Best Format?

[ibuprofen]

I've tried to figure out how to make this less of a loaded question but I don't think that's possible.

What is the best large format in terms of brand new equipment availability? I was thinking about 5x7, but it looks like the only newly manufactured film holders are $120/ea., and you could wait weeks for delivery.

So, what are thoughts on 4x5 and 8x10?

[Jmarmck]

Yes, you will find an infinite number of answers here.
From my perspective it would be 4x5. More available film, cheaper equipment, better availability of gear.
From a quality perspective, that is one I will not get into. But larger is always better?
From an artsy perspective perhaps some of the wet plate stuff but I do not know much about it. But it seems to be more susceptible to interpretation that the film work.

[Kirk Gittings]

From my perspective it would be 4x5. More available film, cheaper equipment, better availability of gear.

plus lighter weight, more development options etc. I have also owned 6x9 and 8x10 but always come back to 4x5. For a cost/benefit/portability POV I think probably 5x7 is very good too, but I would worry about film costs down the line as the volume sold is significantly smaller than 4x5. As far as off-the-shelf availability vs. custom ordering for film 4x5 and 8x10 are the most common and will be readily available the longest.

[John Kasaian]

For economics, selection and portability, it's got to be 4x5, but "best" is a sterile, cold blooded term when used like that.
What is "best" is what you find you can do your "best" with. For me it's 8x10

[Alan Gales]

Why do you need new film holders? There are plenty of perfectly good used ones out there for a lot less money. I own 10 8x10 holders and 10 4x5 holders. All were purchased used.

[Robert Oliver]

The best format is the one you are shooting.... (And are equipped to shoot)

I prefer 4x5 in the field and 8x10 in the studio...

[William Whitaker]

What are your goals? Color or B&W? What is your desired workflow? Contact print, enlarge, scan? There are a lot of considerations...

[vinny]

Why new you ask?
Because some folks just want new stuff. Some like a brand new car and some like brand new camera equipment. Why pay $5/holder for old ones when you can pay $100+ for a new one. Plus, this keeps companies who support us in business.

[gregmo]

I own both 4x5 & 8x10, but prefer the more rectangular aspect ratio of 5x7..so it gets used the most.

[Greg Y]

I agree, in some respects 4x5 is king, but I sold my 8x10 when I got a Durst 138 and an '38 Deardorff 5x7. 5x7 is a lovely rectangle, results in really nice small contact prints (yes...the love of Azo & Amidol) & the 35sq inches makes for very smooth enlargements. I do have a 4x5 reducing back, & with the price of 5x7 TMY2 over $200/box....I've been using it lately. The 4x5 back with a 450 makes for nice telephotos of distant mountains (say the Tetons from the road by the Snake River).