Best 4x5 camera for starting out

[Howl23]

I bought my Pacemaker Speed Graphic and Graflex Model D from a retired Graflex and Graphic repairman. They were the best of each from his collection. He passed away over a decade ago. He sent me Word files for focal plane repairs. I have used Steve's Camera in Culver City California for a problem with the Pacemaker Speed Graphic a few years ago.

The Pacemaker Speed Graphic seems to be fit my case, although others have mentioned going for a 5x7 camera instead. I will see which comes first in terms of price, and availability.

 

[Sirius Glass]

The Pacemaker Speed Graphic seems to be fit my case, although others have mentioned going for a 5x7 camera instead. I will see which comes first in terms of price, and availability.

5"x7" film is not as easily available. Try carrying around a 5"x7" camera for a day before you begin to think about considering looking in considering looking into buying one.

 

[Oren Grad]

Good question! For me personally, as long as I don't have to carry a tripod around in order to use the camera then it's light weight. A very abstract definition I know, but effective, at least in my opinion. From what I can tell, a lot of the folding cameras don't seem to very too greatly in weight.

4x5 folding field and press cameras vary enormously in weight, from maybe 2 1/2 pounds or so up to 8 pounds and even beyond. Most are not hand-holdable, though.

A 4x5 Crown Graphic with lens mounted and film holder inserted is going to be somewhere in the ballpark of 5.5-6 pounds. A Speed Graphic is bulkier and heavier because of the focal plane shutter. I've used a 4x5 Crown hand-held - not my cup of tea. YMMV.

Another question: do you intend to work by available light? And if so, what would be a typical exposure for you? Keep in mind that the rangefinder in a Graphic is not designed for high-precision use at close range and larger apertures, and the challenge of using it effectively is exacerbated by the fact that the RF and VF are separate so you have to move your eye between them. Press photographers who used Graphics back in their heyday were in the habit of stopping way down to cover for small focus errors - sometimes even just zone-focusing - and using a big flash for illumination. OTOH, contact printing - i.e., 1:1 scale in the print - and working with alt processes will allow you some perceptual wiggle room that you wouldn't have if you were enlarging.

Forget about 5x7 for this application, unless you are willing to reconcile yourself to working from a tripod.

 

[grat]

I'm was actually watching some YouTube videos on the Speed Graphic when you sent this comment, scary good timing! I am wondering how readily serviced these cameras are, do you happen to know?

They're incredibly rugged cameras, being designed for Press use. The bellows are usually two layers, and stored inside the box, so they tend to hold up well. Doesn't mean they don't deteriorate, but if they were reasonably well cared for when put away, they should last forever.

My Mini Speed (1946), according to the seller, was bought from a photojournalist and given to the seller as a present for his 16th birthday, in 1963. In 1970 or thereabouts, he switched to 35mm, and forgot about the gray box marked "Graflex" in the back of his closet. In 2020, I bought the whole crate from him, and while every glass surface needed cleaning, the rest of the camera (and accessories) were in perfect working order, and both shutters were within 10% of spec on shutter speed. This is probably atypical, but it should give an idea of how well these things hold up.

Parts and spare bodies are reasonably plentiful, and there are a handful of techs out there who can work on them, up to and including servicing the focal plane shutter. The shutter mechanism is fairly industrial, but the springs are the weak link-- if improperly stored, they seriously lose tension. If properly stored, they still lose a bit of tension, but can be re-tensioned (and lubricated) relatively easily.

I suppose the other questionable bit would be the set screw for the rangefinder adjustment-- One or two people have reported them slipping, and I've noticed mine was a bit out of calibration after being stored for a few months.

 

[Oren Grad]

PS: If you'd like some inspiration, search for "David Burnett Speed Graphic".

 

[Howl23]

4x5 folding field and press cameras vary enormously in weight, from maybe 2 1/2 pounds or so up to 8 pounds and even beyond. Most are not hand-holdable, though.

A 4x5 Crown Graphic with lens mounted and film holder inserted is going to be somewhere in the ballpark of 5.5-6 pounds.

