First large format camera recommendation ?

[Roger Hicks]

As you're in the UK, look for an old Kodak Specialist half plate, the one with the grey-green finish. It takes standard half plate/5x7 inch/13x18cm holders (all have the same external dimensions) and it's likely to be silly-cheap because it's big, heavy and ugly: I've seen 'em for well under a hundred quid, with a lens and some holders. They fold up quite small for transport, though, so they're good for architecture and landscape as well as for the studio.

Otherwise consider an MPP. In 4x5 inch there's the Micro-Technical or (if you don't want much movement or extension) Micro-Press, plus some very good monorails up to 8x10 inch. You might want to join the Users Club, http://www.mppusers.com/

I have five 4x5 inch cameras (2x Toho, 2x Gandolfi, Titan Pinhole); two 5x7s (Gandolfi, Linhof), an 8x10 (De Vere) with reducing backs for 5x7 and 5x4; and a 12x15 with reducing backs for 10x12, 8x10 and whole plate. I like the 5x7s best.

Cheers,

R.

 

[craigclu]

I went through the same decisions a few years ago and decided that a light field camera was the most useful for me. I got a Zone VI (Tachihara-sourced version) and I've found that it meets my needs very well. I've got a mix of Nikon, Schneider and Fuji glass that have all proven to be solid performers, too. If I get more enthused to expand this type of photography, I would likely get something one step sturdier but I don't believe it's presented a real issue yet. Like you, I wanted to see how I functioned with LF, didn't want to invest too heavily, but feel that I'm getting a good bit of experience with adequate gear so far.

 

[John Kasaian]

I'm looking at getting a large format camera some time this summer hopefully, i currently shoot with Nikon DSLRs (D3's and D700's) and also have MF cameras which are a Mamiya RZ67, Fuji GW690III and a Minolta Autocord. Any recommendations on what camera for my first large format purchase, i don't want to spend a boat load of money but want something that will produce great images. Thanks in advance as usual for any feedback or help.

John.

No camera will produce great images on it's own

 

[Laurent]

I went through the same decisions a few years ago and decided that a light field camera was the most useful for me. I got a Zone VI (Tachihara-sourced version) and I've found that it meets my needs very well. I've got a mix of Nikon, Schneider and Fuji glass that have all proven to be solid performers, too. If I get more enthused to expand this type of photography, I would likely get something one step sturdier but I don't believe it's presented a real issue yet. Like you, I wanted to see how I functioned with LF, didn't want to invest too heavily, but feel that I'm getting a good bit of experience with adequate gear so far.

My first LF camera was a Tachihara, and I still own it. It's great for backpacking, sturdy enough for what I'm doing with it (I made exposures of 1/2 hour without any problem). The only improvement I can think of is the bellows could be a bit longer for long lenses.

 

[ME Super]

For a high school shop project, we were to build a pinhole camera. I built mine from wood, used some aluminum flashing to make the pinhole, and built it to take 4x5 paper. The negs were okay, but the contact prints through the paper neg were unlike anything else. It was a rather interesting project.

I never did get around to trying film in it though, and sadly no longer have it.