Cambo SC for beginner?

LMNOP · Sep 13, 2014

I found a deal from a local seller, they're trying to get rid of their Large Format rig, and I am trying to acquire my very first. Currently, I shoot MF, but I'd like to get into LF, especially using polaroids. They're offering a Cambo SC with dark cloth, 12 film holders, release cable, Manfrotto 3021 Pro tripod w/ head, polaroid back, carrying case, and some misc film. Asking $375 firm.

Is this a good price? It seems like a lot of gear to get rid of at that price. Also, how's the learning curve on this beast? Any thoughts or input are helpful!

Alan Gales · Sep 13, 2014

You can buy a real nice Cambo or Calumet monorail for $200.00 if you are patient. I'm guessing the tripod is worth around $100.00. You can pick up 4x5 film holders as low as $5.00 a piece. A little more if they are real nice. Late model Toyo's go for more. What case does it have? If it's the nice plastic Cambo case in great shape it's probably worth $75.00. If it's a fiber board case it's worth little. The polaroid back is a door stop. You can't buy new 4x5 polaroid film. Does the camera come with a lens?

There is a learning curve to 4x5 with sheet film and cameras and lenses. You shoot medium format so I'm assuming that you know how to use a separate light meter. Loading 4x5 is not hard. It has to be done in the dark and you have to be aware of dust so holders have to be cleaned before loading. Using a monorail like the SC is the most straight forward large format camera and the easiest to learn on. At first you will shoot it like a big medium format camera until you learn camera movements. It isn't that hard to learn but you do have to have patience.

Large format is a blast if you don't mind putting time into each shot. Yes, it takes more time, so you take less shots. I find I get a lot more keepers that way. Check out the Home Page at Large Format Photography Forum for more free information. You can also ask on here or pm me any questions.

Oh, the prices that I am quoting you are Ebay prices and you would be responsible for additional shipping costs.

mablo · Sep 14, 2014

I bought a Cambo SC as an introductory camera for LF. It was an error. The camera is undoubtedly very good and capable of wondrous things but it's so large and heavy that I used it only once before giving it away. I have not touched a LF camera ever since.

Dan Fromm · Sep 14, 2014

mablo said:
I bought a Cambo SC as an introductory camera for LF. It was an error. The camera is undoubtedly very good and capable of wondrous things but it's so large and heavy that I used it only once before giving it away. I have not touched a LF camera ever since.

Interesting. When I was thinking about moving from 35 mm to 2x3 I handled a 2x3 Linhof Color (Technika on a rail). It was heavy, clumsy and, what with the tripod mounting block and all seemed awfully tall. It put me off 2x3 view cameras. I ended up with 2x3 Graphics.

I didn't change my mind about 2x3 view cameras until I was given a 2x3 Cambo (SC-1). Now I have a pair of SC-1s (the second one is really for the standards when I need miles of extension) and an SC-2 (more parts, to be able to shoot 6x12). They're not as obnoxious as that Linhof Color was.

OP, if you're willing to spend time waiting for much better deals to come along you can probably assemble a less expensive SC-2 kit. On the other hand, you're offered something nearly (lens or lenses? boards?) ready to go. If you don't want to wait, get it. If you buy and don't like you may lose as much as $200 when you resell. If you can afford that large a mistake (it may be smaller) and can live with the weight, why not get it?

About shopping. I bought my SC-2 for $125 from an offer on http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/ Look there and on APUG's for sale list, also at classic.keh.com . Prices there are usually lower than on eBay. If you need boards, check KEH, for some reason they usually ask less than sellers on eBay.

While deciding whether to wait for a better opportunity, heft the camera you've been offered. If it isn't too heavy, put it in "compact" mode; remove the bellows, loosen the swing/shift locks and rotate the standards 90 degrees so they're parallel to the rail, then lock the standards. Then measure and look into backpacks or briefcases that will hold it. In compact mode my 2x3ers fit in a briefcase.

bdial · Sep 14, 2014

For the current times, the price seems a little high for a monorail if it doesn't include a lens. Not really excessively high, but not a "great deal" either.

As to whether its a good camera to start with depends a bit on what you want to do with it. In general, monorails are little awkward to transport, and if you are going hiking you probably don't want to go far.
That said, I've hiked all over Pt Lobos with a Calumet 4x5 which is about as awkward and heavy as it gets.

On the other hand, other than weight, I think a monorail is an excellent camera for learning large format if you're looking to learn what's possible with camera movements. They are fundamentally very simple, and all the adjustments are straight-forward and the range of adjustments is more than what's available with most field cameras.

What part of Vermont are you in?

nsurit · Sep 14, 2014

I have a Cambo SC I'd love to sell you and it likely would not be the best option unless you are thinking studio use of large format. If so, it might be a good choice. If not, I'm thinking a Speed Graphic, Busch, etc. press camera might be a good starting point to get your toes wet. Bill Barber

John Koehrer · Sep 14, 2014

Depending on several things it's an OK price but not a great one.

