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Format regret..?

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ToddB

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Hey guys,

Last friday I was on my home from work and always I have my trusty cameras. Typically in August and September the skies on New Mexico have these dramatic clouds and skies. I decided to pull over to this cemetery that i pass everyday. Everything was in place. I shot with my Canon QL17 GIII, I pulled off some amazing shots. I've been having a slight case of regret in regards of I should of shot with MF to really exploit it. Have you ever had regret on the choice of format. Below is one a several image from that stop. I'm still pleased, and confidant that I can print a a nice 8x10 or even a 11x14 print and have something nice to frame.
 

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You have a great little camera there, solid, and one that nets you very fine negatives. That scene does seem to be made for a Rolleiflex but be glad you had your Canon ready to shoot.
 
Better than the shot you didn't get because you didn't haul the MF gear with you due to it's bulk or inconvenience.
 
Very nice!!
 
It if often to hot in Phoenix to keep a film camera in the car, during the winter I carry a 35mm with few lens, there have been times I have regretted not keeping a MF or LF in the trunk. On the other hand, setting up a MF or LF kit takes more time, a 35mm can grab a shoot that I might lose setting up.
 
I agree it is an awesome shot and a very fine scan from what must be a great negative. Coming back to your question, I figure if the weight and size of a MF camera is to bulky for you and would not make you bring any camera, stick with your 35mm. I have been in a similar situation a few times and in the end ditched all my 35mm gear and opted for a Rolleiflex, which is small and light enough to be my everyday carry and with 6x6 a good compromise on the negative size for decent prints.
 
the odds of having the wrong lens on the camera are doubled when you carry two lenses. Ditto when you have multiple formats -- you ALWAYS second guess.

But as others have noted, you do the best with what you have in hand. With modern films, that's usually pretty darn good no matter what.
 
ToddB said:
Hey guys,

Last friday I was on my home from work and always I have my trusty cameras. Typically in August and September the skies on New Mexico have these dramatic clouds and skies. I decided to pull over to this cemetery that i pass everyday. Everything was in place. I shot with my Canon QL17 GIII, I pulled off some amazing shots. I've been having a slight case of regret in regards of I should of shot with MF to really exploit it. Have you ever had regret on the choice of format. Below is one a several image from that stop. I'm still pleased, and confidant that I can print a a nice 8x10 or even a 11x14 print and have something nice to frame.
Click to expand...

I often feel the same. It's like lunch bag let down.
 
summicron1 said:
the odds of having the wrong lens on the camera are doubled when you carry two lenses.
Click to expand...

No, odds are the same if you own two lenses and left of them at home. No? :smile:
 
summicron1 said:
the odds of having the wrong lens on the camera are doubled when you carry two lenses. Ditto when you have multiple formats -- you ALWAYS second guess.

But as others have noted, you do the best with what you have in hand. With modern films, that's usually pretty darn good no matter what.
Click to expand...

The odds are halved of having the wrong lens with you. Switching lenses is easy enough.
 
Thanks guys, I'm very happy with image and the Neg is rock solid. Just debating print size. 8x10 or 11x14. Going in darkroom very shortly.

ToddB
 
My first AF lens was a 28-200 f/3.5-4.5, so I didn't have the problem of having the wrong focal length lens on the camera in most situations. My problem is that the films I like to shoot tend to come in only 36 exp. rolls, so I end up having the wrong film (B&W vs color) in the camera. I guess I need to get a second Pentax body so I can shoot B&W in one and color in the other!
 
Very nice shot there.:smile:

To answer your question: Yes, I regret selling my lenses intended for 8x10 but I must remain realistic about that decision. I can't carry a bulky/heavy camera kit anymore... can't even walk more than a few yards. So, "regret" may bet the wrong word regarding my recent decision. Regret should apply to the last thirty years of having completely subdued my desires to keep up with my personal photography interests.
 
I no longer suffer "format regret". But then, I no longer use 35mm film. I had a good 34 year run with that film, but eventually had to "focus" my efforts. So, now I use two types of manufactured film . . . 120 and sheet. There's plenty that can be done using just those two. Never a dull moment.
 
You can do a lot with 35mm. Heck, you can do a lot with a 120 or 620 box camera. You just have to know the camera's limitations.
 
When given a lemon, make lemonade!

The shot is excellent. Don't regret not having a larger format, work with it!

1) Maybe a 6x8 print, with a large mat and an 11x14 frame

2) Make a tryptich with two other prints on a related subect

3) make an interneg, and blow that up

4) make an 8x10 anyway . . . I think that neg will hold up

5) even shoot it again, one day if possible.

I see nothing wrong with it as is, and where there is a will, there is a way!
 
No problems with format regret, although some times I wish I had a different lens with me.

I have experienced "wrong speed" and "wish it was loaded with slide/colour print/black and white film" regret though.
 
I would think you could easily make possibly three different 11 x 14s from that scene. The old saying: "f8 and be there" only applies if you have a camera with you and you certainly did. Nice picture.
 
Excellent shot. I'm reminded of Moonrise over Hernandez (the story behind that is cool). We can't all drive around with 8x10 equipment, but it could've been worse: having just a cellphone camera. I'm guilty of that.
 
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