FSU large format? (looking for a cheap camera)

Krzys · Dec 30, 2009

This is just my following of the whole zorki (cheap leica), salyut (cheap 'blad) ideal.

I am completely ignorant of LF photography and really want to get into the game. Ideally I'd start by getting a cheaper camera, find some decent ground glass and holders and start off with some cheap Russian glass.

But where are the cheap bodies? Where are the FSU large format cameras?

I cant understand where there aren't any bodies around for under $200, at least not that I can find on ebay. It is essentially two shapes and a rail. Given that I can easily find the stuff for in between. So *shrugs*

Can anyone recommend any cameras or sources? I just want to dabble and have some fun.

Venchka · Dec 30, 2009

They are everywhere. In the USA. Postage may cost more than the camera.
My experience: Speed Graphic, 2 lenses, 5 holders-$100
Kodak Master View, 4 holders-$50
Cheap lenses: Polaroid copy camera lenses in Copal shutters-under $100, often WAY under $100.
More cheap lenses: Old Kodak folders with Rapid Rectilinear lenses
Wollensak or Bausch & Lomb lenses from the 20s, 30s, 40s & 50s.
Kodak Ektar 127mm/4.7 lenses sell for under a $100. Super good lens for little money.
Holders-$5 or less each
Go for it!

A friend just bought a Calumet 400 (copy of the Kodak camera I bought listed above) for about $50 and a Sinar A1 for $100. Both from ebay USA.

Steve Hamley · Dec 30, 2009

Wayne's correct; lots of options. And the Kodak Master View (the 4x5 rail camera) is not only cheap, but quite a competent camera that usually has good bellows. It or a very similar camera was also branded Orbit or Calumet. The Graphic View rail cameras are also plentiful, cheap, and competent. In press cameras, there's also the shutterless Crown Crown Graphic, Burk and James press camera, Busch Pressman, and so on. Modern multicoated lenses in the 150-210mm range are going for about $200 now if you shop around because they made a ton of them, and these lenses have to be the "sweet spot" for value if you're not bound to absolute rock bottom price.

A Speed Graphic with a working shutter may be your best deal, because it opens up the world of barrel lenses, which are usually cheaper, and of course don't have shutters to CLA.

A word of caution, whatever you get, make sure it has a good bellows. Replacing a bellows will blow all "good deals" out of the water.

Cheers, Steve

Pupfish · Dec 30, 2009

You want a Former Soviet Union camera in Large Format (assuming that's what FSU means)?

Why in the world do you want to do that?

Exquisite top shelf lenses and cameras are abundant and relatively cheap these days. Sinars sell for $300-400 USD. Rodenstock APO Sironar lenses often go for less than that. Prices are 10-20% of new for gear in excellent or better condition. Bargains are legion. No sympathy is extended.

If you can't afford current LF equipment prices, you certainly can't afford to dabble in LF for long. Hell, your first year film costs alone can easily exceed your equipment costs these days.

TheFlyingCamera · Dec 30, 2009

Your best bet for a cheap large format camera is the previously mentioned Kodak/Calumet/Orbit. The easiest version to find is the Calumet - usually labelled a CC-400 or somesuch. They're (to our modern eyes) ugly and primitive. However, they'll do whatever you want to do with large format. The biggest downside is that they're monorail cameras, so they don't fold up in to a nice little package you can stuff in a backpack and drag around with you, and being a bit on the zaftig side themselves, need a beefier tripod.

Another option is to look for a 3.25 x 4.25 inch camera, as they're a sort of unloved cousin to the 4x5. The image size is ALMOST as big, but the cameras are smaller and lighter and usually a lot cheaper since folks think you can't get film for them (not true- there are still several manufacturers putting out 3.25x4.25 film, and you can always cut down 4x5 easily enough).

Wilcoxson David L. · Dec 30, 2009

This may sound like a stupid question, but did the FSW actually make and/or market LF cameras? I've never heard of them doing so, but that dosen't mean they didn't.

TheFlyingCamera · Dec 30, 2009

There are a lot of FSU large format cameras out there, but they're mostly wooden tailboard style cameras used for portraiture. They're relatively cheap, but still not really in the price range the OP is looking for. FKD is a common brand, if I recall correctly.

domaz · Dec 30, 2009

You can get 4x5/5x7 (same camera different back) Grovers very cheap on the auction site usually. Shipping from the USA (where they were made) will be high though.

John Kasaian · Dec 31, 2009

Make your own LF pinhole.

Ektagraphic · Dec 31, 2009

I have an old Calumet and I love it. It was really cheap at $165 with 11 film holders, Schneider 210mm, and a nice hard case. It can be kind of bulky but it is an amazing camera and an amazing value.

Dave Pritchard · Dec 31, 2009

I have several FSU cameras: a FED2, Salut-S, Kiev 6C, and Pentacon Six.

My LF cameras are not FSU. In 4x5, I have several Speed Graphics and an Orbit monorail. The old press cameras go cheap, especially if they are plain (Pre-Anniversary). The monorail cameras are cheap as they are a pain to lug around. Both will produce marvelous photos.

smieglitz · Dec 31, 2009

Burke & James Rembrandts are also quite inexpensive and available. They are a flatbed portrait camera with fixed front standard. You could probably pick up a 5x7 model, perhaps with Packard Shutter included, for about $75-$100 USD. I imagine you could cut and hinge the flatbed easily and end up with a field camera. 5x7 is a nice size for contact printing.

I also think the Calumet c-400 is a great workhorse camera that can be had for $75-125 almost any day on Ebay. With a little modification you can also get the standards off the rail if you wish to throw the thing in a backpack.

Overseas shipping is the thing that will limit you.

david_mizen · Jan 1, 2010

the other thing about the FKD's and their like is that as i understand it they are metric so if you want film you will either have to locate 13X18 or 18x24cm film (or the 4x5 equivalent) which may not be easy in australia the alternative is to modify the camera back to accept standard 4x5, 5x7 or 8x10 holders and film as i recall there is an article by kievgurl out there some were which details the conversion of an fkd camera to accept standard holders. Ive had a look for it and the authors web pages have gone you might pick it up through the kiev forum at delphi forums

SMBooth · Jan 4, 2010

Krzys - Try this http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=57538

papagene · Jan 4, 2010

Here's a good starter 4x5:
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

gene

FSU large format? (looking for a cheap camera)

Krzys

Venchka

Steve Hamley

Pupfish

TheFlyingCamera

Membership Council

Wilcoxson David L.

TheFlyingCamera

Membership Council

domaz

John Kasaian

Ektagraphic

Dave Pritchard

smieglitz

david_mizen

SMBooth

papagene

Membership Council

FSU large format? (looking for a cheap camera)

Membership Council

Membership Council

Membership Council

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency