5x7 vs 8x10 as next step from 4x5??

[mikewhi]

Hi:

First, 5x7 us a GREAT format; however, without an enlarger I would not want it to be my largest format. If you can't enlarge 5x7, I'd go with an 8x10 and add on a 5x7 reducing back later. 8x10 is definitely not too large to start out with.

Have fun!

-Mike

 

[bobfowler]

OK, I admit... I've only glanced through the previous responses...

I love the 5X7 format. I also shoot 4X5 and 8X10, but to me, 5X7 is the ideal format for both landscape work and for portraiture.

 

[morkolv]

oops! I guess I just bought another camera...

Not exactly consensus in this matter ??? What a surprise

So after I yesterday was pretty sure that it was right to start with 8x10 and not 5x7, a large number of You came with very convincing arguments for 5x7. Ole even offered to do some 5x7 enlargements for me, as well as 13x18 cm plate camera.


And this morning while surfing the LF section of the auction site, I found this camera and it looked like a nice first camera in 5x7 without breaking the bank... I sure that there will be larger cameras in due time... )

Now off to find some film...

Thanks all of you for the ALL of the advice and arguments!!

All the best

 

[Nick Zentena]

If you don't want really wide lenses that camera will be great. Don't expect to use a 90mm but other then that issue it's a nice camera. Good price to.

 

[ChuckP]

I think if you can't enlarge 5x7 go with the 8x10. Also do it while you are able to carry the weight. That won't last forever and you'll always wonder what if? I've pretty much dropped out of regular use of 8x10 and gone to 5x7. I can carry that outfit but 8x10 needs a cart. But I can enlarge 5x7. Also like the shape better.

 

[Amund]

Wow, you got a lot for your $199 there!!!! Congratulations!
But, you will eventually want a 8x10...

 

[Ole]

Hmmm... Time for a Norwegian 13x18 / 5x7" gathering? Mid- to late August is a fine time for me

I'll participate with 2 cameras, lots of holders, lots of film, and more lenses than even I thought I had!

 

[mmcclellan]

I bought one of those old Ansco 5.7 cameras and it's great! I got mine with a convertible Schneider on eBay, everything working great and in excellent condition, for $350. With this in a backpack, I have "two" lenses, the camera, several film holders, and I can hike all day. I strongly recommend getting one of these as it's probably the best value for the money you can find. The camera is a little bulky and a little clunky, but if it's in good shape, it will serve you well for years to come.

 

[mmcclellan]

Check out this fine offering on eBay!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7531736566&category=15248&ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1 Get everything you want in one convenient package. )

 

[John Kasaian]

Michael,

At last count I have three of these little jewels I've collected for a photo class I'm planning for he local adult school. Very nice cameras and built like tanks! Quite a value, too, but when I shoot for my own work, thats when I unleash the 8x10 beast!

 

[Ole]

Here http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7531407904&category=30076&rd=1 is why I now have two 5x7" cameras: I wanted an iris lens holder, and found out it was cheaper to buy an old camera with a holder than to buy the holder alone.

 

[Amund]

Hmmm... Time for a Norwegian 13x18 / 5x7" gathering? Mid- to late August is a fine time for me

I'll participate with 2 cameras, lots of holders, lots of film, and more lenses than even I thought I had!

Hm, I can bring the 5x7" back for the 2D

 

[morkolv]

Hmmm... Time for a Norwegian 13x18 / 5x7" gathering? Mid- to late August is a fine time for me

How about the weekend 19-21 August ?
Where ??
And only 5x7 or LF to attract more LF belivers?

;-)

 

[Ole]

How about the weekend 19-21 August ?
Where ??
And only 5x7 or LF to attract more LF belivers?

;-)

19-21 August suits me fine. Location - anywhere? I admit I'm partial to the west coast, but as that extends inland about half way to Oslo it shouldn't be a problem to meet somewhere deep in the fjords. Ulvik? Lærdal? Stryn?

5x7" / 13x18 primarily, but bigger things are also welcome - especially if I get my 30x40 in time!

 

[Ole]

NOOOOO!!

19-21 August suits me not at all - it's my opera weekend! We have tickets for both Aïda and Chess here in Bergen... Anyone else is welcome to come here, but I'm busy two of those nights.

Weekend before or after, or any other days?

 

[Ole]

A short notice has been posted on foto.no to see if there are more interested people. We might actually pull this off!

 

[k_jupiter]

Check out this fine offering on eBay!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7531736566&category=15248&ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1 Get everything you want in one convenient package. )

Interesting, only 5 bids, all 5 snipes, all within 8 seconds of each other. Good price.

tim in san jose

 

[k_jupiter]

Hmmm... Time for a Norwegian 13x18 / 5x7" gathering? Mid- to late August is a fine time for me

I'll participate with 2 cameras, lots of holders, lots of film, and more lenses than even I thought I had!

You're going to use both days of summer for a 5x7 gathering? You guys ARE dedicated.

tim in san jose