Hi's from Japan

[AL-Romaithi]

My name is Ghanem AL Romaithi. I started D-SLR in 2007, but now I kind of went the other way. I own Canon EOS 5D, 5D Mark II, 1V, 1Ds Mark III. Kowa 6. and now I am planing to buy Ebony Camera either the 4x5 or 5X7. I joined to seek help on deciding which model to buy, and hopefully learn from others. I am new to Large format. Any kind of things I should be concern about?

Thanks,a

[Vick Vickery]

Welcome to group therepy. :) The 5x7 format is one I've always liked...great aspect ratio and much like the 35mm's which I have used a lot, but the 4x5 has one big advantage: availability of film. 4x5 film is made in many more emulsions than any other sheet size and is much more likely to be found in a camera store (yeah, I know we all usually order it) in a pinch than any other sheet film size. Maybe the ideal situation for you would be an Ebony 5x7 with an extra back in 4x5??? Only a little more weight to carry around! Good luck...shoot lots!

[Renato Tonelli]

Welcome. I agree with Vick: Buy a 5x7 with a 4x5 reduction back. It depends on, of course, what aspect ratio you prefer - more rectangular like a 5x7 or more square like the 4x5. Ebony makes beautiful cameras.

[AL-Romaithi]

Welcome to group therepy. :) The 5x7 format is one I've always liked...great aspect ratio and much like the 35mm's which I have used a lot, but the 4x5 has one big advantage: availability of film. 4x5 film is made in many more emulsions than any other sheet size and is much more likely to be found in a camera store (yeah, I know we all usually order it) in a pinch than any other sheet film size. Maybe the ideal situation for you would be an Ebony 5x7 with an extra back in 4x5??? Only a little more weight to carry around! Good luck...shoot lots!

Thanks Vick for the welcome. at first i was going for the 4X5. but at the last moment, my friend told me why not to go for the 5X7 and get a reducing back to 4X5 so i would have both sizes. I contacted Ebony yesterday and I asked for a quote. man, I was shocked when I checked my E-mail this morning. $1000 for the reducing back!! I was going to buy both at once. but now, i have to start saving agin. About the size, who said that size dose not matter. It dose. i guess i should learn how to cut my own film. buy 8X10 and cut them to size.

[AL-Romaithi]

Welcome. I agree with Vick: Buy a 5x7 with a 4x5 reduction back. It depends on, of course, what aspect ratio you prefer - more rectangular like a 5x7 or more square like the 4x5. Ebony makes beautiful cameras.

Hi Renato,
From what I have learned from different sites, that the aspect ratio matters. if i will be shooting black & white, the 5X7 are much appealing to the eye then the 4X5. the details will be amazing. also if i am making contact prints.

[Vick Vickery]

OK...so you didn't check on the Ebony prices first :) ...quite a shock, huh? Well, you can still look at used or you can look at other brands, many of which are significantly less expensive than Ebony. Due to my subject matter (architecture), I went with a Cambo 4x5 rail camera that I got for less than $200 used and started with a fairly inexpensive "normal" lens of about 160mm (now I have lenses ranging from 65mm to 350mm...it always ends up expensive); I've added other cameras and lenses as they were needed. Have fun!!!