Digital Camera for a Professional Landscape Photography?

PiKe · 20 Sep 2006 at 14:03

We use Linhof 5x4 cameras with FujiChrome RVP 50 film which is now being discontinued

It feels like we are slowly being forced to go digital but how do apatures of F45 that we use with our Nikon 135mm 1:5.6 lens translate into 35mm terms (such as a EOS 1Ds Mk II)?

I believe that focal length has a bearing on the apature, and a smaller apature on a smaller focal length may end up with the same desired result?

I can never find any reviews that show what kind of DOF CMOS sensors can capture?

I've looked at dpreview but the information, such as samples of images with a small apature, are not there.

Thanks for any help.

rpstewart · 20 Sep 2006 at 15:10

Try the online DoF calculator here, set the film size to 5x4, focal length to 135mm, aperture to f/45 and stick in a sensible subject distance, it'll give you the DoF that you're getting with the Linhoff. Then repeat the process with 35mm or the 1DsMkII setting, choose a smaller focal length (not sure what the exact conversion is but 135mm on the Linhoff will be a wider field of view than 135mm on a 3mm body) and then play with the apertures to give you an idea of the available depth of field.

PiKe · 20 Sep 2006 at 15:23

A 36mm focal length at f11 gives the same as 135mm at f45 but the field of view at that focal length is another matter...

Are there no digital backs made larger than 6x7 (Hasselblad)?

glitch · 20 Sep 2006 at 19:08

PiKe said:
We use Linhof 5x4 cameras with FujiChrome RVP 50 film which is now being discontinued

It feels like we are slowly being forced to go digital.

Thought about using a Phase One digital back (like the P45) with their Flexadaptor? I know it doesn't answer your DOF question but it should allow you to use your current Linhof and lenses and could work out more cost-effective.

PiKe · 20 Sep 2006 at 19:47

There any dis-advantages I should be aware of when using a digital back with a regular 'analogue' camera?

glitch · 21 Sep 2006 at 19:37

Nothing I can ascertain. The Phase One digital backs (especially the P45) are touted as being the closest thing to film and I've not read of anything to the contrary. However I've not really read into them a great deal, just what passses my way.

glitch · 21 Sep 2006 at 19:51

Oh, and any chance of seeing some of your work?

Flibster · 21 Sep 2006 at 20:06

How about this thing...

http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/20/seitz-6x17-digital-shoots-at-160-megapixels/

160megapixel and it's huge and hideous.

But designed for landscapes though.

Simon/~Flibster

Johnny|lucidcomposure · 21 Sep 2006 at 20:30

Flibster said:
How about this thing...

http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/20/seitz-6x17-digital-shoots-at-160-megapixels/

160megapixel and it's huge and hideous.

But designed for landscapes though.

Simon/~Flibster

The thing that someone else has posted about in a new thread ?
The Seitz

milou · 21 Sep 2006 at 22:13

This month's Black & White photography mag has an in depth review of the Mamiya ZD Medium format digital camera. At the end the reviewer says "My gut feeling tells me that the Phase One back is the superior device, offering better image quality and stunning design - but it costs £17,000 for the back alone. At £7,000 plus VAT, then, the Mamiya ZD is a bargain". Not sure if this helps but it's a thorough review and might be worth a look.