Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 35

Thread: 4x5 vs 5x7

  1. #1

    4x5 vs 5x7

    I probably won't do either one for some time...but I'm thinking of going large format and I'm curious about the difference in logistical challenges and general convenience between 4x5 and 5x7.

    I'm currently shooting 35mm and medium format. I don't generally enlarge enoug to justify going to large format, but I came across some contact prints in 5x7 not long ago that have me suddenly thinking there really is a reason for me to go large.
    I haven't seen 4x5 contact prints, so I can't be certain...but even the 5x7s seemed on the edge of small to be effective as contact prints. So I'm assuming 4x5 may be too small.

    Of course I know that the gear is proportionaly larger and more expensive...I'm just wondering how much more inconvenient it all is.

    Thanks

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    1,424

    Re: 4x5 vs 5x7

    To me, 5x7 has always seemed like a format that is neither here nor there... If you're going to carry a 5x7 camera, you may as well add another pound or two and shoot 8x10.

    But that's just me...

  3. #3
    Whatever David A. Goldfarb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
    Location
    Honolulu, Hawai'i
    Posts
    4,658

    Re: 4x5 vs 5x7

    Many 4x5" cameras are really 5x7" cameras with 4x5" backs, so they're not necessarily larger. 4x5" equipment, though, is much more widely available, and you have more film choices. 5x7" makes a nicer sized contact print, and would be a better choice if you want to scan with a flatbed scanner. If you're going to enlarge conventionally, 4x5" enlargers are much more ubiquitous and cheap.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    1,952

    Re: 4x5 vs 5x7

    Quote Originally Posted by dazedgonebye View Post
    I probably won't do either one for some time...but I'm thinking of going large format and I'm curious about the difference in logistical challenges and general convenience between 4x5 and 5x7.

    I'm currently shooting 35mm and medium format. I don't generally enlarge enoug to justify going to large format, but I came across some contact prints in 5x7 not long ago that have me suddenly thinking there really is a reason for me to go large.
    I haven't seen 4x5 contact prints, so I can't be certain...but even the 5x7s seemed on the edge of small to be effective as contact prints. So I'm assuming 4x5 may be too small.

    Of course I know that the gear is proportionaly larger and more expensive...I'm just wondering how much more inconvenient it all is.

    Thanks
    IMO, 5x7 is a great format and I find the aspect ratio very pleasing. It's not that much more difficult than 4x5 but is more bulky but nearly as much as hauling and feeding 8x10 gear. The image quality is noticebly better than 4x5, though 4x5 can produce great results too.

    The Chamonix 5x8 is an interesting format as well.

    Don Bryant

  5. #5

    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Westminster, MD
    Posts
    1,653

    Re: 4x5 vs 5x7

    It just doesn't matter.

    Use what matches your photographic vision.
    When I grow up, I want to be a photographer.

    http://www.walterpcalahan.com/Photography/index.html

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Kingwood, Texas USA
    Posts
    274

    Re: 4x5 vs 5x7

    dazed, I recently began shooting 5x7 having already been down the 45 and 810 route.

    IMO, 57 is soooooooo much more appealing to the eye and mind after being conditioned from a lifetime of the 35mm aspect ratio

    i totally disagree with the size/weight comparison with 810 - but that is my opinion

  7. #7

    Re: 4x5 vs 5x7

    As has been pointed out in this thread, choose a format that has an aspect ratio that appeals to you. I recently got a Chamonix 5x8 for just that reason. The weight and bulk can be considerations, but the first step is establishing which aspect ratio best fits your vision and making other decisions (weight, bulk, cost...) according to your circumstances. You may well find that the inconvenience of a larger format is offset by the satisfaction of your experience.

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Westport Island, Maine
    Posts
    1,236

    Re: 4x5 vs 5x7

    5x7 contact prints are delicious. 4x5 contact prints are jewels. If you have only one format to do, however, I'd go 5x7.
    Bruce Barlow
    author of "Finely Focused" and "Exercises in Photographic Composition"
    www.brucewbarlow.com

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Kingwood, Texas USA
    Posts
    274

    Re: 4x5 vs 5x7

    dazed, holders (lack of) have been a magor issue until recently - Calumet is now selling brand new ones - 57 holders are dramatically smaller than 810

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    San Joaquin Valley, California
    Posts
    9,597

    Re: 4x5 vs 5x7

    I like the more rectangular format for landscapes and portraits---IMHO 5x7 has the same feeling as 11x14 but is far more affordable to shoot. Many of the old 4x5 woodies like the Agfa Ansco, and B&J are actually dual format 4x5/5x7 so all you might need is a 5x7 back and holders!
    "I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority"---EB White

Similar Threads

  1. 4 x5 or 5 x7
    By Robin Campbell in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 46
    Last Post: 4-Mar-2008, 15:52
  2. Burke & James 5x7 / 4x5
    By Pete Watkins in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 17-Aug-2007, 18:14
  3. Shen Hao 5x7 and 4x5 lensboard and lenses
    By Luca Merlo in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 28-Apr-2005, 09:09
  4. New to LF 4x5 vs. 5x7
    By Steve zippilli in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 26-Jan-2002, 05:21
  5. State of the art large format lenses for 4x5 and 5x7
    By Eugene H. Johnson in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 26-Dec-1997, 22:46

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •