Looking for 4x5 field or press camera recommendations 4x5 and 6x12 formats

MellowCat · May 1, 2023

Fairly new here, just discovered Photrio earlier this year!

Over the last year I re-entered the film world after a long pause. Through a bit of trial and error have come to the conclusion I'd like to mostly shoot 4x5 and 6x12 on 120. Today I'm mostly shooting pinhole, both 120 and 4x5 film formats and would like to have a lensed option to use with the same films. I have an interest in handholding the camera at times, hence the field camera/or press style body. I have a Busch Pressman D now, but it's not in great shape, and I don't believe the back will take the 6x12 120 back. Also, it's hard to hold. The Linhof Super Technika looks like the best option, but I know nothing about Linhof, and making a mistake buying the wrong model could be costly. Horseman seems to be an option as well, but once again, I have no knowledge of the line.

My ask, could someone reply with a known model from either brand (or another recommendation) to have one 4x5 camera that supports both 4x5 and 6x12. Ideally the camera would support both rangefinder and ground glass shooting methods and have a good way to hold the camera and trigger the shutter.

Thanks in advance, appreciate it,

Scott

abruzzi · May 1, 2023

Most 4x5 cameras will have a Graflok back (also known as an international back.). That back allows you to remove the ground glass and add a roll film holder—in sized from 6x6 up to 6x12. So just make sure the camera has that, and you can shoot 4x5 and 6x12. I can’t help with models because I don’t do the hand held thing but you’re looking at many of the pres variants, or something like a Linhof Technika.

Sean Mac · May 1, 2023

A Crown Graphic would be a lot less money than a Technika.

The back on the Crown doesn't rotate and the rangefinder is set for one lens.

You can use other lenses but will have to use the ground glass to focus and compose.

There is a tripod thread in the side for portrait mode.

If you can work with those restrictions they are good cameras.

For many times the price, a Super Technika V or later can be cammed for multiple lenses easily and the back rotates.

Good luck whatever you choose.

xkaes · May 1, 2023

You'll get lots of idea from people here. You can start by searching the FORUM -- at the top right corner of this page. Try PRESS CAMERA BUYING or BEST HAND HELD CAMERA .

MellowCat · May 1, 2023

xkaes said:
You'll get lots of idea from people here. You can start by searching the FORUM -- at the top right corner of this page. Try PRESS CAMERA BUYING or BEST HAND HELD CAMERA .

I did a search, but it didn't seem to match up to my post, hence asking. Thanks.

MellowCat · May 1, 2023

Sean Mac said:
A Crown Graphic would be a lot less money than a Technika.

The back on the Crown doesn't rotate and the rangefinder is set for one lens.

You can use other lenses but will have to use the ground glass to focus and compose.

There is a tripod thread in the side for portrait mode.

If you can work with those restrictions they are good cameras.

For many times the price, a Super Technika V or later can be cammed for multiple lenses easily and the back rotates.

Good luck whatever you choose.

Thanks Sean.

xkaes · May 1, 2023

There's a Crown Graphic discussion going on right now:

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/some-crown-graphic-speculation-please.198918/#post-2677241

abruzzi · May 1, 2023

this if from memory, so maybe a little fuzzy, but some key changes on the Technika:

IV - the modern linhof lens board. earlier cameras use an uncommon board.
V - Cams become more standard. older cameras required a serial matched cam.
Master - a flippy plate on the top allows easier movements on wide lenses
Master 2000 - the inner rail where the front standard is stored has a focusing lever, so ultra wides can stay on the inner rail and still be focused.

btaylor · May 1, 2023

The Speed/Crown Graphics are much lighter than the Technika. They are made for hand holding, and between the rangefinder and wire framed sports finder are fast to use. I really like the handling of my Super Graphic. The Technika, a so-called “technical camera,” is much more versatile.

MellowCat · May 1, 2023

xkaes said:
There's a Crown Graphic discussion going on right now:

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/some-crown-graphic-speculation-please.198918/#post-2677241

Thanks, I guess I'm already quite familiar with the Crown, Speedgraphic and Busch Press cameras(used a Speedgraphic and the Buschman for years), trying to find out more about the Horseman and Linhof as they seem the better choices if you want to use the rangefinder and expect to find the camera in decent condition.

MellowCat · May 1, 2023

abruzzi said:
this if from memory, so maybe a little fuzzy, but some key changes on the Technika:

IV - the modern linhof lens board. earlier cameras use an uncommon board.
V - Cams become more standard. older cameras required a serial matched cam.
Master - a flippy plate on the top allows easier movements on wide lenses
Master 2000 - the inner rail where the front standard is stored has a focusing lever, so ultra wides can stay on the inner rail and still be focused.

Thanks abruzzi

Rick A · May 2, 2023

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Dan Fromm · May 2, 2023

Hmm. OP, have you settled on a 6x12 roll holder? I ask because there are, broadly, two types. Insertion type, e.g., Sinar and Cambo, and "clip on," Horseman, Linhof, DaYi, Shen Hao. The insertion types will work with any 4x5 camera whose back will open wide enough. The clip ons will work only with cameras that have Graflok/International backs. The Cambo will work perfectly well with your Busch Pressman, so there's no need to get another 4x5 camera if you want to shoot within the Pressman's limits. If you need more movements or a larger lensboard, well, then you can easily justify getting a more capable camera.

