Landscape: 6x9 camera vs. Mamiya 7 w. 50 or 43

<p>Measuring different things. All scans have a bit depth and a resolution. The former is just like having an 8 bit image or 16 bit image in photoshop. The 16 bit image is advantageous if you're going to carry out editing , even if you then reduce it to 8 bit.</p>

<p>5000 pixels per inch is a resolution that you can't get on a medium format file from most film scanners - not even a Coolscan 9000 or an Imacon. Its mostly a level of resolution that, if you're<em> really</em> going to achieve it (and not just the inflated numbers that some makers of consumer flatbed scanners quote for their products), you're pretty much going to need a drum scan to get it. </p>

<p>Some people buy drum scans of way more than 5000ppi. Not every file can benefit from it, and not always is it necessary- this questioners objectives can be comfortably met by a 5000 ppi drum scan from a 67 original- and it does make the scan expensive and a very big file to process and store. For example a 8000ppi/16 bit scan from a 67 original would run to over 2GB, and a lot of people have computers that would struggle to handle that efficiently.</p>

Problem solved: bought a 4x5

Thanks to all for your insight and advice

I didn't read through the thread, but your "problem solved" post is exactly what I was going to suggest :)

IMO, it's a far better choice and far more flexible(both literally and figuratively) than a 6x9 camera.

Ben, not to contradict you directly but there are 2x3 view cameras that are as flexible as their larger cousins.

2x3 view cameras have disadvantages relative to 4x5ers. The most commonly cited one is that focusing and composing on a 2x3 ground glass is harder than on a 4x5. I have 2x3 and 4x5 Cambos, don't see the problem but others do. 2x3 view cameras are less common, therefore often more expensive, than their 4x5 counterparts and they're less well-supported so accessories, e.g., lens boards, are harder to find and can be more expensive.

For many purposes, a 4x5er, even with a roll holder, is more cost effective. My first 2x3 Cambo was a gift. I later got a second one well below market. If I hadn't had the gift I'd have stuck with my 2x3 Graphics and would eventually have got a 4x5 something-or-other to be able to shoot 6x12.

Fair enough, Dan.

Even a miniature Crown will give you some view camera experience and of course isn't too difficult to adapt to roll film. From what I've seen, these are probably the best 6xX format view-ish cameras around in terms of available accessories.

The only direct comparison I can make on focusing is to my 4x5 Speed, something which I don't find that much different. I know you once admonished me for complaining about how dark the GG of the Speed Graphic is, and truth be told you were right. With a loupe and even a make-shift dark cloth(like a dark jacket) it's not terrible.