What is your preferred format in which to photograph, and why?
Thinking about it, I would have to say that mine is 4x5.
I have others: medium format, 5x7, and 8x10. But, there's something about 4x5 that's special. It's a nice cross between convenience, expense, and availability. Yet, a 4x5 negative is large enough to obtain beautiful tonalities in smaller photographs.
In addition to liking the 4x5 size, I would have to say that 4x5 is my favorite aspect ratio. I can handle 4x3; but, 5x7 is a bit long for my tastes. And, I really dislike the 2x3 aspect ratio of 35mm photography. (Digital or film. Yuk!)
I also like processing 4x5 negatives in the darkroom. Larger than 4x5 negatives become a little cumbersome. But, 4x5 is large enough for individual sheet processing. It's nice having control over each negative.
It helps that I really like my particular 4x5 camera. It's a delight to use.
With this said, I'm fond of medium format. One can do nice work with medium format; yet, it's compact. That said, paradoxically, medium format camera outfits can be heavier than 4x5 outfits. The lenses are often larger in medium format, and carrying multiple medium format film holders is kind of a drag.
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