[PKM-25]

Yes, of course large format is much more expensive than roll film per frame but, that is ignoring the fact that we tend to expose far fewer frames of LF. That high per frame cost along with the effort involved in setting up the camera make you think about what you're doing and there fore, you use far less film (and get a higher ratio of "keepers"). So, the total photographic expense over a year is lower with LF than it is with roll film...becasue there is less waste.

Enlargers are almost free these days...it's mostly just a matter of finding one that hasn't been beat to hell, parted out of junked.

Easy there with that "We" stuff...;-)

I actually shoot up to 6-8 sheets on a key shot in order to "Dust Bracket" versus at most three frames of 120 on the same shot. Reason bieng is that I practice all the best methods of dust control that you could possibly find using a google search in a week and still have issues with dust on the film during the exposure, so LF has turned out to be *very* expensive for me at least in real world use.

And yes, you can find decent 4x5 enlargers for a song or even ones with a cold light head and a few lenses for $200-$300. Then you are good to go with a $100 Rodagon 150mm 5.6 for most print sizes. Add a clean Negaflat carrier and you might not need to spend $150-$200 on a glass carrier with anti newton glass....but then again, you just might.

As far as souping the film goes, there are a few ways to skin that cat, but they can have issues with consistency, needing full darkness, messy trays, sheets popping out of a Mod-54, getting raked over the coals for one of those Nikor tanks....or you are like me and value your time and pony up for a Jobo Expert Drum and roll it on a motor base or a full blown Jobo and just cut out the BS....

So yeah, in theory it can be cheap, maybe a grand for a Crown Graphic, dusty D2 or 45M and some taco sessions with your favorite developing tank if you are just a hobby dabbler....but I am very serious about it and between the camera, 7 lenses, 30 film holders, two 6x12 roll film backs, a mint Rodagon 150mm F/4 Apo-N, about 3,000 sheets of 4x5 film and a few other goodies, I am at over $16K for LF in tax year 2012...:-O

On the other hand I did make a slick magnetic 20x24 easel for $50 and a jumbo rotary drum for 30x40 for about the same...

So I guess it can be cheap but as in most cases, you tend to get what you pay for....