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

Patrick Robert James

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Sounds like you want a lot of different things. I'd split them up if your budget is $2000. Get a dedicated pinhole camera from RealitySoSubtle or another manufacturer. They aren't that expensive.

If you want a lightweight 4x5 to carry around and want to focus fast then a Polaroid 110b or 900 conversion is the best in my opinion. I don't know who makes them anymore though. I've made a few myself and it isn't terribly difficult but it does take a lot of time to do it right. You are stuck with a 135ish lens but the convenience and speed of the camera is pretty nice.
 

Pasto

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Hi xya, would like to send you a PM regarding the Cambo Wide and sinar vario 6x12 back??
 

Dan Fromm

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Pasto said:
Hi xya, would like to send you a PM regarding the Cambo Wide and sinar vario 6x12 back??
Click to expand...

PMFJI. If you're willing to live with focusing on the ground glass OR can find a top rangefinder Crown Graphic and learn how to make cams for w/a lenses, a Crown with a 6x12 roll holder is worth thinking about. The 4x5 Crown's minimum extension is 52.4 mm, will easily focus a 47/5.6 SA XL, 55/4.5 ApoGrandy or ... Less expensive than a Cambo Wide and lenses in cones for it, if you can accept the compromises.
 

Pasto

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Thanks Dan, will consider your suggestions....
 

MattKing

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Pasto said:
Thanks. I still can't figure out how to PM here but we did end up communicating...much appreciated.
Click to expand...

Good.
But in case it helps for the future...
Click on the poster's screen name adjacent to one of their posts.
You will see "Start Conversation" in one of the boxes that appears.
Click on that.
A screen appears with the screen name of the poster in one area, an area to put a title in, and an area to put your Private Conversation/Message contents in - type away!
When you are finished, click on the Start Conversation link at the bottom.
Your target will see a red flag appear near the Inbox link at the top right of their screen. They will click there, then click on your Conversation in order to respond.
 

BobUK

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Rangefinder focussing has been mentioned by a few people here. No one appears to mention the need for a changeable cam that matches the lens in use at the time.
Different focal length lenses require their own individual focussing cam.
The cams also differ from one camera manufacturer to another.
The cam should have the serial number of the lens engraved on it. So you have a matched pair.
I recently bought an English MPP Micro Technical camera with matching lens and cam.
Some cameras I have looked at have the cam missing.
Allegedly the MPP was a copy of a Graflex. The design origin does not bother me, I am happy with my MPP MK iv.
I think the MPP models only have the Graflex International Back from Model iv onwards, but that needs checking out for yourself.


Obviously ask a few question of the seller before taking the plunge.
 

MTGseattle

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Graflex rangefinder cams (for top mount rangefinder) are all over the place in both new reproduction and old. To swap one out in the field if say moving from 150mm sheet film to 90mm on 6x12 might be a pain in the butt, I haven't done it.
 

xya

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MTGseattle said:
Graflex rangefinder cams (for top mount rangefinder) are all over the place in both new reproduction and old. To swap one out in the field if say moving from 150mm sheet film to 90mm on 6x12 might be a pain in the butt, I haven't done it.
Click to expand...
I have some cams for mine and doing the change more often helps a lot. But what a great help!
 

cliveh

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MPP 5x4 Micro Technical Large Format View Camera With Schneider Xenar 150mm f4.5
 

Paul Howell

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Hard to find, Bessler Press Camera made for the U.S Air Force in the 50s. Based on the Buschman it has (as I recall) 4 focusing arms built in, a focal plan shutter, rotating back. I've seen a few over the years at photo swap meets and used camera stores. Not sure if it was sold to the civilian market.
 

Besk

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I have a Busch Pressman and principally use two lenses with that camera. The Kalart rangefinder is set up for my 135mm F/Rodenstock lens with a distance scale on the bed.

The second lens is a Nikon 90mm f/8. It is used with a separate set of infinity stops and a DIY distance scale for that lens. In use, you first focus with the rangefinder (which is adjusted for the 135mm lens) and then transfer the distance read on the 135mm distance scale to the 90 custom made distance scale.

This works well for most subjects that you would use a rangefinder for.
 

MTGseattle

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One can have Mutiple infinity stops mounted at the same time, right?
 

MTGseattle

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There is/was a pretty great community surrounding the MPP cameras in the UK. They had a newsletter and everything. sadly, the cameras are reasonably uncommon over here.
 

Besk

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MTGseattle said:
One can have Multiple infinity stops mounted at the same time, right?
Click to expand...
Yes, of course.

I also have a Crown Graphic with top rangefinder. I have removed and replaced the rangefinder on the camera but it is not, in my opinion, a easy thing to do. I guess a lot of practice would help.
 

BobUK

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ERRATA.

BobUK said:
Partial quote
Click to expand...

BobUK said:
.....................................
I think the MPP models only have the Graflex International Back from Model iv onwards, but that needs checking out for yourself.
.....................................
Click to expand...
Just found an article on the internet that says it is the Mark vii 7 that has the Graflex International Back, not the Mark iv 4.
 

ags2mikon

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I would like to add that the older graphics had non folding infinity stops iirc. The later ones had folding infinity stops and I have 5 sets on my super graphic
 

eli griggs

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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 .
Click to expand...

In another case of "what I have, what you should do", I do have both a 4'x5' and 3.25 x 4.24 pre anniversary Speed Graphics, the 4'x5' being a bit of a long in the tooth and abused LF and the 3.25'x4.25', working perfectly, and, being perfect for a working camera kit.

Try both before investing into two (2) more expensive and polished LF cameras, doing both vertically and horizontally easily.

Put a level on top , filters, inside the body, including gels,

Remember also, paper negatives can be used as well and are more easily 'edited' as full sized image carriers.

Cheers,
Eli
 
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