Another question: do you intend to work by available light? And if so, what would be a typical setting and exposure for you? Keep in mind that the rangefinder in a Graphic is not designed for high-precision use at close range and larger apertures. Press photographers who used Graphics back in their heyday were in the habit of stopping way down to cover for small focus errors - sometimes even just zone-focusing - and using a big flash for illumination. OTOH, contact printing - i.e., 1:1 scale in the print - and working with alt processes will allow you some perceptual wiggle room that you wouldn't have if you were enlarging.

Forget about 5x7 for this application, unless you are willing to reconcile yourself to working from a tripod.

I think 2.5-6lbs will be an acceptable range in this case. My medium format setup would fit around that range and that has been fairly doable for me thus far.
I do generally work with the available light on location , with a preference to 400 ISO however it is difficult to provide a typical setting/exposure as it can range greatly from dimly lit laboratories to the outdoors.

Also, I was not aware of David Burnett, loving his work! Thank you for introducing his work to me.

 

[Howl23]

They're incredibly rugged cameras, being designed for Press use. The bellows are usually two layers, and stored inside the box, so they tend to hold up well. Doesn't mean they don't deteriorate, but if they were reasonably well cared for when put away, they should last forever.

My Mini Speed (1946), according to the seller, was bought from a photojournalist and given to the seller as a present for his 16th birthday, in 1963. In 1970 or thereabouts, he switched to 35mm, and forgot about the gray box marked "Graflex" in the back of his closet. In 2020, I bought the whole crate from him, and while every glass surface needed cleaning, the rest of the camera (and accessories) were in perfect working order, and both shutters were within 10% of spec on shutter speed. This is probably atypical, but it should give an idea of how well these things hold up.

Parts and spare bodies are reasonably plentiful, and there are a handful of techs out there who can work on them, up to and including servicing the focal plane shutter. The shutter mechanism is fairly industrial, but the springs are the weak link-- if improperly stored, they seriously lose tension. If properly stored, they still lose a bit of tension, but can be re-tensioned (and lubricated) relatively easily.

I suppose the other questionable bit would be the set screw for the rangefinder adjustment-- One or two people have reported them slipping, and I've noticed mine was a bit out of calibration after being stored for a few months.

That is very impressive! This is why I generally prefer the cameras of old, they were just built to last and be an absolute workhorses of machinery. Hope to be as lucky as you with such a good find.

 

[Craig]

If you want handholdability, the one that comes to mind is a Graflex SLR - either an RB or Super D model. They work well on a monopod too. You can get one in your budget. The only thing to be aware of is they take a unique filmholder, not a standard 4x5 film holder.

Graflex RB Series D / Super D

www.graflex.org

 

[MTGseattle]

The Speed/crown/super graphic are great starting out in 4x5 cameras. One cannot get too far over their skis concerning movements, and they're not super delicate. It's nice being able to collapse the thing with a lens mounted as well.

 

[Don_ih]

As soon as you said you didn't want a tripod, you committed to a press camera. It's the only reasonable choice. And you'll want the rangefinder to work.

 

[guangong]

My intended use is for portraiture, specifically environmental portraiture, such as friends/family going about their day doing their normal everyday things or while at work. This is why I would prefer something lightweight and portable, and not a camera that requires a rail or tripod. Then with the images I would make some contact prints such as cyanotypes, maybe ambrotypes or salt prints, as gifts for said people.

Sounds like great ideas for interesting results. My Wista would not be suitable. You want to do 35mm style photography, but need a large negative. I would follow Sirius Glass’ recommendations. Good luck on your quest.

 

[campy51]

Like I said earlier the Crown was a good choice for me, but I kept my eye out for a 5x7 at a good price. I eventually found a Kodak 2D in very good condition but have only used it a couple of times, but for the price I paid it's good to have around just in case I get ambitious.

 

[xya]

If you consider 5x7, have a look at the Rittreck View cameras. Most come even with a rotating 4x5 adapter. They fold very small and are not so much heavier than the Graflexes. The lenses might by more expensive. I bought a whole set with adapter, 2 lenses, 3 holders and even an 8x10 extension back. No movements for 8x10, but a cheap solution to get into it. I payed 50% over your budget, but it was worth it.

