Would you take a 4x5 camera on a trip?

<p>I've been longing to make some 4x5 B&W negs again after shooting digital for a couple of years. In September, I have the chance to go to Arizona near the Four Corners area for about 10 days and my question is; How many of you would take the view camera for a trek like this, when the Canon 5D does such a good job with much less hassle? I'm really torn about this, because I've lugged tons of equipment around before, but left it in the trunk in favor of much smaller, faster tools. But I DO want some new big negs and this is a good chance. I know I sound wishy-washy on this, thanks for your input.</p>

<p>Personally I wouldn't - but it's a question only you can answer. Have a nice trip!<br>

Jarle</p>

<p>I've carried 4x5 gear a number of times, and I've never regretted it once I saw the prints. Just make sure that you can carry comfortably. Here's the best option that I know of:</p>

<p>http://www.photobackpacker.com/home.asp</p>

<p>They start with an excellent Kelty technical pack - light, stong, and comfortable - and add in their own carriers. It's a superb system.</p>

<p>I would take the 4x5 and a Leica, and leave my D700 home. </p>

<p>Hell yes! I have, and will again. I backpack my 5x4 kit everywhere I can day hike. Not a problem.</p>

<p>Take your 4x5, and think seriously about leaving the Canon at home. The Four Corners region just cries out for LF.</p>

<p>You didn't say what kind of 4x5 you were planning to carry. If it's a folding field camera, the weight is manageable. Don't go nuts with a huge assortment of lenses. Think about what you really need in terms of lenses, filters, etc. You might also plan on using film in Quickloads to save weight and space. A carbon fiber tripod is also the way to go. Take the 4x5 and have fun!</p>

<p>IF you take it, leave the digital at home - otherwise you will always find an excuse NOT to use the 4x5 - just like you have in the past. Decide beforehand and stick with one camera.</p>

<p>I would take a 4x5 on a trip. Look at what the wet plate people had to carry doing the civil war!</p>

<p>I will be going to that same area in about two week, and I will be travelling with the wife and kids. They are not patient enough to wait for me as I shoot 4x5, but it won't stop me from taking it. I'd rather have it with me and not use it, then to want it for that once in a lifetime shot and not have it. Besides, the whole kit, except for the tripod, fits in a daypack.<br>

My dos centavos...<br>

Brian</p>

<p>I would take the 4x5, no matter what. Life is too short. Forget the 5D. Personally I do not think it does such a good job as a 4x5.<br>

Have a good trip!</p>

<p>If you take 5x4 you may not use it. It you dont take it, there will almost definately be a shot that makes you really regret not taking it. Take the 5x4 and MF and leave the 5D at home.</p>

<p>Absolutely. Always evaluate the pros and cons and then, take it with you.<br>

Never let a camera get in the way of enjoyment.</p>

<p>Take both!</p>

<p>I always set aside time for myself on vacation. It's pretty easy since my wife and kids are never up before sunset! I also make sure that there are times when my family sets the agenda and I'm at their disposal.</p>

<p>Ansell Adams did....and look at his results. Leaving the 4x5 behind means you'll be wishing you'd taken it. There's no movements on a 5D either.</p>

<p>When traveling by car I always toss the 4X5 field camera in the boot (trunk). I leave it at home when traveling by air because of too many weight and baggage restrictions.</p>

<p>I toured the Four Corners area a few years back and wish I had my 4X5 with me. At least I had my Rolleiflex in addition to a Nikon D70. A digital by itself is okay, but you can really capture the essence with the big negative. The area just has so many photo opportunities. Have a great trip and please post some photos on your return!</p>

<p>If you want the big negative for contact printing and alternative processes, there's also the possibility of working with digital negatives. Best of both worlds, really, use a film or digital camera that you like to work with and make the big negatives in post-processing.</p>

<p>I pack a Zone VI with two lenses and six film holders (and the "otherstuff") into a largish 35mm camera bag for flying, more when traveling on the road. Adams, Weston et al traveled all the time with 8x10 outfits.<br>

Four Corners area is terrific. One year I nearly cried as we drove from Mesa Verde to the North Rim of The Grand Canyon...and couldn't stop at Monument Valley!</p>

<p>Ohn yeah...one of the old masters once said something like..."Any thing more than a 100 yards from the car just isn't that interesting."</p>

<p>I take both digital and large format. The last trip (by train in Italy) I took a monorail 4X5, digital SLR, and Fotoman 45PS. I take the monorail with 2 or 3 lenses, and digital SLR in a 60 litre backpack. If I go to busy cities or on long business trips I take the Fotoman 45PS with one lens and digital SLR in a standard camera bag. The digital is for quick and easy shots, the large format is for photos that I think will be print worthy.<br>

I recommend taking both.<br>

Jesse</p><div></div>

<p>Probably never, unless 4x5 shots were the purpose of the trip. I hauled a Hasselblad around Europe on one trip and regretted even that.</p>

<p>i have taken my 4x5 to europe two times so far. had no problem<br /> and didn't regret bringing it with me.<br>

if you want to use your 4x5 on your trip, enjoy yourself, and don't <br /> think about how you could have done so much more or worked differently<br /> with a different format / different equipment ...<br>

have fun, and watch out for the rats.</p>

<p>For me, there would be more activation energy required if I had to fly to get there, especially if photography were not the main purpose of the trip. Once in a car, there is very little reason not to bring the 4x5. Aside from the different media that result, I capture very different images with my view camera in comparison to the quick shots with the digicam. That's more a reflection on myself than the equipment, but I'm much happier with the results when I bring along the extra bag. Also important for this area is to remember to bring lots of water. It's not death valley, but it's still hot and sunny, and often a long way from civilization. </p>

<p>By all means, take the 4x5. It will be an experience you will either cherish (and repeat) or write off to "experience". I suggest you invest in a changing tent and a pair of cotton photo finishing gloves. It's hard to load film holders in a regular changing bag and even harder when your hands get sweaty.</p>

<p>You can get by with two lenses - a 150 (0r 180) and a 90. If you walk any distance, get a backpack. If you work mainly out of a car, a photo vest is very handy for extra film holders or packs. Strolling through Charleston, I put a Sinar F1 in a Lightware case strapped to a luggage cart, with large (8") wheels suitable for curbs and rough sidewalks. A friend of mine traveled with a 5x7 field camera and an 18# Reis tripod. There's nothing you won't do for love.</p>

<p>GARY,<br>

IF YOU TAKE THE 4X5 YOU WILL TAKE 4X5 PHOTOGRAPGHS (Maybe you will get 10 prints in the 10 days, who knows)<br>

IF YOU TAKE THE CANON YOU WILL TAKE LOTS OF DSLR PHOTOGRAPHS<br>

There is a world of difference to the two systems. But with the 4x5 you will be forced to make very carefull desicions with regard to every aspect of your photographs and trip, it will be harder and at times extremely frustrating but if you manage to get your shot you will be all the more extatic for it.<br>

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD SIR, TAKE THE HIGH ROAD.</p>