the late 1990's. Most recent is 6x9 via 120 roll film on the TK23s.


Bernice

[gypsydog]

This question should fall into the realm of don't ask don't tell.

[Dave Wooten]

I remember you and Les fondly from that Apug organization at Bob Carne's! What a great time!

[tdicorcia]

Just noticed this post. I think I have seen photos on the web of the factory back in the past. A search may find something. My back is wooden back from an old 5x7 Burke & James view camera.

Thank you. Every instance I've seen so far of a 5x7 back on the Toyo Field is a "borrowed" back. I've looked around the Toyo (Sakai Special Machine Co., Ltd.) Website quite a bit. They are still in business, but I don't think they have anything of this vintage on their site any more.

In the time since I last posted, I designed and 3D printed a 5x7 back for the Toyo Field 4 3/4 x 6 1/2 camera. See photo. I am still refining the design. This version uses sliders, which don't work well-enough in plastic. I am going to print another design that uses borrowed spring back hardware.

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