If you can buy ONE LF camera...

[luvmydogs]

Sorry, it is late Sunday night and I seem to be experiencing insomnia.

If you can buy one LF camera, any LF camera, but only one, which one would you buy and why?

Incidentally, I have bought the one LF camera I would buy, the Ebony SV810U (thanks to the advice from fellow Apuggers), and it will be another 7 weeks or so before I will get it. I can hardly wait.

 

[Dave Parker]

I would buy a Shen Hao and spend the extra money on film and holders, as well as making pictures.

The camera really is not the most important part of the equation, the image is.

Just my opinion and take if for what is worth..

Dave Parker
Satin Snow Ground Glass

 

[Paul Sorensen]

There are a lot of ways to read your question. There is the way that Dave answered it, and I might even go further and say a nice used 8X10 of some sort. The other way is to look at it as a, if money were no object, question where you will not have more money left over for film. I might say that I would like a pristine Deardorff 8X10, but I am not sure. The Ebony sure is nice. Either way, I really think that the one I have right now is just what I need to have, so it is a 4X5 Cambo SC something or other. Nice camera and I was able to afford it, which makes it really special to me!

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

If I had to own one camera, it would probably be my Linhof Tech V, which does more things than any other camera I have.

One LF camera, though, and it would more likely be an 8x10" of some flavor, preferably light enough for the outdoors but flexible enough for the studio and closeup, Canham Traditional Standard maybe.

 

[roteague]

Tough question. While the photographer is much more important than the equipment, the proper equipment can enhance how well the photographer works. I haven't used many LF cameras, but I think it would be either a Toyo 45AII (which I currently use) or a Linhof (probably a Tech V).

 

[User Removed]

Any Ultra Large Format camera. I would love to move above 8x10. Preferable an 11x14, but would like to go larger.

Ryan McIntosh

 

[raucousimages]

Toyo 125 VX. I have several LF cameras but the 125 VX is a cross between a field and studio camera and will do both jobs very well and easy to use. Not an small or durable as a field camera or as precise as a monorail but a joy to use.

 

[Soeren]

A 5X7, probably a Shen Hao
Or perhaps that Littmann 45 just for fun.
No, if I ever get the money to use on a LF camera it would be a Shen Hao 5X7 perhaps with an extra 4X5 reducing back.
4X5 because I like the look from the Polaroid type 55 film.
5X7 because...... well contacts, no need for an enlarger.
I got plenty of time to decide yet since it will take years before I can afford any equipment at all with that little one comingup in less than two month
Søren

 

[ReallyBigCameras]

The camera I am currently using - an ARCA-SWISS F-Line. It is a true system monorail that collapses small enough to carry in the field. Best of all is the modular design that allows the camera to be configured for any shooting style, subject or situation.

Kerry

 

[Wyno]

wyno

I have just received my 4x5 Shen Hao and have yet to play with it, but I'd really like to make my own 11x14 or bigger. Now I have to order a Satin Snow ground glass for the shen.
Michael

 

[Scott-Tx]

i'm with kerry on this one... arca swiss f-line. i have a 4x5 with 8x10 format kit so can shoot both formats - does that count as only one camera?

 

[JohnArs]

Sinar P the most complet LF system! with 4x5 and 8x10 back!

 

[eclarke]

The camera I am currently using - an ARCA-SWISS F-Line. It is a true system monorail that collapses small enough to carry in the field. Best of all is the modular design that allows the camera to be configured for any shooting style, subject or situation.

Kerry

Ditto, especially the newest flavor with the 141mm frames and their new super soft bellows. This is a pound lighter than my F metric and will handle an amazing range of focal lengths with the new bellows..Evan Clarke

 

[luvmydogs]

Thanks for indulging me guys! Looks like so far, there's been the most vote for the Arca-Swiss.

