Ultra Large Format

Origins

Advantages

• The sheer size of the negative allows for very precise detail reproduction.
• Large negatives can be used to make contact prints, which is a method used with many alternative photographic processes.
• Images produced have a presence that is difficult to obtain through any other means - mostly the quality of a contact print instead of enlargement.
• The view of the scene through such a huge ground glass is a remarkable experience, and allows much greater freedom in composition.
• ULF offers the opportunity to practice in-camera shooting, where sensitive paper is placed in the film holder. This can be done also with conventional large format cameras, but of course the overall result - given the much smaller size - is less impressive and satisfactory.

  Trade-offs

• Ultra Large Format cameras, as well as lenses with suffice image coverage for large film formats, are generally very costly and heavy.
• High cost of film - most films must be special cut, and are mounted into custom film holders built by fine wood workers.
• Cumbersome to manipulate, which slows down the photographic process significantly. Logistics involving the camera also becomes challenging due to its size and weight.
• Absence of international standards for film holders beyond 11" x 14" - this is rarely an issue as film holders are custom built to match cameras. An exception to this is 14" x 17" - the size of X-Ray and MRI films - which is indeed an international standard.