The Medium Format Advantage, Second Edition [Paperback]

Ernst Wildi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 9, 2001

Learn the advantages and capabilities of medium-format cameras and examine all aspects of medium-format operations, including SLR, twin lens, panoramic, rangefinder, wide angle, press, and view cameras. Also explained and illustrated are lenses and their accessories, motor drives, films, flashes, filters, slides and slide projectors, and more. Includes black and white and color photographs and drawings to illustrate proper use of equipment and various techniques, effects, and possibilities that produce successful photographs with the best possible image quality.




The medium format is truly the format in the middle. It combines many of the benefits of 35 mm photography with those of the large format, making a medium format system an excellent choice for almost all types of photography from candid action with a hand-held camera to critical studio work from a tripod. Special chapters are devoted to these different applications and the type of equipment that most likely meets your photography needs. This book explains clearly the medium format's benefits, advantages, and disadvantages and provides a comparison of the medium format to other formats so you can decide whether it is right for you and your photography.



*The definitive book on medium format, cameras and technique, the most commonly used format of commercial photography
*New material on panoramic format, apochromatic lenses, aspheric lenses, tele extenders, glass and relative illumination, and motor drives
*Updated information on perspective control, tilt controls, built in metering systems, and use of apertures.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The medium format is truly the format in the middle. It combines many of the benefits of 35 mm photography with those of the large format, making a medium format system an excellent choice for almost all types of photography from candid action with a hand-held camera to critical studio work from a tripod. Special chapters are devoted to these different applications and the type of equipment that most likely meets your photography needs. This book explains clearly the medium format's benefits, advantages, and disadvantages and provides a comparison of the medium format to other formats so you can decide whether it is right for you and your photography.

About the Author

Ernst Wildi is an independent writer and consultant to Hasselblad who has lectured all over the world on medium format photography. He has written several hundred articles on photography and filmmaking. His photographic work has won many international awards, and he is the recipient of the 1999 International Award from the American Society of Photographers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 2 edition (August 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240804589
• ISBN-13: 978-0240804583
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #499,370 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

75 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars More focus on Medium Format please!, August 14, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Copenhagen, Denmark) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Medium Format Advantage, The (Paperback)

Ernst Wildi's book was quite a disappointment to me, as the title made me believe, that it would be a competent appraisal of the different formats and a recommandation of fields of photography where the size of medium format would win the game. But after a couple of chapters concerned with different formats, cropping and camera types the rest is just an ordinary photography primer with really no news. Additionally the illustrations are often handdrawn and really not of the quality you would expect to find in a book like this.

I feel seriously misguided by the title and wonder if I dare order the other wellknown Ernst Wildi title on a specific medium format brand...

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wildi is conservative but makes his point, June 23, 2001

By 

Jeff (MILWAUKEE, WI, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Medium Format Advantage, The (Paperback)

I am a big Ernst Wildi fan! That said, some observations should be noted: Wildi writes lucidly, logically, and tries to teach the reader in every one of his works. His photography is excellent and he really does not hide the fact he is a Hasselblad guru! Perhaps, he assumes that some of his points that are written and diagrammed to demonstrate, are obvious to all readers, and does not go into great depth. Yes, I got it! People wanting more from Ernst on techniques should check out his book, "Achieving the Ultimate Image." These 2 works could have been combined into one; re-titled "The Ultimate Image in Medium Format" or similar.

5.0 out of 5 stars Photographer's best, December 12, 2011

By 

N. Richard Schopp Pa "Richard Schopp" (Fort Pierce, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Medium Format Advantage, The (Paperback)

This is the bible of photography, even if you are using miniature (35mm) film. Covers more than The Camera by Ansel Adams. A thorough study of the craft.