Entry level camera

jaimeb82 · Sep 8, 2009

I kind of like the portability of the view cameras rather than the rail ones. That being said, what are the options for an entry level camera between $400 and $600? (second hand) Wista, Yoko View 45A seems to be around there, ( a bit higher than that I think) but what could be other brands entry level models? I currently own a speed graphic, but it doesn't have frontal and rear movements.

removed account4 · Sep 8, 2009

hi

a new shen hao runs for about 650-675
from all accounts they are a very nice camera ...
a used one would not be nearly as expensive as a new one ...
on eBlip the completed actions show they run between 400-550$

good luck!
john

Nick Zentena · Sep 9, 2009

I think you mean a field camera and not a view. A monorail is a view camera.

Even less then your budget would be the Agfa/Anscos. Heavy.

jaimeb82 · Sep 9, 2009

yes, I couldn't remember at the time of the post. I am more towards the flat bed, field camera than the monorail. I like monorails and they seem to go for cheaper but seem hard to carry around.

Very few Shen-Hao in the second hand market so far, found new ones for $650 but that's a bit to high without a lens for me.

archphoto · Sep 9, 2009

If you want a field wield with more or less mono rail movement the Shen Hao HZX45-IIA should be the camera for uou.
Just be patient and keep looking for a used one or save for a new one.
In the mean time you could be looking for a used 150mm Tessar or so.......

Peter

singram · Sep 9, 2009

I use a Tachihara 4x5. It is a very robust and light weight camera, and fun to shoot with. I too upgraded from a Graphic camera for all of your same reasons. I purchased mine new about 10 years ago for about $600. They are now in the $700 range, but a used one should be sought for a bit less.

You can use your lens from the Graphic camera as well, so you won't need to spend the extra $$ on optics for now. Just ask for the correct size board when ordering your camera.

Oh, I went through the trial and error process with older view cameras to save money. I tried an Agfa- wow way too heavy to backpack. A Seneca and a Korona wood field camera were also put through the paces. Less movements, and the 100+ years of use made these cameras (in my price range) not rigid enough for me.

steve

36cm2 · Sep 9, 2009

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8330/4.3.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

I love my Tachihara. Highly recommend it. Only drawback is that the bellows only permit up to a 300mm lens. But that's plenty for most users. You can certainly find one for around 600 on the flea bay.

cblurton · Sep 10, 2009

The Shen Hao is a very solid camera for not much $. I like mine a lot.

TheFlyingCamera · Sep 10, 2009

Another vote for the Shen Hao 45hzx II. I've had mine for over a decade now and although it doesn't see much use anymore (I've gone much bigger film-wise), I've gotten a LOT of use out of it and taken it all kinds of places. I'd sell mine but I'm planning to use it for doing wet plate in the field.

photomc · Sep 10, 2009

Since you have the speed graphic, might consider a 5x7 field camera. Yes they do tend to be more $ than a 4x5, but if you shop around there are the Burke & James, Korona, Kodak-2D that will have backs you can change and shoot both 4x5 and 5x7. Plus the 5x7 makes great contact prints (not to mention it is a wonderful size).

Good advice already, but consider the 4x5/5x7 option they are really great.

rwyoung · Sep 10, 2009

Many of the Speed and Pacemaker Graphics do have limited FRONT standard movements. Exactly which model do you have?

Pupfish · Sep 10, 2009

The move I most need that most cameras lack is a rotating back.

After a couple of years of looking I found a really nice Meridian 45B last year that does a really nice job with wide angles, even folds up with a 90mm Nikon SW installed on a flat board, and a 210mm f/5.6 Plasmat on a slightly recessed one.

The Super Graphic I just picked up for cheap has everything I'll ever need for the 135mm I expect to leave on it permanently.

jaimeb82 · Sep 11, 2009

rwyoung said:
Many of the Speed and Pacemaker Graphics do have limited FRONT standard movements. Exactly which model do you have?

I believe I have a Anniversary Speed Graphic. It doesn't have any movement at all other than dropping the bed down, but that doesn't help much.

Entry level camera

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