A few comments:
Remember, the prime reason to use 4x5 has nothing to do with sales,
attitude, or account execs (the lowest form of carbon based life), it has
everything to do with movements. There are few cameras aside from 4x5 (and
up) that have any movements at all, and none with the full range. Remember,
the 24 and 35 lenses are _shift_ lenses only. Canon has a T&S or two, and I
have had occasion to use one. Although the tilt is better than none at all,
it allows only the most basic of DOF control. And remember, there's back
movements, too.
I know several pros that use 6x9 backs on their view cameras, simply to gain
the perspective control.
Sure, there are times when a 4x5 is used when a MF would do, but until you
see the results, either in a large print (Remember, many clients will need
really large prints, measured in feet, for displays) or on a lightbox, you
can't imagine what is possible, given the right photographer. Also,
remember, the practice of the Zone system is practical only with sheet film.
Oh, and I've never seen one of the 8x10 chromes that Playboy uses for the
foldout, but I sure would like to.
Does this mean that there are less than well skilled "pros" using 4x5 as a
marketing tool? Of course but don't discount the medium. Does this mean that
I am giving up the OM for 4x5? Absolutely not. As most of my work is
industrial, it would be foolish. Of course, most of my industrial work is
MF...and I can see the difference. That said, I've gotten some remarkable
prints, up to 20x24, from 35.
On the subject of National Geographic: They used to use Kodachrome
exclusively, but no longer do. The recent television special about a NG
photog showed a lot of green boxes. I've also read interviews where they
mention using a lot of Velvia. Remember, film is but one of the tools in
your creative pallette.
On the subject of display transparencies: Your lab requires a negative
because they are most likely using the most common medium for this, Kodak
Duratrans. It is made specifically for this purpose, and is basicly the same
emulsion as paper for prints from negatives, coated on a translucent base.
Most people who use these fabricate their own lightboxes, using flourescent
tubes. Most common uses for Duratrans are displays that are built into a
specific location, such as disolays in airports. I did see, in a gallery,
that an artist had made Duratrans lampshades. They were quite interesting.
Bill Pearce
< This message was delivered via the Olympus Mailing List >
< For questions, mailto:owner-olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx >
< Web Page: http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright/olympuslist.html >
|