Sirius Glass · May 2, 2023

I like my 1953 4"x5" Pacemaker Speed Graphic which I like to use with my Grafmatic 45 which holds six sheets of film.

blee1996 · May 2, 2023

I have Linhof Super Tech V right now, and it is just too heavy for me to handhold. And the lens - RF cam combo is complicated, unless you find a kit that is already calibrated together. I saw recently in KEH that such a kit with lens and cam for $1000-1200.

I had Crown Graphic in the past, and it is more doable for handholding. And the built-in rangefinder for the stock lens is quite usable and easy to calibrate by myself.

Right now I'm leaning towards 3D printed custom cameras for 4x5 (Will Travel) and 6x17 (Kraken). I use zone focus with focusing helicoid, since my main interest is in landscape with wide angle lens. The cameras are super light and compact for what they do, and I don't have issue with critical focus. And my whole setup is cheaper than a single 6x17 roll film holder.

On the other hand, if you plan to do portraits with Aero Ektar lens, then you have to have properly calibrated rangefinder.

xya · May 2, 2023

As mentioned, the Technika is too heavy IMO. Sold mine and kept the Pacemaker Crown Graphic. It also depends on the focal length you will be using. If wide angles are an option, get a Cambo Wide. I have one and a Sinar Vario back for 6x12. Big fun hand held. Much fun already with the much cheaper Dayi back.

nosmok · May 3, 2023

All this talk of rangefinders and cams and whatnot-- with a lens, ground glass, a tripod, tape measure, and patience, you can make your own focusing scale with masking tape and a fine-line Sharpie that'll be good enough 95% of the time. Want to interchange lenses? Use different color tape for each focus scale, and put a little strip of that color on the correct lensboard. You can talk yourself into spending as much money as you want at the start, OR you can get something together quick-and-slightly-dusty that'll tell you if you really enjoy the process you're contemplating. In my experience, the weight of the carry and the ease or lack thereof of handling the camera itself are the limiting factors, not how fancy the rangefinder or construction is.

xya · May 3, 2023

We were talking about hand held, not about tripod work. I have tested a bunch of rangefinders. I ended up with a very simple solution: a laser rangefinder, as small as a cigarette lighter, cheap and reliable. That's all.

I usually just take one lens as I know what I'm going for. And if it's wide angles, no rangefinder at all, I guess.

nosmok · May 3, 2023

I shoot scale focus handheld 4x5 frequently, and I carry multiple lenses on boards, color-coded in the manner that I described. The only time you need a tripod is when you make the focus scales. My point was that you can trade a little time (spent creating your own focus scales) for a lot of money (spent on a rangefinder and different cams for different lenses or what have you).

Besk · May 3, 2023

The Kalart rangefinder of my Busch Pressman is calibrated for a 135mm Sironar-N. I can transfer the distance determined for that lens to a scale made for my Nikon 90/8.

Sirius Glass · May 3, 2023

Bob Eskridge said:
The Kalart rangefinder of my Busch Pressman is calibrated for a 135mm Sironar-N. I can transfer the distance determined for that lens to a scale made for my Nikon 90/8.

I do the same thing for my 135mm, 90mm and 210mm lenses.

OrientPoint · May 3, 2023

xya said:
As mentioned, the Technika is too heavy IMO. Sold mine and kept the Pacemaker Crown Graphic. It also depends on the focal length you will be using. If wide angles are an option, get a Cambo Wide. I have one and a Sinar Vario back for 6x12. Big fun hand held. Much fun already with the much cheaper Dayi back.

I second the Campo Wide suggestion. They're great handheld, simple and rugged. I have a 47mm and now at 58mm model. I'm thinking of selling the 47mm (the 58mm is more to my liking in terms of view), if any one is interested PM me.

MellowCat · May 4, 2023

The Cambo wide is interesting, but almost double the cost of the Linhof? I use to drag around a Burke and James 8x10, so not sure weight is the ultimate factor to me, but worth noting.

I should have stated the budget I guess up front, I have $2k to work with and desire a long term system, hence looking at the Linhof, but as mentioned originally, no nothing about them. I'm well versed large format as I shot with it for years(mostly Sinar gear), and also worked in a studio using a 4x5 or 8x10 everyday years ago. Just want the best option for the combination of 4x5 and 6x12 shooting.

MellowCat · May 4, 2023

xya said:
We were talking about hand held, not about tripod work. I have tested a bunch of rangefinders. I ended up with a very simple solution: a laser rangefinder, as small as a cigarette lighter, cheap and reliable. That's all.

I usually just take one lens as I know what I'm going for. And if it's wide angles, no rangefinder at all, I guess.

Makes total sense with the wide angle lens and good lighting, it's all in focus if you understand the DOF you have to work with. thanks

outwest · May 4, 2023

An often overlooked press camera but one well worth a look is the Burke and James Watson Press. I've had one and a Busch Pressman and I still have 2 Speed Graphics and 2 Linhof Technikas. The advantage of the Speed Graphics that you might appreciate is the focal plane shutter that allows you to stick any old (even very old!) lens or pinhole on the front and you are good to go. It might take a bit of looking to find one with a Graflok back (one of mine has it).

Looking for 4x5 field or press camera recommendations 4x5 and 6x12 formats

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