First 4x5: Wista 45sp or Toyo 45a or Intrepid 4x5 MK4 ?

brianentz · Apr 16, 2020

I'm looking at picking up a (used) Wista 45sp or a (used) Toyo 45a or a (new) Intrepid MK4. The former two are around 6 lb. and the Intrepid is less than half the weight. I will be using it on a tripod only and for field use. The Wista and Toyo are certainly more solid and seem to have adequate movements. The Intrepid has full movements, lighter weight but the build and fit and finish seem like they are less than the other. I've never actually handled any of the above. I'm trying to keep the cost of the camera below $600.

Just wondering if anyone had any input for me.

Bob S · Apr 16, 2020

Wista.

btaylor · Apr 17, 2020

You’re going to get a whole lot more camera with the used choices, they were made for professional use.

DC Lohenstein · Apr 17, 2020

Wista, of course. - But: I'll gladly sell you my Intrepid 4x5 Mk2 ...

mrosenlof · Apr 17, 2020

Of your choices, I have used only the Wista. I own two of them, one more than I really need, but it's a very capable camera.

Pioneer · Apr 18, 2020

They will all work just fine but if it were me I would pick up the Intrepid and use the additional money to buy film. YMMV

Raghu Kuvempunagar · Apr 18, 2020

You might want to consider this camera as an alternative to the ones you've listed:

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/fs-toyo-original-field-camera-with-4x5-back.174542/

Here's some discussion on it:
https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/toyo-metal-field-camera-4-3-4-x-6-1-2.92374/

Ari · Apr 18, 2020

Wista is built solidly, has plenty of movements, excellent rotating Graflok back, and takes common Technika boards. Lots of accessories in that system, too.
Toyo is built solid, more expensive (generally) than the Wista, back has to be removed and replaced to switch orientation. Takes Toyo Field boards.
Both Wista and Toyo are solid, reliable cameras.

The Intrepid is made of wood.

Alan Gales · Apr 18, 2020

Wista 45SP has a lot of front rise. It also has interchangeable bellows and supports a bag bellows or longer bellows if you buy the bed extension. Also look at 45VX. It's the same camera as the SP but missing the micro focus so it is a little lighter in weight. The micro focus seemed a little gimmicky to me.

mrosenlof · Apr 18, 2020

It's not "micro focus" it's "micro swing". Basically a gear driven rear swing. I can see it being useful for some, but rear swing is not a movement that I use often. I would probably be just as happy with the Vx, but I've got the SP, and it does the job well for me.

Alan Gales · Apr 18, 2020

mrosenlof said:
It's not "micro focus" it's "micro swing". Basically a gear driven rear swing. I can see it being useful for some, but rear swing is not a movement that I use often. I would probably be just as happy with the Vx, but I've got the SP, and it does the job well for me.

Thank you, Mike! You are correct of course. I had a brain fart and typed focus instead of swing.

I used to sell film gear on eBay and once purchased an early Wista with the micro swing which I flipped. I tried it out and didn't see it as being that useful. The regular swing worked fine for me.

ParkerSmithPhoto · Feb 14, 2021

brianentz said:
I'm looking at picking up a (used) Wista 45sp or a (used) Toyo 45a or a (new) Intrepid MK4. The former two are around 6 lb. and the Intrepid is less than half the weight. I will be using it on a tripod only and for field use. The Wista and Toyo are certainly more solid and seem to have adequate movements. The Intrepid has full movements, lighter weight but the build and fit and finish seem like they are less than the other. I've never actually handled any of the above. I'm trying to keep the cost of the camera below $600.

Just wondering if anyone had any input for me.

Brian, did you ever pull the trigger on one of these cameras? If so, LMK, I am considering either Wista or Toyo.

alexanderjmarkow · Mar 7, 2021

I've been trying to decide between a Toyo and Wista lately, and it definitely seems like the Toyo cameras are commanding more of a premium on ebay lately than Wista cameras.

Wayne · Mar 7, 2021

The Wista 45sp was my first 4x5 field view (not counting my Busch Pressman) 30 years ago, and will likely be my last. I liked the Toyos too but bought the Wista and have never regretted it.

kevinjp · Mar 8, 2021

I was looking for my first 4x5 last year and after a lot of research these were also my options, or a great deal on a Chamonix. I ended up getting a Toyo 45AII somewhat complete setup off eBay and I've been happy with it. It's a bit heavy, but I like that it has the revolving back. Eventually I see myself picking up a Chamonix.

M Carter · Mar 10, 2021

Isn't the Wista one or two movements short of the Toyo45a? And I think many Toyos have revolving backs.

Been looking for a metal field camera to replace my Busch D, the Toyo seems to have the most complete movements for a metal camera that's affordable.

Wayne · Mar 10, 2021

45sp has revolving back. Not sure why people are thinking it doesn't.

Bob S · Mar 10, 2021

Wayne said:
45sp has revolving back. Not sure why people are thinking it doesn't.

Because they are easily confused between a metal and a wooden Wista.

Wayne · Mar 10, 2021

Bob S said:
Because they are easily confused between a metal and a wooden Wista.

That's what I suspected.

Maris · Mar 10, 2021

People moving to large format field cameras from 35mm or roll film tend to think in terms of camera systems. But 4x5 field work is more about lenses and films and less about camera specifications.
Virtually all field cameras (not press cameras, not architecture monorails) have more than enough movements for the modest requirements of field work.
Camera weight is not that critical when added to already considerable of load of lenses, film holders, tripod, carry bag, etc, etc, ....
I reckon get the cheapest non-broken light-tight camera. The real challenges are elsewhere.

Neil Poulsen · Apr 28, 2021

I had a Wista SP 4x5 for a bit, and it's a nice camera with multiple advantages over similar clam shells.

It's compact, and mentioned above, it has interchangeable bellows. Exchanging them was a bit fiddly; but, that's better than not having the capability. Also, it's possible to use a 75mm super wide on an SP and not have to drop the front bed. Another advantage, the SP takes Linhof Technika lens boards.

I didn't really like the placement of the 1/4" tripod thread. It was easy to remove, and I drilled my own hole more up front. That worked well. Here's an explanation of that customization on the LF site.

https://www.largeformatphotography....ance-on-Wista-SP-Field-Camera&highlight=wista

One problem that I had on the camera was the integrated ground glass/Fresnel lens on my camera was intended for longer focal length lenses. (Wista offered a choice.) I was able to find the shorter lens version somewhere and swapped them out. Integrating the ground glass and Fresnel lens like this is very effective. Arca Swiss does the same, but in a little different way.

https://www.largeformatphotography....Wista-SP-Strange-Fresnel-Lens&highlight=wista

It's a fine, compact camera. But, I found what I needed to use my Arca Swiss 4x5 with a medium format front standard and decided to sell the Wista SP.

jeffreyg · Apr 28, 2021

I don't know what the bellows extension is for the Wista but my Toyo can extend the back and I also have an additional rear extension if something like that is of any value for what you intend to photograph.. Check out the specs for both.

http://www.jeffreyglasser.com/

http://www.sculptureandphotography.com/

First 4x5: Wista 45sp or Toyo 45a or Intrepid 4x5 MK4 ?

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