In article <32DEC522.7A15@mail.idt.net>, cleeds@mail.idt.net says...
>David Rozen wrote:

>>...The only thing
>> she can explore with a 120 that she can't explore with
>> a 35 is the admitted thrill of printing a bigger neg.
>> She can borrow a camera for that thrill, maybe even a
>> 4x5 instaed of a 120....

>David's posts are usually very thoughtful and accurate, but we sure
>disagree this time. There are numerous potential advantages to medium
>format cameras, and they can have a major effect on the final image. The
>most important advantage - in my view - is the ability to use leaf
>shutter lenses, and the attendant capability to do fill-flash photography
>at any speed. However, it would be a mistake to discount the consequence
>of the larger finder image. While, in theory, this shouldn't make a whole
>lot of difference, it tends to make a big difference in practice. Users
>who are accustomed to the small, tiny 35mm focus screen find that
>composition is completely different when looking at a nice, bright,
>medium format screen.
> I would suggest that your daughter borrow or rent a medium format
>camera or two, and then do some shooting. Let her decide for herself what
>the larger format offers. As an option, the various used TLR's that are
>available may offer a good entry point for her into this larger format.

Hmmm, I usually agree with you, but, except for the last part, I don't
this time...;-) Anyday, I would take a good (read, "Nikon F3, 8008, etc."
[and some others...;-]) 35mm VF over 120 camera VF's almost every time
(sharper, easier to view, and with no less apparent "size", assuming a prism-equiped finder [with waist-level type finders there is no contest,
but those virtually disappeared years ago for general use with 35mm cameras...]). Though, if you can see them well (I can't), WL finders (unfortunately image-reversed, though...) on 2 1/4 square cameras can be
rather nice for viewing...;-). As for the leaf flash sync. shutter speeds available, the extra 1/500th flash sync. speed compared with the top 1/250th available on many 35mm's may occasionally be useful...;-). So, I guess
I don't completely disagree with you, after all...;-).
Hope This Helps