willem_aart_van_dorpen

<p>A large format camera with a medium format digital back is my ideal setup because it allows me to make shift and tilt movements, with much greater quality and flexibility than my TS-E 24mm lens. Also, I'm able to see directly what I've shot and to make adjustments as I go.</p>

<p>If digital camera's didn't exist, I would have never got into photography I think ;-). Does that make me an inferior photographer? Maybe. It's not really important to me.</p>

<p>Great replies, thanks a lot!</p>

<p>@Bob Salomon: Unfortunately, I'm not in the USA. What did you expect, reading my terrible English ;-)?</p>

<p>It makes sense why some people choose for large format, instead of a proprietary medium format system. Let's hope digital backs get a bit cheaper, film is not my cup of thea.</p>

<p>Let me start with telling you that, at this moment, a large format camera is out of reach for me. I'm using a Canon dSLR with a 24mm tilt/shift lens. While that is a pretty technical setup and does pretty much everything I need, I want to know everything about large format camera's and lenses, that's why I started this topic.</p>

<p>After wandering through the internet for a few days, I collected a few questions that have remained unanswered to me. I never went to a photography school of some sort, and there isn't much written for beginners like me about this subject. Well, let's dive into the questions, if you don't mind:</p>

<p>1) What's exactly the difference between medium format and <em>digital</em> large format when using a digital back? Is it just the ability to make shift movements with the greater part of the large format camera's, in combination with the larger image circle of the lenses?</p>

<p>2) What's the difference between a medium format camera and a digital large format camera that has no ability to make shift movements? They offer the same functionality and end result, right?</p>

<p>3) Are you able to use pre-digital era lenses on a modern digital large format camera? Are these just as good as digital lenses in general?</p>

<p>4) Does 'Digitar' reference to 'digital'? What's the difference between a Digitar lens and another large format lens? Is the image circle smaller? Are they compatible with 4x5" film?</p>

<p>5) Are you able to shoot film with, let's say, a Cambo Wide RS? The lenses have the same large format image circle I suppose, they should cover the film right?</p>

<p>6) Are the focal lengths shown in 35mm equivalent? Does a 24mm large format lens have the same focal length as a Canon 24mm?</p>

<p>7) What are the differences between a large format and medium format lens? Is it just the image circle?</p>

<p>I would be very thankful if anyone of you can answer (some of) these questions :). I would love to buy a large format setup, unfortunately the prices of digital backs are sky high.</p>

<p>@Steven F: Your post makes totally sense to me. I'm going to try the head without the L-bracket for the first period of time. If I feel I need an L-bracket, I will buy it at a later point. I can think of one more advantage, which is not having to recompose when switching from landscape to portrait mode. Well, that's not too big of an issue to me.. Thanks!</p>

<p>@Steven F: The primary reason I want an L-bracket is because of the stability. As an automotive photographer, I shoot primarily at low angles. If the camera is hanging off-center, it don't want it to tip over. Changing from landscape to portrait mode is indeed a snap with the head, which is one thing I like about it :-).</p>

<p>I totally agree with you about the quality of the RC4 quick release plate. I believe it's well built and certainly doesn't slip. But if I'm going to use an L-bracket, I definitely need to convert it since the RC4 doesn't accept L-brackets.</p>

<p>My camera has a very accurate level built in, which is a real charm.</p>

<p>-</p>

<p>@Mark Sirota: I've noticed a similar post from you in the other threads I've read. While I think that is the best solution from an engineering point-of-view, I'm not planning to machine my head since I will lose the warranty. Of course, if the head is a few years old, it's a great idea.</p>

<p>What quick release clamp did you mount onto the remaining parts - ;-) - of the 410?</p>

<p>I'm ordering a Manfrotto 410 geared head to use in combination with my Canon EOS 7D (with grip) and Canon TS-E 24mm.</p>

<p>In order to achieve the most precise adjustments and most stability, I think I need to buy an L-bracket. However, all the L-brackets I know off (at least the camera specific ones) require an Arca-Swiss mount. The Manfrotto 410 head only accepts RC4 quick release plates, so that isn't really going to work. To solve this problem, Kirk sells the following product:<br /> <a href="http://www.kirkphoto.com/SQRC-3271_Manfrotto_3271_Quick_Release_Clamp.html">SQRC-3271 Quick Release Clamp</a></p>

<p>I emailed Kirk because I was not sure whether this clamp would replace the RC4 quick release plate, or would mount on top of it. They mailed me back saying it mounts on top of the RC4 quick release plate, so that totally makes no sense to me. I'll guess a regular clamp works equally well.</p>

<p>So, here are my questions:</p>

<ol>

<li>Is converting to Arca-Swiss style worth the hassle?</li>

<li>Is an L-bracket necessary worth the cost?</li>

<li>Which L-bracket do you recommend for the Canon 7D with grip? Kirk or RRS?</li>

<li>Is an SQLRC-3271 useful in combination with a Manfrotto 410?</li>

<li>If not, which Arca-Swiss style clamp do you recommend? Something like the RRS B2-Pro II? Is Kirk just as good?</li>

</ol>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>