Why do you use large format?

[Jamie Pillers]

I don't use my Speed Graphic to get better image quality. I don't use it because it affords lens-to-film plane movement. And I don't use it to attract female admirers. 😛

I like going out with the 4x5 from time to time just because it slows everything down to a pace where serious relaxation occurs. Spending LOTS of time looking for subject matter, then setting the thing up and re-introducing myself to upside down and backwards framing, considering depth-of-field. And most of all, having a luxurious amount of time to just look. Love it. 🙂

And the Speed Graphic's focal plane shutter allows use of lots of cool old in-barrel lenses.

 

[Rangefinder 35]

Sadly, I don't use large format anymore. It became too cumbersome to get E-6 processed. But I spent good many years hauling my Toyo, Wista and Linhof Technika around, sometimes coming home without shooting single sheet of film. However, when I got the image, I really got it.
What I like(d) about 4x5 besides the result, was the process of making the image, much more meditative than what 's given by smaller format. And those Rodenstocks...