Originally Posted by
agregov
I think there is something to be said of staying cheap while spinning up in a new format, especially with all the potential accessory costs to get going (film holders, lens boards, lenses with the right coverage, etc). I began large format with a Tachihara 4x5, a great starter camera. Only then did I see I needed something like an Arca for my shooting needs (architecture). As we all know, 5x7 is not the easiest format to get in to. Color film is special order only and enlargers are hard hard to come by or take up too much space. Contact prints work well. But it's a more special format these days and I think it's better to test the waters with a cheaper camera system first before heading off in more involved directions or more $$. I'm an odd duck as I have a F compact 4x5 with 5x7 and 8x10 conversion kits which I slowly acquired over some years. They work great. But there is also something to be said for having a camera all ready to go in a backpack--just grab it and go. You can't do that with the modular camera systems--first you need to swap front/rear standards and bellows, then reconfigure your backpack or carrying case for the larger or smaller camera and grab the right lenses. It's by no means hard, but it's another thing to do that gets in the way of shooting. Also, swapping in the field is pain--I never do it.
+1 on the Arca 8x10 conversion not anywhere near as solid as the 4x5 and 5x7. The 8x10 standards on standard F function carriers just don't feel as solid when in 8x10 mode (on a collapsable rail in my case). I recall Rod suggesting a standard rail for more rigidity. I'm sure an 8x10 setup could be made more solid.
I do think there is something to using an Arca in a non modular way. Get a monorail camera for what it's great at (eg. subjects needing precise movements) and use other cameras like a wood folder or non folder for light, quicker work in the field. With specific respect to the 5x7 Arca, I'd call Rod and ask him about availablilty (full camera or conversion). If it's still being produced, picking up an inexpensive 5x7 for a year and shooting a lot will help justify an Arca purchase. The 5x7 form factor in the Arca F is really a beautiful camera. 5x7 ground glass is wonderful to compose on, I like it best over 4x5 or 8x10. What keeps me from using 5x7 more is a simply a dedicated enlarger. I easily prefer 5x7 over 8x10. The 8x10 format is tough to use as a field camera--so heavy. That makes my 4x5 F compact my most used of the three at the moment.
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