Looking For Some Advice

[Paul Howell]

Thanks Paul.
I would love a Linhof Technica, not sure which model though, as they are all expensive. A friend had one which he loved, and he could easily shoot with a 75mm lens he had.
It's great to hear how long some of these cameras have been used for. I'm sure most will last for decades as long as they are taken care of correctly.

In the day of all analog many of Arizona Highway photos were done with Lindof, always tempted to get one, but what I have works for me, if I win the lottery will get one with matched set of lens.

 

[Deke4774]

I have to plug the Chamonix since no one else has:

Can handle a 75mm without too much trouble-- minimum draw is 45mm(!). It can handle a reasonable range of movements at 75mm, but not extreme unless you get the bag ("wide angle") bellows.

Thank you grat, that is good information to know as I'm anticipating that most of my work would be at 75mm or 90mm, and possibly up to 150mm to 210mm.

 

[David Lindquist]

In the day of all analog many of Arizona Highway photos were done with Lindof, always tempted to get one, but what I have works for me, if I win the lottery will get one with matched set of lens.

Ah yes, the Muenchs, pere et fils (and maybe grand-fils ?). Always admired their color work back in the day.

David

 

[Bob S]

L

Thank you for that information abruzzi.
Derek

so you are aware, the Master Technika was introduced in 1972, it replaced the Super Technika V which replaced the IV. So the current MT has been available for 50 years next year.

 

[juan]

I would strongly second @Alan Gales advice. Read all of the articles on the largeformatphotography page. Pick up a common (meaning inexpensive) 4x5 camera - you can usually find Kodak, Calumet or Graphic Views on eBay. Get a more or less standard view lens between 135 and 210mm. Shoot for six months to a year and you’ll know if LF is for you - and what you want different.

 

[grat]

Using "inexpensive" as the deciding factor can be a problem-- a friend of mine bought a Calumet CC400 (a classic monorail camera, for those not familiar), with case, in very good condition, at a cheap price.

And then he discovered how much work is involved in taking it out of the house, carrying it around, setting it up, taking it down, and the fact that the kit is over 20 pounds. It hardly ever got used. He gave up LF photography, and only recently revisited it, now armed with a Chroma Carbon adventurer, which fits in a backpack, and is considerably lighter.

 

[juan]

I’d say if you don’t like toting a 4x5 like that, large format doesn’t really suit you. That’s one reason I recommended that option. Inexpensive to get into and not hard to get your money back.

 

[grat]

Ah yes... If you're not willing to break your back, and risk heat-stroke, you're a wimp, and should leave the large-format to the Real Men.

 

[Alan Gales]

There are entry level Cambo/Calumet monorails that weigh in at about 6 lbs. Toyo 45A or Wista SP metal field cameras are in the 6 pound range. The popular Chamonix 45N2 wooden field camera weighs in at 3.52 lbs in comparison. Two and a half to 3 lbs is a bit lighter but after you figure in the weight of lenses, film holders, tripod, etcetera it isn't that much difference. Now if you are one of those people who hack off part of the handle of your tooth brush to save weight when you go camping, I understand.

Monorails are bulkier to put into a backpack. You can use a short rail or take the camera off the rail. It will take another minute to set up, putting the camera back on the rail when mounting to your tripod. Of course large format is a slow process anyway and another minute isn't anything.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Deke4774]

This was written by QT Luong for Large Format Photography Forum.

https://www.largeformatphotography.info/matos-begin.html

Ignore the part about Quick Loads and Ready Loads. They don't exist any more. Some people are making Polaroid film again but it's not the same as it used to be.

Photrio is a great forum but since you are interested in large format you should join LFPF as well. Many Photrio members including me are members there too and we would be glad to have you.

https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/forum.php

Large format is a different animal. Using sheet film is a lot different from using roll film. I suggest you buy an inexpensive used 4x5 camera to start out with. Learn on it and you will discover if large format is for you. If you really like it you will also discover what you want in a camera. Most of us don't keep our first camera. I started with a 4x5 monorail and then went to a wooden field camera and then later to an 8x10 field camera. If you decide to trade cameras then sell your first camera for close to what you paid. Being used, it's already suffered depreciation. If you do lose a little bit of money selling it just figure any loss as a cheap rental fee.

Welcome to Photrio and large format photography. It's a lot of fun!

Thank you Alan, I will definitely have a look at the Large Format Photography Forum. Much appreciated.

 

[Deke4774]

Ah yes... If you're not willing to break your back, and risk heat-stroke, you're a wimp, and should leave the large-format to the Real Men.

 

[Deke4774]

There are entry level Cambo/Calumet monorails that weigh in at about 6 lbs. Toyo 45A or Wista SP metal field cameras are in the 6 pound range. The popular Chamonix 45N2 wooden field camera weighs in at 3.52 lbs in comparison. Two and a half to 3 lbs is a bit lighter but after you figure in the weight of lenses, film holders, tripod, etcetera it isn't that much difference. Now if you are one of those people who hack off part of the handle of your tooth brush to save weight when you go camping, I understand.

Monorails are bulkier to put into a backpack. You can use a short rail or take the camera off the rail. It will take another minute to set up, putting the camera back on the rail when mounting to your tripod. Of course large format is a slow process anyway and another minute isn't anything.

Just my 2 cents.

I guess a 2 lbs to 3 lbs difference overall in a backpack is not a huge difference and as you say the time isn't anything. While I do work predominantly with digital for my needs, I shoot Fuji Velvia on my MF and I love the whole process (it is so different, more methodical, more relaxing and a more rewarding experience). I am anticipating that LF will be in the same vein and a real escape from everyday life, work etc.

 

[Deke4774]

L

so you are aware, the Master Technika was introduced in 1972, it replaced the Super Technika V which replaced the IV. So the current MT has been available for 50 years next year.

