If you are passionate about photography and love learning new skills, it may be time to swap to a different camera. 35mm may be the standard and the easiest to learn, but there are plenty of other cameras out there for you to master if you’re looking for a challenge. Take, for instance, the large format camera – when wielded properly, these machines can yield detailed and beautiful prints that are simply not possible with smaller film.

Large Format Concerns

Shooting with a large format camera is very, very different that with a 35mm. With a large format camera you still have the traditional focusing you’re used to but you can also adjust the front and back lens planes. Essentially, this gives you the unique ability to directly manipulate the perspective and depth of field of your images. It also makes using these cameras a bit more difficult, as there are more factors to consider.

Added in to this difficulty is the fact that the film of a large format camera, traditionally 4″x5″ or above, often requires loading in light-free environments (though some film sizes are available in pre-loaded packs). And most importantly, if you’re planning to shoot with a larger format film, don’t think that you can drop it off at any local photo store or pharmacy. You’ll either need to print it yourself or take it to a dedicated photo lab. The cost for large format film is also more expensive both in the cost of film and for processing.

What Size Format to Choose?

Though large format cameras are available in various sizes, the most common of these are 4″x5″ and 8″x10″. If you’re just getting started, your best choice is going to be a 4″x5″ – the cost of entry is low, the film is a bit cheaper, it’s easier to get this sized processed, and the cameras are far less expensive. Additionally, unless you’re using advanced methods (such as contact printing) to create your final prints, the difference in quality between the two won’t be enough to make up the additional cost.

Choosing a Camera Type

Most large format cameras are considered “view” cameras. View cameras come in a couple of varieties, each with strengths and weaknesses – Flatbed cameras which are very portable and light but limited in their accessories, and Monorail cameras which provide tons of image manipulating flexibility at the cost of mobility. Think about what you’re planning on shooting, then base your decision on those needs. If you plan on taking landscapes, a monorail camera will give you lots of ways to change depth and perspective but it will be very cumbersome to hike with over long distances.

Large format photography is more complicated but is also more interesting to learn. As you increase in format size, the detail of your photos will be better but it will also be more expensive and be more difficult to move your equipment easily. Think of large format as HD photography – the images get bigger but the grain gets smaller (relatively to the image size). Most larger format cameras will run you a minimum of $200, so make sure you’re certain about the use and purpose before you swipe that card!

Author Bio: Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. Shop online and see our selection of wood triple picture frames and decorative heart picture frames or call 800-780-0699.

Category: Arts and Crafts
Keywords: large format camera,large format cameras,large format film cameras