4X5 Camera

[jeff]

Has anyone seen or used this camera?The price has my attention.....This looks to be a great starter 4x5....

 

[EUGENE]

Jeff, I placed an order for a Toyo 45CF last July. So far, it has not arrived. As of yesterday, the dealer told me that his shipment was delayed due to the longshoreman strike, and it would take several more weeks for it to arrive. Originally, I wanted to give the camera to my wife for her birthday. It did not materialize, so I substituted a new ring, instead. The ring was less expensive than the camera. She no longer wants the camera, so I cancelled the order. I figure that I got off easy. Seriously, a few of them have been delivered, but, so far, no user reports on these forums. You can see the specs. on the Toyo View website. The camera reminds me of the original Speed Graphic I owned in 1948. The movement capabilities are similar. The new Toyo is made of plastic (carbon fiber, to be politically correct), and it weighs under 4 lbs. It has ample movements on the front standard, none on the rear, and uses the same lensboards as the Toyo metal field cameras. It would have been a great starter camera for my wife to learn on. Too bad it never showed up.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

It looks to be a versatile starter camera, lightweight, and from early reports well made, though it has a bit of a plasticky feel. A notable problem is the lack of rear movements, which can be gotten around if you have some experience, but it is easier to learn how to control perspective if you have at least rear tilt and swing.

You might also want to consider one of the new Shen-Hao cameras, which seem to be well made and have more movements and are in the same price range, but not as lightweight. For the best price try www.badgergraphic.com or www.fineartphotosupply.com, which announced in their last newsletter that they will be carrying the Shen-Hao 4x5" camera, and the price seemed quite good. It may not be up on their website yet, so you might want to email them.

That said, I've been seriously considering getting a 45CF as a lightweight, compact adjunct to my 35mm system for those occasions where I'd really like to bring the 8x10" camera, but it would be impractical. The usual situation I have in mind would be when I want to have my 35mm system and long telephoto for bird photography and my view camera for landscapes. If I am travelling by car, sometimes I bring both systems and alternate birding days with landscape days, but it would be neat to be able to slip an ultralight 4x5 camera in the side pocket of my Scope Pack and carry both.

 

[fineart]

We did just get the Shen Hao 4x5 up on the site this weekend. Take a look at it and see what you think.

Anthony

 

[avandesande]

Fineart--
I would be much more excited if you decided to carry the 8x10!
--Aaron

 

[jeff]

Is this the entry model for 2003?I've seen another model offered at $150.00 dollars more at another supplier.That model may have had extra features though.

 

[EDC]

If your talking about the Shen Hao. The one listed on Fine Art Photo is the cheaper of 2 models that you can buy in the US. It doesn't have the rising back or the wide angle bellows option that the other has. It does cost and weigh less on the plus side. if you want to see both Badger has both on his web site. If your talking about the Toyo CF, I'm pretty sure there is only one and it's selling most places for around $500.
Ed,

 

[jeff]

I was commenting on the Shen Hao.Thanks for the info EDC.The entry model may be all I need for what I like to photograph.