Calumet 45N

[lynettemax]

Hello everybody

I am thinking about buying my first 4x5 camera!
I'm on the edge of being a starving student, no fun, so I'm looking at getting a Calumet 45N.
I know Horseman is a wonderful brand but I honestly can't afford one.
Has anyone had any deal makers or deal breakers about this camera?
Or does anyone know of a reason I shouldn't get it?
Thank you everyone!

-Lynette

 

[Peter de Groot]

Do it. I think it is Cambo made with Calumet name tag. I think it is good stuff. Perhaps not top of the line but certainly good enough to get you started in 4x5. Don't know what the price is of course.

 

[mgb74]

Are you buying used or new? If used, make sure:
- it's not missing any essential parts (knobs, gg, fittings)
- it locks up nice and tight
- it has a lens board in the size you need
- no holes in the bellows

If you're not buying used, you may want to consider doing so. 4x5 monorail cameras go for very low amounts now.

 

[lynettemax]

Are you buying used or new? If used, make sure:
- it's not missing any essential parts (knobs, gg, fittings).

What exactly do you mean by gg? ground glass?

And thanks for the great advice!

 

[fotch]

Prices are unbelivabley low on some used 4x5 view cameras that I don't know why anyone would buy new. Since these are not for the typical amateur market, almost all are very capable machines.

You can pick any brand lens/shutter, something that is less common with other cameras.

It would be very beneficial to do your own processing, more so than with roll film.

 

[Rick A]

Yes, GG means ground glass. Take the plunge, its photography at its most basic, and most elegant form. It is not for the short of patience, it causes thought, I highly recommend it.

 

[DrPablo]

The 45N is fairly light, easy to use, great for learning, and sturdy. Nothing wrong with it. It's not quite as "modular" as some higher end cameras (i.e. you can't add an extension rail, you can't rotate the back), but honestly you shouldn't worry about that kind of stuff. Better to put money into your lenses than into the camera body.

 

[John Koehrer]

With any large format camera, make sure it's got the mounting block with it. The mounting block goes between the focusing rail & the tripod. Without it, it becomes a very large & unwieldy paperweight for large & unwieldy paper.

 

[mgb74]

With any large format camera, make sure it's got the mounting block with it. The mounting block goes between the focusing rail & the tripod. Without it, it becomes a very large & unwieldy paperweight for large & unwieldy paper.

John, some people put a lot of effort into building a handheld 4x5 and here you go and criticize.

Seriously, this is good advise. Seems a particular issue with Graphic View monorails, though the 2 recently listed on APUG do have the necessary mounting block.

 

[John Koehrer]

mgb74
I'm still building my foamcore mockup, no sawdust yet.

My reference to the mounting block was less meant for our forum but for Lynette, who, if she were to find something locally or on the bay might buy something unusable. I've seen some on CL & bay without the blocks & the sellers don't seem to be aware.