![]() One of the first things I did was to run an exhaustive (if not especially scientific) series of diffraction tests, outside, using my longer and mostly older film lenses. Since having it I have mostly used it mounted on the adapter plate that fits it to my Linhof Techno. As well as having stellar resolution it exhibited immense dynamic range, excellent colour and a simple intuitive touch screen interface. Undoubtedly its performance then persuaded me to take the plunge, so to an extent I knew what to expect. When we did the Great Camera Test back in December(?) I had the chance to see the IQ at work properly for the first time. It was other considerations that prompted me to change. I should emphasise that I had no particular need of more pixels. Although I do still shoot 5x4 (and have ideas to shoot on 10x8 in the waiting room of my imagination) I admit that my film shooting days are recreational now, although no less important for being so. The IQ180 replaced my Phase One P45+ (39mp) and is intended to play the role of workhorse landscape camera. The cost of an IQ180 is somewhat less eye watering, but for anyone whose disposable photographic income has to be considered carefully, this may seem a fair analogy. Was I ever likely to buy one? Of course not, but my curiosity as to how these ultimate driving machines actually drove was intense. I would always turn to the latest Lamborghini/Ferrari/Aston Martin test on my first dip into the mag, which sadly (for a nascent environmentalist) was my excitement 'fix' in those youthful days. On the other hand, I remember as a teenager being addicted to Car magazine. In which case you may feel this article is completely irrelevant. Yet many of my photographic contemporaries and colleagues are artist or enthusiast photographers who cannot necessarily always depend on their photography to 'bring home the bacon'. Yes I do make my living from photography, mainly as a working photographer. I certainly don't want to appear defensive, but I do think it is important to set the context. Fortunately, Mrs C became resigned to my curious priorities many years ago! Even given the latter, and my existing Phase OneP45+ back, and a Horseman camera to trade in, this was still a huge investment. My decision to invest in this enormously expensive item was based on having a reasonably successful medium format digital workflow, a camera system with which it was already fully compatible (Linhof Techno), and an opportunity to buy a used, demo version of the IQ. I include it here because it would be all too easy to assume that any owner of a Phase One IQ180 might simply be a wealthy dilettante. In most things I have gone along with the plainest – or without."Įdward Weston said many things that have resonated with me over the years and this quote is one of them. "I was extravagant in the matter of cameras – anything photographic – I had to have the best.
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