 

[BradS]

Top Rangefinder Crown Graphic.

 

[abruzzi]

Another, less common option for shooting 4x5 handheld are the various bellows-less cameras like the Wanderlust (on the low end) or the Arca R series at the high end. Mid priced would be something like a Sinar Handy. They’re not very flexible, but should be pretty light.

 

[Don_ih]

@Howl23 -- what 9x12 camera do you have, incidentally?

 

[Howl23]

@Howl23 -- what 9x12 camera do you have, incidentally?

I have an Ihagee Photoklapp Patent Duplex 720 with a CZJ 135mm Tessar f4.5, its a fairly simple camera. Works for the most part, although I can't verify if the shutter speeds are correct on the compur shutter. For certain the timer mechanism doesn't work, so it will need to be serviced regardless and the infinity stop doesn't always seem to work, but I have taken some ok images with it!

 

[btaylor]

Echoing the other recommendations here for the Crown Graphic. If you’re handheld it is perhaps one of the best options. Someone mentioned the orientation, as you know they are landscape, not portrait. But I personally find it easy to hang from the strap for portrait orientation (there is a tripod mounting hole on the side of the body for tripod use). Designed for press use they are quick to pull up to the eye and shoot. Check out Weegee, he was a master. Zone focus, f8! I find the wire sports finder is quite accurate and fast to use.
IMHO a monopod is nice, takes no time to set up and adds steadiness. I have a Super Speed Graphic- one of the features is the rotating back, so switchable from landscape to portrait. I see that one sold recently on eBay within your budget.

 

[Howl23]

Echoing the other recommendations here for the Crown Graphic. If you’re handheld it is perhaps one of the best options. Someone mentioned the orientation, as you know they are landscape, not portrait. But I personally find it easy to hang from the strap for portrait orientation (there is a tripod mounting hole on the side of the body for tripod use). Designed for press use they are quick to pull up to the eye and shoot. Check out Weegee, he was a master. Zone focus, f8! I find the wire sports finder is quite accurate and fast to use.
IMHO a monopod is nice, takes no time to set up and adds steadiness. I have a Super Speed Graphic- one of the features is the rotating back, so switchable from landscape to portrait. I see that one sold recently on eBay within your budget.

The graphic brand of cameras certainly seems the way to go and Sirus Glass has made some great points, especially in regards to Pacemaker Speed Graphic.

 

[madNbad]

Light weight, hand holdable, rangefinder:
https://www.cameradactyl.com/buttergrip/cameradactyl-og-4x5-hand-camera

 

[madNbad]

I posted the cameradactyl 3D printed 4X5 mostly based on what your intended use is. If you don't intend to use movements, solid body cameras may be your best choice.

 

[Howl23]

I posted the cameradactyl 3D printed 4X5 mostly based on what your intended use is. If you don't intend to use movements, solid body cameras may be your best choice.

Yes I saw! I am going through the webpage and looking at reviews on it, thank you for sharing.

 

[rcphoto]

My first 4x5 was the speed graphic in my profile picture. I sold it years ago and regret it to this day. I have since looked at prices of similar kits to what I had, and was surprised at how cheap they were. I was pleased with mine, offered the ability to be handheld and shot comfortably or put on a tripod if you want people to stop and ask questions...

 

[Jimskelton]

Another camera like the cameradactyl is the "WillTravel", which is 3D printed and comes in different configurations, such as 4x5, 5x7, even 8x10 if your printer is big enough. You can check them out here: https://film.kolve.org/darkroomdiy/will-travel-friendly-cameras/ The designer mentioned he does make them for sale.

One big downside with these cameras is that they all use zone focus, which basically means stopping down the lens to compensate for inaccurate focusing. You can put something like a watameter rangefinder on them, but it isn't as nice as a coupled rangefinder. Of course, no movements and fixed focus.

The big upside is their small size and light weight, though they don't fold up...

 

[madNbad]

Here's a video about the Cameradactyl 4X5. In addition to showing the photographer using it, it also has helpful hints about how to set the focus.