The city of York

Personally I like this one, but I wonder if it is too cluttered or

too contrasty. Does this work or should I play with it some more?

 

TIA

There is either too much or too little at the top for me. Chopping off the gable and a spire that close to showing all of them makes it look like you didn't have a wide enough angle lens.

Along the lines of the above comment... I think maybe the reason this one seems a little off is that it looks like both the top and bottom of the picture have been cut off. Too many people in the foreground have their feet cut off and too much (or maybe too little) of the most interesting building in the background is cut off.

Note to self - get wide angle lens for Bronica.

As for your direct questions, the picture is busy but I don't see that as a problem. There is a strong subject to which the eye is drawn. The business just gives you something to explore.

 

I don't think there is too much contrast either.

 

I do agree that I want to see the top of the peak above the rose window. That is my only major complaint with this print.