[Largeformat] Large Format requires large hoods?

["Tiger Shark" <tigershark_001@hotmail.com>]

I am not sure how this discussion started about focussing hoods and what the 
real issue was.

I have used a 4x5 camera professionally for over 12 years, believe me, I use 
it about every day.  And I must say that this is not a look 
thru-the-camera-compose-and-shoot kind of a device.  The image is created or 
"seen" outside the camera and the view camera is the best possible tool to 
capture this "scene" in a most tru-to-life high resolution, low grain image.

I have looked at the overwhelming 4 or 5 choices in focussing hoods that are 
around and I really cannot see the need for one at all.

The inverted image on the ground glass is the best analytical tool of image 
composition since it steers you well away from the point and shoot habit 
that has developed lately.  That inverted WYSIWYG image keeps your head 
clear from all cliches and indoctrinations your brain has gotten so overly 
accustomed to, and will help you become a much more critical artist of your 
own self.

Also that ground glass image MUST be used with a loupe (and really any loupe 
will do as long as it enlarges enough for your needs) to focus accurately 
and use all the camera's optical corrections possible to create an image 
that is exactly what the photographer/artist wants. Listen well here, that 
does not mean it HAS to be sharp in every nook and cranny, actually a little 
more or less unsharpness is a very wanted look to create a mood or illusion 
of depth or isolate objects from surroundings.