Digital Viewcamera Backs

Shutterbug · Jul 27, 2004

This is kind of a dumb topic.

I have a rather old Linhof 4x5 viewcamera. It works fine, but getting 4x5 format film processed is a pain. All the local labs can't do it and I don't have access to any darkrooms.

So, the obvious solution is to go digital.

I know Linhof has a 4x5 digital back for their cameras (As shown on their website) but unfortunatly, I can't find A) Pricing info, and B) where to buy them.

I'm hoping that someone on these forums can help. I've tried Ebay, but there are none for sale.

voodoocat · Jul 27, 2004

They are several 10's of thousands of dollars. I'd guess in the $30k range. They are not suited for field work due to the size of the files. They require a computer to operate.

Shutterbug · Jul 27, 2004

Damn. Tell me you are kidding.

If a could afford it having a computer wouldn't be a problem since I have a laptop

voodoocat · Jul 27, 2004

Well medium format backs range from $8-25k depending on the megapixels. They also require a laptop to save the images since the files are so huge.

ksmattfish was talking about a friend that had a large format back that required the power from two car batteries to take a shot :shock: though he will probably be able to give you more information.

havoc · Jul 27, 2004

So.... If your not wanting to invest the +30k into that digital back you could always donate that old Linhof to an aspiring young photographer that can't afford the 4x5 of his dreams! I know i would be glad to take that old camera off your hands and put it to some good use in the field.

jadin · Jul 28, 2004

I've heard they have improved the size and power consumption quite a bit, even to the point where a computer is no longer required. But they'll still cost you a small fortune.

I've heard of some in the 22 megapixel range, and some new ones in the 78 megapixel range. Doing a google search by megapixel size found some results, albiet all in the 30k range.

voodoocat · Jul 28, 2004

I've heard they have improved the size and power consumption quite a bit, even to the point where a computer is no longer required

The file size for a 4x5" digital image is going to be huuuuge. I don't think memory cards would be adequate. You would at least need a portable hard disk with 40 gigs or so to be of any use.

jadin · Jul 28, 2004

Well think of how big digital video is, maybe they use double density dvd recording. That's what 8 gigs per disc?

voodoocat · Jul 28, 2004

jadin said:
Well think of how big digital video is, maybe they use double density dvd recording. That's what 8 gigs per disc?

True. What's the size of a digital video sensor? APS sized?
Granted you've got a gigantic set with cables batteries and stuff easily accessible.
I guess my main point is digital medium and large format is not yet suited for field work. It is still limited to studio applications for the most part.

MDowdey · Jul 28, 2004

jadin said:
I've heard they have improved the size and power consumption quite a bit, even to the point where a computer is no longer required. But they'll still cost you a small fortune.

I've heard of some in the 22 megapixel range, and some new ones in the 78 megapixel range. Doing a google search by megapixel size found some results, albiet all in the 30k range.

ive heard of these files reaching into the gig range.....horrible. but the pics are worth it...

md

Ant · Jul 28, 2004

OK. I'm going to ask the dumb newbie question here because this is bugging me :?

Why the heck are these things so expensive and why do they produce such HUUUUUGE file sizes?

I'm guessing (maybe incorrectly) that 4X5 means 4 inches by 5 inches and refers to the sensor size rather than the produced print size, so if this is the case what size prints does it produce?

And why the heck does anybody need a digital image file that measures in gigabytes? :shock:

voodoocat · Jul 28, 2004

Ant said:
OK. I'm going to ask the dumb newbie question here because this is bugging me :?

Why the heck are these things so expensive and why do they produce such HUUUUUGE file sizes?

I'm guessing (maybe incorrectly) that 4X5 means 4 inches by 5 inches and refers to the sensor size rather than the produced print size, so if this is the case what size prints does it produce?

And why the heck does anybody need a digital image file that measures in gigabytes? :shock:

Quality. It's just like with film. If you have a 35mm negative and enlarge it to 20x30 you're going to see the grain and soft edges. Do the same thing with a 4x5" negative and a 20x30 will be as sharp as a 4x6" print made from 35mm. It's all about the end product. Some things, like magazine print and good sized enlargments require medium and large format originals. Arizona Highways accepts only 4x5" slide film for publishing photos in their monthly magazine.

Shutterbug · Jul 28, 2004

Havoc said:
So.... If your not wanting to invest the +30k into that digital back you could always donate that old Linhof to an aspiring young photographer that can't afford the 4x5 of his dreams! I know i would be glad to take that old camera off your hands and put it to some good use in the field.

By Linhof is my baby though... My pop gave it to me, and his pop had it new.

Quality. It's just like with film. If you have a 35mm negative and enlarge it to 20x30 you're going to see the grain and soft edges. Do the same thing with a 4x5" negative and a 20x30 will be as sharp as a 4x6" print made from 35mm. It's all about the end product. Some things, like magazine print and good sized enlargments require medium and large format originals. Arizona Highways accepts only 4x5" slide film for publishing photos in their monthly magazine.

Exactly, which is one of the reasons I need a more efficiant way of doing large format, because I'm starting to do small commercial jobs, and using a SLR just won't cut it when the shot is enlarged to around 9x12 (Magazine page)

voodoocat · Jul 28, 2004

Exactly, which is one of the reasons I need a more efficiant way of doing large format, because I'm starting to do small commercial jobs, and using a SLR just won't cut it when the shot is enlarged to around 9x12 (Magazine page)

Medium format would be good enough for a 9x12 magazine print. You can shoot film and have drumscans done of the shots you will have published.

Digital Matt · Jul 28, 2004

Check out http://www.calumetphoto.com/ and browse digital backs to get an idea of price. They are very expensive, but you can window shop

Here's something I found, just to give you an idea:

Super 8K Digital Scan Back
Captures first-generation, uninterpolated pixel data up to 8000 x10,660 pixels (244MB, 24-bit RGB file) or up to 12,000 x 15,990 pixels (549MB) with the Enhanced Resolution settings.
Superior speeds: record a 549MB color image in as little as 200 seconds.
Adjustable ISO sensitivity from 64 to 1000 (daylight).
Compatible with your existing 4x5 camera, lenses and continuous lighting equipment.

$16,995.00