4x5 field - wood vs. metal

Chuck_P · Nov 19, 2022

I think I lost my marbles when I sold items in 2013 that I am now having to replace as I reignite my b&w photography and darkroom.........but in my own defense, life was striking and I kind of had to at the time. But boy.......is it smarting right now.

GregY · Nov 19, 2022

Honestly i don't think it matters. Some people like metal, others wood. Great photos have been taken with both cameras. One upside of wood is the possibility of field repairs if the camera gets knocked over.

abruzzi · Nov 19, 2022

dont forget there is also plastic and carbon fiber:

Cameradactyl: A 3D-Printed 4x5 Field Camera with Eye-Popping Looks

Cameradactyl is a new 3D-printed 4x5 field camera created by photographer Ethan Moses that stands out: instead of a traditional look, the camera comes in

petapixel.com

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/257305-REG/Toyo_View_180_106_4x5_45CF_Field_Camera.html

xkaes · Nov 19, 2022

I think I'll invest in some of FTX's KLEPTO-currency instead.

Chuck_P · Nov 19, 2022

I believe I have settled on a metal field camera with the K.B. Canham DLC 4x5. I have considered much that has been mentioned in this thread and you all have been very helpful. I really liked the video review of it from The View Camera Store, it was very helpful in making my choice.

Alan9940 · Nov 19, 2022

Chuck_P said:
I believe I have settled on a metal field camera with the K.B. Canham DLC 4x5. I have considered much that has been mentioned in this thread and you all have been very helpful. I really liked the video review of it from The View Camera Store, it was very helpful in making my choice.

Congrats on your decision. Probably can't go wrong with one of Keith's cameras and you'll get many years of service out of it.

abruzzi · Nov 19, 2022

I'm curious, what do the DLCs use for a lens board? I couldn't find anything definitive. One link said 110mm Toyo boards, another said 141 Sinar boards.

Chuck_P · Nov 19, 2022

I've see just the Toyo boards

gone · Nov 19, 2022

My only attempt at LF (4x5 is pretty small for LF, but it was a good place to start) was with an old Crown Graphic. It didn't take much futzing around to set up because it had so few movements. I used it on and off a tripod like a big 'ol point and shoot.

It gave nice shots w/ B&W and color slides too. I had also brought along a TLR that day, and pretty much preferred the pics from it. Easier to get the shots too. My friend, the real LF shooter, brought his very expensive 4x5 camera w/ a Nikkor lens and a Pentax spot meter. I had an Ektar lens on the Graflex and used a handheld selenium meter.

We couldn't tell which camera took which pics until we looked closely at the empty film boxes we had used.

Andrew O'Neill · Nov 20, 2022

Vaughn said:
So far in the 45 years or so of using metal cameras and wood cameras in the deserts, in rainforests, high altitude, lowlands, 20F winters, 110F summers, and such, it has not made much difference. I've taken a metal 4x5 monorail to NZ and a 110 year old wood 5x7 to Chile. Good luck!

I'm with Vaughn on this one. I've used both and made no difference in 40C, high humidity, -40C and very low humidity. They both performed well... and still do (30 years, not 40 for me!). But... if I had to buy another 4x5 field camera, it would probably be a Canham DLC45 (black anodised aluminum).

xkaes · Nov 20, 2022

Andrew O'Neill said:
I'm with Vaughn on this one. I've used both and made no difference in 40C, high humidity, -40C and very low humidity. They both performed well... and still do (30 years, not 40 for me!). But... if I had to buy another 4x5 field camera, it would probably be a Canham DLC45 (black anodised aluminum).

Is that because your pockets are deeper after 30 years?

DREW WILEY · Nov 22, 2022

I use both types. For over 20 years I used only Sinar monorail cameras for everything, including hundreds of strenuous backpacking trips in the mountains and desert. And while I still prefer that system for day use, when I was in my 50's I supplemented it with a little 4x5 Ebony wooden folder for airline carry-on and potential old age use (I'm now 73). The monorail is much faster to use and more versatile, while the wooden folder is obviously lighter and more compact. I also have an 8x10 folder, and now my preferred monorail is a classic Sinar Norma. Love working with them all; and they'll all outlast me.

4x5 field - wood vs. metal

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