Soren, congratulations on your upcoming bundle of joy. I hope you're catching up on some sleep right now, because in two months, sleep will be hard to come by! (I know b/c I have a 10-month old)

 

[colrehogan]

I'd get an 8x10 Canham Traditional. That way, when my 5x12 Canham arrives, I could have one set of lensboards. Right now, I'll have two.

 

[Steve Hamley]

Only one? Probably the Arca. If I could have two then a 4x5 and 8x10 Ebony, which I have.

Why the Arca? It's hike-able but heavy, and you could shoot 4x5 wide lenses to 8x10 with one camera (actually shooting 4x5 and 8x10 on an Arca seems to be 1-1/2 cameras).

Steve

 

[jimgalli]

Since I've limited myself to only one lady for my entire lifetime, I've compensated by allowing myself to have as many LF cameras as I can fit into the available space. Somewhere between 20 and 30 at the moment. Everything from 4X5 to 12X20. OK if you held a gun to my head and I had to pick one............it's really a no brainer, the Deardorff 8X10.

 

[df cardwell]

8x10 Deardorff. Make contact prints.

Otherwise, the Leica.

 

[John Kasaian]

I'd agree with Jim Galli and df cardwell----It would have to be the 'dorff v8.

 

[Jeremy]

It's out of my price range, but I could definitely go for either the 8x10 Canham with 7x17 back or the 5x7 Canham with the additional 5x12 back.

Right now I'm with Dave and I'll stick with my Shen-Hao.

 

[Calamity Jane]

If I was limited to ONE LF camera, it would be, without a doubt, my home made Maple camera. It is a flatbed camera with the movements of a monorail and the Maple is hard as steel! It has been dropped with not a lick of damage.

http://www.geocities.com/diannebest/camera2/camera2.index.html

 

[luvmydogs]

Jane! Wow! I am most impressed. The camera looks amazing!!

 

[Paul Sorensen]

If I was limited to ONE LF camera, it would be, without a doubt, my home made Maple camera. It is a flatbed camera with the movements of a monorail and the Maple is hard as steel! It has been dropped with not a lick of damage.

http://www.geocities.com/diannebest/camera2/camera2.index.html

Amazing camera! When are you going to go into the business? It has a very unique look, people will walk up to folks on the street and ask "is that a Calamity Jane?" That's the best possible marketing!

 

[Eric Rose]

Anyone who knows me, knows that I can make a penny go a long way. Yes I am CHEAP! I have used old and or used stuff for a long time. I loved my Wista knock off and it took hundreds of great pics. I only moved to a Master Tech because I needed something that would withstand abuse.

Now that I have been using it for awhile, the Master Tech, I am extremely impressed with the rigidity of it. Rock solid and easy to use.

Keeping to the cheap theme, I bought the camera on Ebay for a song. I waited for the right opportunity to snipe a great deal. Not being in a rush helps.

If I were to do it all over again I would have bought a MT right up front. For me it's the perfect LF camera. Certainly heavier than my old one, but there is always a price to pay for anything it seems.

 

[ReallyBigCameras]

i'm with kerry on this one... arca swiss f-line. i have a 4x5 with 8x10 format kit so can shoot both formats - does that count as only one camera?

Yeah, picking the ARCA-SWISS as "one camera" seems a bit unfair. But, that's exactly why I picked it. The modular design makes it almost infinitely flexible. I can configure mine as a 6x9 mini view camera that easily takes lenses down to 35mm, as a lightweight (relatively) 4x5 field model, as a 4x5 studio monorail with 1200mm of bellows extension, or as my favorite, a 6.5 pound 4x10 camera that handles lenses from 90mm - 450mm non-telephoto (or 600mm non-telephoto with an extension rail). Last time I spoke with Keith Canham he mentioned that someone was adapting one of his 7x17 conversion kits to an ARCA-SWISS F-Line (similar to what I did with my 4x10).

Of course, there are a LOT of other wonderful cameras I'd like to have. With so many choices, it's hard to choose just one - which is why I chose the ARCA. It's several cameras in one.

Kerry