Posted by Les on February 19, 2001 at 20:25:40:
In Reply to: Digital Backs For Large Format Cameras posted by Stephen F. Hanisko on February 19, 2001 at 19:43:26:
The card system of memory only works when the array (film) is relatively small, say 1/2" sq.
Arrays are quite expensive to make and the bigger they are the harder and more expensive they get. So far the quality from the medium format has gotten good enough to the point that nobody is considering attempting a 4x5 array.
The early digital backs for 4x5 were actually smaller than medium format.
I did a search at B&H Photo (see link below) and all they show are backs for medium format, the closest any of these would come to fitting a Speed would be one to fit an RB, even then it would only fit a Miniature speed, or 2 1/4 Pacemaker Speed.
The current price is $18,900. Add to that a fast laptop computer $4500, Accessories, batteries, cables, software $2000-$4000. And you are still shooting with a 50 year old scratched lens, and tethered to a laptop.
In about 3 years all of this will be worth about $5000, if that.
Where a $10,000 darkroom and $20,000 worth of film would be good for a lifetime.
The world is heading toward digital and at $30K a pop for medium format, who could afford a 4x5 if one could be built? It's that problem that has killed 4x5 as a commercial format and why lens/camera manufacturers are doing all of their R&D in 120.