Comments about cambo 4x5

hello

I'm planning to buy a cambo 4x5 camera at very reasonable price.
Any comments or suggestions about this camera?

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- timppa

It's very heavy! But it is of course very solid and well made. Personally, I would not pick it for field work. I think you will want a longer rail, particularly if you plan to do macro. And if it doesn't come with bellows, you will of course want to know the cost of that beforehand.

keithwms said:

It's very heavy!

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Ok, that's good to know.

keithwms said:

But it is of course very solid and well made. Personally, I would not pick it for field work.

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I'm planning to use it mosty in a studio environment so I don't think that's not going to be a big problem.

keithwms said:

I think you will want a longer rail, particularly if you plan to do macro. And if it doesn't come with bellows, you will of course want to know the cost of that beforehand.

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The rail is 38cm long. It has been cut, so it is shorter than the original.
It is a full package with film holders, lenses and bellows.

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- timppa

I have been using one for several years. It is easy to use although bulkier than a field camera. Accessories and parts are relatively cheap on the auction site. I made a 36" rail for macro work and long focal length lenses. I also make my own lensboards out of 1/8" aluminum. The weight is not that much of a problem. I think a Cambo is a good camera to start with.

I feel it is an ideal learner camera. Maybe that is why virtually all of the texts, like Simmons, Shaman, and Stone use this camera in the demo illustrations.

You can make longer rails out of 1" square aluminum extrusion, or check for long rails on the auction site. You just have to make sure to use a cotter pin or something to make sure you don't focus the standard off the end of the rail.

I have one, and I wouldn't say its very heavy. I mean its a rail camera, what do you expect- you give up some of the spontaneity of the camera for all the great features. Not great for field work, but I've done it.

Get it.

I have one and I can say it's a sweet camera!

timpppa said:

hello

I'm planning to buy a cambo 4x5 camera at very reasonable price.
Any comments or suggestions about this camera?

--
- timppa

Click to expand...

Anything Cambo tends to be heavy, well-made, not overly subtle, and VERY VERY STRONG -- we used to call them 'assistant-proof' when I worked in a hire studio. As long as the weight isn't a problem, you can't do a lot better.

Cheers,

R.

The one thing I've noticed on Combo's is that the friction fittings tend to suffer with age. Sinars will do everything a Combo will do and are lighter,easy to use have as many or more accessories, will take a shorter lens and are just a tad more expensive on the auction site.

Avoid the "Cadet" version which is a look-a-like

is cheap, and light weight; but lacks stability and durability that is available in the regular Cambo IMO.

Thank you for the feedback and all!

I had one for while. Its built like a truck, and weighs about as much. But it was a great camera with alot of movements. I found mine to be very stable, on a good tripod. And honestly you need a good one, if not it will not be stable.

Good Luck and enjoy the camera!

Gary

Cambo Praises...

I have had 3 Cambo 4x5 cameras over the last 20 years. The first was an old super Cambo in mint condition with the nice art deco lettering insets on the knobs. The second was a late 80s version that did not have the click stops on the standards and I really missed that feature. The third was also without clickstops but had a rotating back. I love the rotating back feature.
I made a 2x5" mask out of a spare darkslide to take panoramics with and the rotating back is sweet for this.

I am a big guy and so the weight in the field was never such an issue for me. I find the cambo very solid and steady outdoors in the wind. In the studio, it's also a great camera. The availability of accessories at good prices is also very attractive with the Cambo/Calumet and setting up for WA was not too pricey.

Since it's the lens that makes all the difference anyhow... I'd recommend a Cambo anytime. Put the $ into the glass up front and let the Linhof and Sinar guys have their prestige. Working pros like Cambos quite a bit.

I'm now shooting an 8x10 Ansco and have sold my 4x5 stuff. I find I can get comparable quality (on a 13x19" print) from my DSLR (Nikon D200) and so cannot justify lugging a 4x5 for colour or night shooting. The DSLRs are superb for night photos. Check out a site called Cambridge in Colour dot com. The 8x10 is for B&W contacts and alternative processes.

Don't ever have to worry about buying a Cambo!

I have one that I've been using for the past few months. I take it out to the field but don't venture too far from the car. It has all the movements you'll need and is very sturdy. My only complaint so far is the limitation in the shortest lens that I can use with this camera. With a standard lensboard, I cannot focus a 135mm lens at infinity. With a recessed lensboard you may be able to do a little better but if you like shooting with a wide perspective, this may be a problem.

I don't think there's a better camera to start with. Maybe because that's what I started with. They are a system camera with lots of goodies available all the time on ebay.

I love my cambo!!! I have shot a few different field cameras and eventhough the Cambo is heavier I would pick it any day of the week for a few reasons 1) full movements, 2) very versatile design, 3) The cambo cameras are very sturdy. not to mention they are cheap. I picked mine up off ebay for $45.
Get it!!!

I have an old SC and use it for field and home. Packed up in backpack its no heavier than my work laptop. They are solid and fuctional, and bits are available on eBay etc. What more could you want?

Phill