It seems like average price on the bay is ~$125 for the camera. combo with lens from ~$300-$500 depending on the lens. This doesn't include shipping or other accessories.

In my area the average price for holders runs about $10 ea. 3021 tripod just over $100 to $a50
So $125.+$120.+$150=$395 without a lens. darkcloth, cable release or misc.film.
So you need a lens board $20-$40 & lens $?
Being able to put your hands on the camera to check it out has value too. Many mysterious things come from the bay.

Everything considered it's not bad. Just need a few more bucks to finish it off. With some careful shopping around you would be around $500-$600.

Rick A · Sep 14, 2014

Were it me, I would meet with the seller and place three one hundred dollar bills in their hand and not say another word(first person that talks loses). Who else is going to buy it?

LMNOP · Sep 14, 2014

bdial said:
For the current times, the price seems a little high for a monorail if it doesn't include a lens. Not really excessively high, but not a "great deal" either.

As to whether its a good camera to start with depends a bit on what you want to do with it. In general, monorails are little awkward to transport, and if you are going hiking you probably don't want to go far.
That said, I've hiked all over Pt Lobos with a Calumet 4x5 which is about as awkward and heavy as it gets.

On the other hand, other than weight, I think a monorail is an excellent camera for learning large format if you're looking to learn what's possible with camera movements. They are fundamentally very simple, and all the adjustments are straight-forward and the range of adjustments is more than what's available with most field cameras.

What part of Vermont are you in?

Burlington area, I see you're in NH?

Jerry Parker · Sep 14, 2014

I just sold my Cambo SC on Ebay for $200 + shipping. Just the camera and box. No lens. I bought it about a year ago and used it a couple of times. I found it heavy and awkward to use. Now I use a 4x5 Crown Graphic. Not giving up LF, just going more portable and user friendly. A Press Camera is just an old field camera; actually, I think they are better than the current field cameras available. Easier to set up, usable for hand-held shots and a lot less money at stake in case of flood, sandstorm, or being tossed off a 9000 ft peak near the Owens Valley (no discussion of this is necessary). I like the 1950's technology.

Regards,
Jerry

LMNOP · Sep 14, 2014

Rick A said:
Were it me, I would meet with the seller and place three one hundred dollar bills in their hand and not say another word(first person that talks loses). Who else is going to buy it?

Ha! I tried this approach via email, I offered 300 for the kit, and it seems I may have insulted the seller. In the area I live in, I don't think she could easily GIVE this thing away, very limited interest in LF let alone film in general.

I may pass at 375, just because of the Medium Format gear goals I have. Taking the plunge into LF is inevitable for me, but I'm not rushing.

Rick A · Sep 14, 2014

That is something you can only pull off in person, I don't blame the seller for being insulted, I get that way too on line. Offer to meet, if there is no lens with the kit only put $250 up, tell her thats all it's worth, and then do not say another word. The seller will either accept or have to give back the cash. If she says mo'money, your answer is NO. My experience is the seller won't want to give up money in hand. MTBSW!! I'm a haggler from way back.

Alan Gales · Sep 14, 2014

Rick A said:
That is something you can only pull off in person, I don't blame the seller for being insulted, I get that way too on line. Offer to meet, if there is no lens with the kit only put $250 up, tell her thats all it's worth, and then do not say another word. The seller will either accept or have to give back the cash. If she says mo'money, your answer is NO. My experience is the seller won't want to give up money in hand. MTBSW!! I'm a haggler from way back.

Yeah, there is nothing like flashing cash money in front of a Seller's eyes!

Alan Gales · Sep 14, 2014

LMNOP;1698471 Taking the plunge into LF is inevitable for me said:
Check this out: http://www.largeformatphotography.info/

bdial · Sep 14, 2014

The uncomfortable truth is that monorail view cameras have not maintained their value very well compared to things like field cameras. Really superb cameras can be had for a fraction of what they may have commanded a few years ago, and sometimes for pennies on the dollar of what they may have cost new.

For 375 you should probably pass. For less than 200 you can get a speed or a crown graphic which makes for a pretty good start in LF.

If you are willing/able to travel some, the PHSNE show (Photographic Historical Society of New England) will be in October, and there is generally a good selection of various LF cameras to choose from.

mdarnton · Sep 15, 2014

The price is OK, not great, not bad, as others have noted. But I just want to reinforce what others have said about bulk. I have two wood 5x7 cameras that weigh the same as my Cambo, and pack up nicer, so the Cambo has never left my studio. If you intend to not move it around, it's a really fine camera, with a good line of accessories that are easy to find, and it's one of the most versatile and easy-to-use view cameras out there. But if I have to go out, I will take anything other than that. Anything.

Cambo SC for beginner?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency