Medium or Large Format?
What's medium/large format? Medium format photography is generally 6x4.5cm (Bron), 6x6cm (Hassel) and 6x7cm (Mamiya)- that's roll film then ('120' and '220' format).... leading kit in this area is Hasselblad, Mamiya (my fav.) and Bronica. Mamiya RZ67 Pro 11D below:
With the advent of digital, came digital 'backs' which due to sensor size (40+mm) are seriously expensive and therefore not just film... above the Hasselblad HD3-39 at £21,000 - this is a 'promo' price and includes two lenses! (Now, I would really like one of these!) Large format (aka 'View Cameras') tends to be big sheets of film from 5x4in, 8x10in and up. It takes in such brands as Sinar, Linhof, Arca Swiss, Horseman, Tachihara and Wista, with the europeans making the 'best' most expensive kit, the japanese the most affordable:
... this is a Sinar:
I had a superb RZ with a few nice lenses, but I'm no expert on this kit. It's big, heavy, expensive and 'pro' stuff but gives amazing results - however if you love landscapes look at the Mamiya 7 11:
Why 'big' formats? ....Quality! Links on this subject: Jack Dykinga an American guy who really knows his stuff - his book is full of great photos (at least one photo I seem to keep seeing 'by' other people...!) - he has three books on Amazon:
Tuan - Large Format Photography Robert White - Dealer most of this stuff is too specialised for Amazon and do not risk eBay unless you know your stuff! Wista made with very old wood! Steve Simmons - the only book you really need and the best £8 you'll spend on the subject of using large/view cameras:
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the 'D' means it can be digital too...
This
is a Wista DX with lens at £800
...
from Switzerland at £3800 - that's body only..!
it's a rangefinder (you don't look through the lens) uses 6x7cm film and
is really good and not heavy - 'kit' with 80mm at £1,300, but I
recommend the body plus 50mm - buy it for around £2,000.