Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/03/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Dan: I frequently carry a mamiya 6 around my neck for hours, and hike miles with one. It's lighter than many 35mm SLRs including the R8. Tom >The idea that 35mm can equal med and large format in terms of >TECHNICAL quality is a bit of a non-starter. Just based on the math >alone 35mm is way behind. Saddling yourself with 25 speed film to >trying to equal the qualities of a larger format negates much of the >purpose of 35mm. (portability, ease of use and spontaneity) > >That said, the 35mm format makes avenues of photography possible >that would be impossible with larger equipment. > >Here are some facts: > >1. Large formats ARE capable of higher TECHNICAL image quality than >35mm when we are talking about equal print sizes...but... > >2. Few people want to carry a Mamiya 6x7 or Hassleblad around their >neck for 8-12 hours a day. > >3. A camera that you have with you takes much better pictures than >one you don't. > >I encourage photographers to view photo's from med and large formats >next to 35mm work. (A great example would be Stuart Franklins >recent panaroma shots in National Geographic). It would take a >pretty poor set of eyes not to notice the TECHNICAL quality >differences. Remember, it is not just the LENS that creates the >quality impression, but the degree of enlargement of the FILM. >Tonality and color saturation are some of the reasons why "Big film" >can't be beat TECHNICALLY. > >Any film format is a quality compromise. Going from 8X10 to 4X5 is >a compromise. Going from 4X5 to 35mm is a compromise. It is up to >the photographer to determine when those compromises become >unacceptable and to work within his or her own standards. > >Best Wishes >Dan States > > > >______________________________________________________ >Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com Thomas Kachadurian - ------------------- www.kachadurian.com