ULF vs LF Where does it begin

[PHOTOTONE]

Anything from 4x5 to 8x10 is LF (and the 6xX panoramic backs when used on a view camera can be considered LF as well). Anything larger is ULF. That's the absolute truth, the words and definitions are 100% unambiguous, and there is no element of interpretation possible.

So, by your definition, 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 sheet film, and 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 sheet film are not Large Format at all but medium-format, even though they are sheet-film?

[dslater]

So, by your definition, 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 sheet film, and 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 sheet film are not Large Format at all but medium-format, even though they are sheet-film?

Hmm - actually, I'd buy that - though the 3.25x4.25 is pushing it a bit. However, I still find walter's definition to be a bit arbitrary. Seems to me that's it's just a personal opinion, not a definition.

[photomc]

Thanks Guys, interesting responses - some expected and some unexpected. Nice to hear what everyone else uses for a guide.

[scootermm]

Im floored.

every one of you has it all wrong. let me shed some light...

4x5 - sub mini format
5x7 - mini format
8x10, 7x11, 10x12, 11x14 - small format
4x10, 5x12, 7x17, 8x20 - anorexic format
14x17, 12x20, 16x20 - medium format
20x24 - large format

its so simple.

[David A. Goldfarb]

Yeah, I'd think of 2x3" and 3x4" as medium format sheet film formats. 35mm is still miniature format, even if it's used in a monorail view camera--

http://www.trenholm.org/hmmerk/HMboo...#anchor6506437

[Paul Cocklin]

I think the more appropriate measurement is by pain.

Large format = moderate lower back pain when hiking more than 1 mile roundtrip.

ULF = a crippling inablility to move the next morning after a 1 mile hike.

Some days I shoot LF, some days it feels like ULF.

[Hugo Zhang]

An interesting survey from Mamutphoto a while ago...

Tiny (35mm and medium format) : 11 - 10%
Small (4x5 to 8x10) : 66 - 60%
Panoramic (5x12, 7x17, 8x20) : 11 - 10%
Medium (11x14, 12x20) : 10 - 9.1%
Large (14x17, 16x20) : 9 - 8.2%
Mamut (18x22, 20x24) : 3 - 2.7%

[JBrunner]

On further reflection, ULF seems to begin at about the spot my wallet ends....

[David A. Goldfarb]

I think I once posted that "ULF" is what you say when you realize you've just bought a very large camera, and you realize you need more darkroom space, and more storage space for the negs and proofs, and you can't make small proof prints, and you need a bigger lightbox, and even your garbage can isn't big enough for the rejects.

[Sanjay Sen]

On further reflection, ULF seems to begin at about the spot my wallet ends....

That's more like my practical definition of ULF as well.