Hacker News Reader

Hacker News

Comment by null_object | Hacker News Reader

Full thread

null_object

The dismissive comments (“you can just do this with focus-stacking” etc) are hilarious and totally miss the point.

Why sit in a boat on a lake fishing when you can buy fish sticks in any grocery store?

PS: if you’re interested in large-format photography, check out Nick Carver on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@nickcarverphoto

View on HN

Well to be pedantic about it (going both ways), this method is far superior to focus stacking when you have a fairly linear transition in the field of focus. It is also really nice for shifts. Focus-stacking is a more general, in that you can place the focus wherever you choose and in any order. But for many landscape shots, these large-format movements produce an amazing depth of field that never falls in and out of focus, as is what you’ll get for focus stacking.

The catch is that it’s a technique that’s only usable for landscape photography. People already have an issue with rolling shutters anytime there’s a moving subject. For these movements, that much is a feature, not a bug.

Didn't see anything dismissive in the comments. The focus stacking comment resonated with me as just a practical solution. I loved my time with LF. 4x5, 57, and 8x10 are just amazing but unfortunately my health no longer allows me to carry around the camera/tripod/holders/cloth/etc. LF transparencies (including B&W) are just breathtaking. I also loved doing various antique processes with the big negatives as well.

LF photography is a unique experience. I wish every photographer could experience it.

I don’t think it takes very long before new photographers notice the fall-off of light/focus and sense of environment in LF, and even MF. It is a point of envy. You can’t replicate it in post. No megapixel count on a smaller sensor will recreate it, and high quality full-frame CMOS sensors are already pricey as they are. It seems that in this realm, film remains king.

I love this analogy and it’s the same one I use when people dismissively ask me why I do Morse code, shoot film (including large format), print in the darkroom, listen to reel to reel tape, etc.

It’s not that I’m a Luddite. I’m an audio/video-focused software engineer. It’s that the best hobbies aren’t necessarily practical.

And also QT Luong's site: https://www.largeformatphotography.info/

Reply on news.ycombinator.com