Large format cameras for great photos

Large format cameras refers to those cameras that use a film or digital sensor that is 4 x 5 inches or larger. Most common in use today are the 4 x 5 and the 8 x 10 inches. Control of a large format camera is typically done by moving the front and or the back of the camera. In this fashion the photographer has more control over perspective and depth of field. These adjustments take time and the process is more adaptive to still life photography. Focusing is generally accomplished by composing the scene on the camera's ground glass. Once this is accomplished the film holder or digital camera back is fitted to the camera and the photograph is recorded.

Probably one of the best known photographers to use the large format photography is Ansel Adams. Many others have used the large format camera for their work in fine art or outdoor photography. The basic reason for using a large format camera is to get wide angle pictures. When a large format telephoto lens is used the angle of coverage is reduced. The large format telephoto lens comes mostly into play with using long focal lengths which maximizes the camera bellows. By introducing a large format telephoto lens the camera will use only about 2/3 of the bellows that would have been used by a regular lens. Large format telephoto lens tend to be much more expensive that regular lens and produce less coverage (one of the primary reasons for using large format).

As stated earlier, focus and depth of field are accomplished by maneuvering both the front and the back of the camera. With the introduction of a large format telephoto lens the front requires considerably more tilt to capture the image. These lens are not necessarily more compact or lighter than conventional lens.

Lens manufactured by Fuji, Nikon, Rodenstock, and Schneider all tested about the same in using the apertures necessary for large format camera work. When moving into color work you should insure that the lens is multicoated if you are going to shoot in bright sunlight. A single coated lens works just as well when shaded.