James, I have two view cameras. One is a 4"x5" and the other is an 8"x10". Both are now used with a digital back. The effective meg's on the smaller one is about 110 (lots of variables), and the bigger one goes to about 180-200.

Like your friend, we use them for brochure covers, billboards and precise product photography. Unless you're shooting "direct on" a rectangular product will have prospective problems without correction, and with architectural photography, parralax correction is vital for top tier (read expensive) work.

The good news is, day rate for one qualified shooter is $2100.00, and a shooter and one assistant bills out at $2500.00.The top guys in the field get lots more than that.

Nice work!


Russ