[montucky]

Thanks for the replies! Tons of helpful information here!


I don't think I was as clear in stating my original question as I could have been.

I shoot portra 400 and have it processed at various labs, usually with the same general results. I would likely do the same with 4x5 as far as continuing to shoot portra and getting lab processed.

I think I am looking for a more modern, "clinical", lens... But maybe I am not? I do enjoy having extremely sharp images, and having very accurate color.

Unfortunately I live in a relatively rural area with not much access for testing gear. I will likely go to seattle or Portland to buy gear if I can't find it online, but I will not have enough time to mess around with trying stuff out.

The little I do know about large format was in a brief chat in a camera shop in Portland where I was told that older lenses generally aren't great for accurate color, as the coatings (or lack thereof) were not designed for that purpose. While that makes sense to me, I have no idea whether or not that is true.

I do know that generally when I look at what photography I like in the large format medium, it is generally associated with newer, and therefore, more expensive glass. I know that in medium format, someone could show me a photo and I could recommend a camera that would give a similar output. I feel as though I can generally peg a camera's general output, you know?

I think maybe the best way to ask this question is in asking what gear might mimic the aesthetic of photographers I would like to emulate. Right off the bat, alec soth (www.alecsoth.com) and Bryan schutmaat (www.bryanschutmaat.com) are probably my favorite two photographers.

I am sorry if my question doesn't make sense, I hope it does. I feel as though I am right on the cusp of having an understanding of what is going on.