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4x5 camera decison made I think.

Discussion in 'Large Format Cameras and Accessories' started by kjsphoto, Jun 4, 2004.

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  1. Jun 4, 2004 #1
    kjsphoto

    kjsphoto Subscriber

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    Ok,

    After much much much reading / researching I have decided on the Shen-Hao HZX 4X5-IIA. With all the movements that the camera has I think this will do it for me. Also I use in MF (6x6) lenses in this order; 150; 250; 50; 80 so I am thinking for get started that a 150 or 210 and 90 would be the way to go since I am using wide more and more and the 90 woudl give me that. What lens would be equal to a 150 & 250 in MF (6x6) format?

    I looked seriously at monorails but this camera has jsut abotu everythign and I really like that fact that it folds up .

    Also I currently use a Kirk ball head and I use RRS quick release plates. Who makes a plate for LF cameras to use with this ball head? It is the arca swiss style.

    Do you think this is the way to go? I hate to ask that question but I am so new and hate to spend money on something that is the wrong thing.

    Thanks,

    Kev
     
  2. Jun 4, 2004 #2
    Jim Moore

    Jim Moore Member

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    Kev,

    I think you made a good choice. The Shen-Hao is a very nice camera.

    This was my first Large Format camera and it worked really well for me.
    The only reason I sold it was because I got a good deal on a Zone VI.

    I think you will be happy with it.

    Jim
     
  3. Jun 5, 2004 #3
    David A. Goldfarb

    David A. Goldfarb Moderator Staff Member Moderator

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    If you want to start LF with 4x5", the Shen-Hao is offering the best bang for the buck at the moment. 90/150/240 or 300 is a good spread. For the long lens you might go 210 or 240 if you think there may be a 360 telephoto in your future, or a 300 like the Fujinon-C if you think that's about as much as you'll want. "Normal" in 4x5" is 135-180.
     
  4. Jun 5, 2004 #4
    MostlyLF

    MostlyLF Member

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    I have a Shen Hao with a 90, 125, 150, 210 and 300mm (the last a telephoto Fujinon). I'm very happy with it--I think you made a good decision. I find that I use all of the movements it offers and I am glad that I bought it instead of a Tachihara, to which I compared it (at Badger Graphic Sales which is nearby). I chose the Fujinon 300mm tele because it seemed to offer closer focusing than a a straight 300 mm. The advantage is shorter bellows draw; the disadvantage is that in such designs the optical center of the lens is in front of the lens board so more fiddling with movements is required when one tilts or swings the front. It is nice and sharp, however.
     
  5. Jun 7, 2004 #5
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    kjsphoto

    kjsphoto Subscriber

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    I have another question. I was just reading to buy the Shen Hao when I now have an opportunity to buy a good Zone VI used for about the same price. The Zone VI is a bit more but not much. Would you prefer the Zone VI or the She Hao if this was your first LF camera?

    Thanks,

    Kev
     
  6. Jun 7, 2004 #6
    Jim Moore

    Jim Moore Member

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    It depends on the model. If it's one like the "Wisner", yes I would go for that instead of the Shen Hao.

    I had one for a couple of years, sold it (mistake) and just purchased another one.

    Jim
     
  7. Jun 7, 2004 #7
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    kjsphoto

    kjsphoto Subscriber

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    How can you tell? What should I look for?

    Thanks,

    Kev
     
  8. Jun 7, 2004 #8
    Jim Moore

    Jim Moore Member

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  9. Jun 7, 2004 #9
    steve simmons

    steve simmons Inactive

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    Here is some readin tht might help

    Getting Started in Large Format this is a free article on our we site

    www.viewcamera.com


    Here aresme books

    Large Format Nature Photography by Jack Dyinga


    User's Guide to the View Camera by Jim Stone


    Using the View Camra tha I wrote

    any/all of these books will be very helpful in explaining movements, exposure techniques, etc

    steve simmons
     
  10. Jun 7, 2004 #10
    jovo

    jovo Membership Council Council

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    I have Steve's book and the book by Jack Dykinga. Steve's is extremely useful...I was an utter novice when I started down the LF road. The Dykinga book seems to have a more specific product (Schneider lenses, Arca Swiss and Wista cameras.) orientation, but it's still worth purchasing. I also recommend the book on large and medium format photography (I can't think of the title at the moment) by Rodger Hicks and Frances Schultz. It offers information I've not seen elsewhere.