Large format

Large format cameras were some of the earliest photographic devices, and before enlargers were common, it was normal to just make 1:1 contact prints from a 4×5, 5×7, or 8×10-inch negative.

Many large formats (e.g., 24×24, 36x36, and 48x48 inches) are horizontal cameras designed to make big negatives for contact printing onto press-printing plates.

A number of actions need to be taken to use a typical large format camera, resulting in a slower, often more contemplative, photographic style.

Failure to "Polaroid" an exposure risks discovery later, at the time of film development, that there was an error in camera setup.

This was done well into the 1940s and 1950s, even with the advent of more convenient and compact medium format or 35 mm roll-film cameras which started to appear in the 1930s.

High quality fine art prints can be made at sizes in the range of 40x50″ from a 4×5″ original, and well beyond that for larger negatives.

Large format film is also used to create a record of historic places and things for the National Park Service documentation programs.

This rectified photography can be accomplished with large format cameras by keeping the film, lens and subject perfectly parallel.

This added negative size not only allows for more detail, but the large format polyester film is also far more durable than acetate 35 mm stock.