Large format Cameras are those that are 9×12 cm or larger making for very large images and high resolution. Large format has been the longest used type of camera as their image size would be used to make a final size picture called a contact print before the wide use of negative enlargements. For example, from the 1850’s the Wet Plate Tin Type method of image capture produced a positive image that could not be replicated or enlarged. So, if you wanted a 16×20 inch portrait of your family for your house, the photographer would have to use a 16×20 camera (yes they got that big and even larger!)
