Franklee
Member
I'm a big fan of Crown Graphics too but look for one in excellent condition with the later top rangefinder and ideally a Schneider 135mm Xenar lens in a modern Copal shutter. If the seller is knowledgable and can vouch the rangefinder and shutter still working correctly then pay more than the usual "I don't know nothing". Also bear in mind that the 135mm lens on 4x5 is slightly wider than normal, roughly equal to a 40mm lens on 35mm film.
Another option is to go with a monorail, knowing it will be bulkier but also that you'll be able to freely use "all the movements". But rather than a 1950s monorail look for something newer, from the 1970s or 80s, ideally from a high quality brand like Linhof, Omega, Sinar, etc. All have their pros and cons but many are $300 to $500. You will probably want a longer lens with a larger image circle for such movements, like the popular 210/5.6 Rodenstocks, Schneiders, Nikkors, Fujinons. The longer lens would also give you a more classic portrait focal length.
Over at the largeformatphotography.info site there is a primer on all this plus archived material and an active, friendly forum.
Another option is to go with a monorail, knowing it will be bulkier but also that you'll be able to freely use "all the movements". But rather than a 1950s monorail look for something newer, from the 1970s or 80s, ideally from a high quality brand like Linhof, Omega, Sinar, etc. All have their pros and cons but many are $300 to $500. You will probably want a longer lens with a larger image circle for such movements, like the popular 210/5.6 Rodenstocks, Schneiders, Nikkors, Fujinons. The longer lens would also give you a more classic portrait focal length.
Over at the largeformatphotography.info site there is a primer on all this plus archived material and an active, friendly forum.
