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Looking for recommendations for a new 4x5 Field Camera

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Daybreak135

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Apr 30, 2025
Messages
25
Location
New England
Format
4x5 Format
Hi all,

Long time lurker on these forums but am writing today for a little help.

I am looking for some recommendations on a 4x5 field camera. I own a graphic view monorail that does a lot for me and I enjoy however for when I travel I would like something a bit smaller like a field camera. I prioritize build quality and portability over other things.

I owned a crown graphic but it has started to show its age and has had 2 issues happen with it within a week, forcing me to bench it. I’ve considered repairing it but parts almost seem rare and junk bodies are still a decent bit of money that I would rather throw into a new camera.

I have looked into the Toyo 45a, Horseman 45FA , Wista 45D but prices on eBay are not great and with tariffs to the USA it’s just not in my budget anymore.

I also found out about this weird Toyo half plate camera (Toyo View 4 3/4 x 6 1/2) that I cannot seem to find much info on but seems to be more in my budget range (less than $500). I was wondering if anyone had any more info or experience with it or where I could do more research on it?

Thanks in advance!
 
A number of people have asked this exact question recently. You should search this forum for "4x5 field camera" to see what has been recommended.
 
B.S.Kumar said:
The tariff on Japanese photo equipment is 15%, and couriers charge a small fee for processing the customs paperwork.

I have a Toyo Original Field camera: https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/fs-toyo-original-field-4-75-x-6-5-camera.217704/

and a wooden Wista Field camera: https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/fs-wista-field-wooden-4x5-camera.216187/

Let me know if you want more details.

Kumar
Click to expand...

One of your listings I was looking at and I might be interested. Let me see if can can dm people now as I am still newish in the eyes of the forum and can’t reply to classifieds
 
I am also new to the forum. I picked up a Speed Graphic last spring and then found a Linhof Technika V that I acquired. The Linhof is far nicer to use, but also a lot more money. The Linhof works well with the 150 Kaltar and closes. The 90 Super Angulon is a nice lens, but the body does not close with the lens attached. I have tried the 90 in both vertical and horizontal formats on the Linhof and the front standard does not encroach on the picture. When I used a 90 Super Angulon on a Speed Graphic years ago the front standard had to be dropped or the rails appeared in the picture. What types of pictures will you be taking? One lens or multiple? Handheld (field) or tripod mounted? Lots to look at and decide. Good Luck.

Mark J.
 
There are lots of cameras in the US to choose from.
 
Logical1 said:
I am also new to the forum. I picked up a Speed Graphic last spring and then found a Linhof Technika V that I acquired. The Linhof is far nicer to use, but also a lot more money. The Linhof works well with the 150 Kaltar and closes. The 90 Super Angulon is a nice lens, but the body does not close with the lens attached. I have tried the 90 in both vertical and horizontal formats on the Linhof and the front standard does not encroach on the picture. When I used a 90 Super Angulon on a Speed Graphic years ago the front standard had to be dropped or the rails appeared in the picture. What types of pictures will you be taking? One lens or multiple? Handheld (field) or tripod mounted? Lots to look at and decide. Good Luck.

Mark J.
Click to expand...

If money is not an issue then the Linhof or Horseman are well worth the money.
 
Maybe a used one? My Wista 45D is over 40 years old, is battered and bruised, but keeps on keeping on.
 
Who knows what Wistas daybreak has looked at, but stated:

Daybreak135 said:
I have looked into the Toyo 45a, Horseman 45FA , Wista 45D but prices on eBay are not great
Click to expand...

Wista also made wooden field cameras 45DX, 45DXII, etc. These are lighter than the 45D, and there are less expensive alternatives, such as the many Tachihara cameras.
 
Mine is the wooden one, so a DX I guess.
 
xkaes said:
Who knows what Wistas daybreak has looked at, but stated:



Wista also made wooden field cameras 45DX, 45DXII, etc. These are lighter than the 45D, and there are less expensive alternatives, such as the many Tachihara cameras.
Click to expand...

I’ll for sure take a look at these models. Price is mostly the motivating factor for me as some of these models can be a lot of money. Thanks for the recommendations!
 
The Wista DX-II is a simpler DX without rear shift. The DX-III is a DX which can also take a Graflok back. The DX SW is for wide wide lenses and has an interchangeable bellows.

Tachihara came in various configurations as well -- as did other wooden field cameras, such as Wisner (not to be confused with Wista), and Zone VI.

For a complete list of wooden, folding 4x5 cameras, check out:

www.subclub.org/toko/4x5table.htm
 
A graflok back is only of interest if you want more than twice the film options to shoot with a 120 roll film back...
 
Last edited:
If you travel a lot the Horseman FA is a good Idea ! small not heavy but the bellow is not fine with long lenses.
I sell my FA because my new love is 5x7. If you are interested I can send pics!
 
Aero40 said:
If you travel a lot the Horseman FA is a good Idea ! small not heavy but the bellow is not fine with long lenses.
I sell my FA because my new love is 5x7. If you are interested I can send pics!
Click to expand...
Welcome aboard from the northern Pacific edge of Canada!
 
Aero40 said:
wowww that's far away! Greetings from the heart of Europe
Click to expand...
Not too far; there is only a 9 hour time difference 😁

Looking forward to hearing about your large format adventures.
 
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