Ezzie
E. D. Russell Roberts
Ansel Adams too was an adept contact printer. Saw a clip of him working an 8x10, vert fluent dodging and burning technique.
Paul. I think its a wonderful idea. It would suit your studied approach very well. And 8x10 contact prints are something else.
Trius
Waiting on Maitani
I once saw two prints of Moonrise, one straight, one worked according to Adams' instructions, the sketch with dogging and burning instructions and a photo of the negative. It was pretty impressive.
rjbuzzclick
Well-known
When I started shooting large format, I didn't have a scanner that could handle 4x5 negatives (still don't), nor an enlarger. I'll I printed were 4x5 contact prints using just a night light bulb and a couple of pieces of glass. It's quite simple, space efficient, and enjoyable.
ChrisN
Striving
With 8x10 you can also work with paper negatives at very little cost and very simple handling (loading the film holders under safelight). There's a good thread about this on the LF forum.
oftheherd
Veteran
Your idea of contact printing sounds completely legit
However before you decide on a format or camera let me propose following:
1) Have a look at the images you have taken (with whatever camera or format) and select a few of those which you think you would/could take with 5x7 (or 8x10 or 7x11 or 5x12 or whatever)
2) print a few in a couple of sizes that would match the formats you consider. Of course in BW
3) have a look at the results, hang it on a wall or whatever the plan is and reconsider.
4) Once you made a choice (or at least a strong preference) only then start to worry about WHAT do you ned from the camera and start to look for one that gives you what you need (movements, bellows draw, lenses).
5) reconsider whether what you plan is doable (time, money, size, weight ...) :angel:
6) Go for it and enjoy.
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I can only say that 4x5 is too small for decent contacts - my personal experience and feel. 5x7 is a lovely aspect ratio, 7x11 would be heaven ... for me
All good advise in this thread, including above. But remember when/if you go through that process, try some 35mm and MF contrasts, if you have MF. MF and LF will give you better tonality; noticibly so. That in itself can be a reason for LF contact prints.