Thank you Bob.

 

[Deke4774]

I would strongly second @Alan Gales advice. Read all of the articles on the largeformatphotography page. Pick up a common (meaning inexpensive) 4x5 camera - you can usually find Kodak, Calumet or Graphic Views on eBay. Get a more or less standard view lens between 135 and 210mm. Shoot for six months to a year and you’ll know if LF is for you - and what you want different.

I appreciate your input Juan.
There is an awful lot that I need to learn yet.

 

[bdial]

Graphic Views are slightly lighter than the Calumet, either are a bit awkward to tote around, but it's do-able, the Calumet is bit less fussy to work with. I've trekked around with both a few miles at a time. The "modular" monorails that have detachable bellows might a bit lighter and are easier to pack away, but are a step up in price. Unless you know you want to work with a full range of movements, a press camera like a Speed or Crown Graphic are probably the best bang for the buck. Technica's have more movements, but an order of magnitude more cost too. As mentioned, no need to be afraid of old wood, as long as it's not cracked or split and hasn't been seriously abused it's fine.

 

[Deke4774]

Using "inexpensive" as the deciding factor can be a problem-- a friend of mine bought a Calumet CC400 (a classic monorail camera, for those not familiar), with case, in very good condition, at a cheap price.

And then he discovered how much work is involved in taking it out of the house, carrying it around, setting it up, taking it down, and the fact that the kit is over 20 pounds. It hardly ever got used. He gave up LF photography, and only recently revisited it, now armed with a Chroma Carbon adventurer, which fits in a backpack, and is considerably lighter.

I don't believe I will go the "inexpensive" route, for a couple of reasons, a) I want to be completely happy with the equipment I purchase as I plan this to be a lifetime investment. b) I love photography and I believe I will love LF. I still have my MF gear from 30+ years ago which I still use and thoroughly enjoy the process.
I'm happy your friend revisited LF and is enjoying it again.
Derek

 

[Deke4774]

I’d say if you don’t like toting a 4x5 like that, large format doesn’t really suit you. That’s one reason I recommended that option. Inexpensive to get into and not hard to get your money back.

Hi Juan, are you saying it is harder to get your money back on an expensive system than it would be for a cheaper system?
Just curious as to why that might be.
Derek

 

[Deke4774]

Graphic Views are slightly lighter than the Calumet, either are a bit awkward to tote around, but it's do-able, the Calumet is bit less fussy to work with. I've trekked around with both a few miles at a time. The "modular" monorails that have detachable bellows might a bit lighter and are easier to pack away, but are a step up in price. Unless you know you want to work with a full range of movements, a press camera like a Speed or Crown Graphic are probably the best bang for the buck. Technica's have more movements, but an order of magnitude more cost too. As mentioned, no need to be afraid of old wood, as long as it's not cracked or split and hasn't been seriously abused it's fine.

Thank you for your input.
Aesthetically speaking, I think the wooden cameras are stunningly beautiful.
As for monorails/studio cameras, I always liked the Sinar Norma, not that I dislike any other make or model as they all have their appeal.
Derek

 

[winger]

I'm going to plug the Chamonix cameras as well. I bought an 045N2 in 2013 and have hiked many miles with it. I have a good technical backpack that I can also squeeze my P645N into. The pack weighs about 25 pounds with film holders, three lenses for 4x5 and two for the 645. Since I'm only 120 pounds, I don't want to make it too heavy, but it really hasn't been an issue. I'm not really one to try to contort the camera into a pretzel, but I've never run out of movements on the camera's part (my 105mm doesn't allow for much, though). I'm thoroughly happy with my Chamonix.

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

I have a Chamonix. They make their cameras out of wood and carbon fiber and metal. They're very light and good for hiking although I don't really hike far from the car. A good model could be the Chamonix 45F-2 which folds up very small and weighs about 3 1/2 pounds. (I have the 45H-2 which doesn't fold).
45F-2 https://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/cameras/45f2

 

[Deke4774]

I'm going to plug the Chamonix cameras as well. I bought an 045N2 in 2013 and have hiked many miles with it. I have a good technical backpack that I can also squeeze my P645N into. The pack weighs about 25 pounds with film holders, three lenses for 4x5 and two for the 645. Since I'm only 120 pounds, I don't want to make it too heavy, but it really hasn't been an issue. I'm not really one to try to contort the camera into a pretzel, but I've never run out of movements on the camera's part (my 105mm doesn't allow for much, though). I'm thoroughly happy with my Chamonix.

Thank you for the information. Many years ago I had a framed backpack, which I was keeping specifically for LF. Life managed to get in the way of my aspirations, everything was put on hold and I ended up selling the backpack.

 

[Deke4774]

I have a Chamonix. They make their cameras out of wood and carbon fiber and metal. They're very light and good for hiking although I don't really hike far from the car. A good model could be the Chamonix 45F-2 which folds up very small and weighs about 3 1/2 pounds. (I have the 45H-2 which doesn't fold).
45F-2 https://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/cameras/45f2

Thank you Alan. It certainly is a beautiful looking camera.
Derek

 

[Deke4774]

There seems to be quite a bit of LF equipment for sale in Japan.
Does anybody have any idea how much any customs charges might be to bring something into the US?
If so, is it a percentage based on purchase price?
Thank you,

Derek

 

[Vaughn]

Take care -- this may not be a lifetime 'investment'. Either, 1) One never sells any equipment, or 2) Thru experience, one finds a camera design better suited for the work one does, or 3) "I want/need a bigger camera."

Pounds of camera comes into play if one walks about with the camera on the tripod, holders, etc in a shoulder bag. Carrying a 3 lb camera vs a 6 pound camera all day in your hand is significant.

 

[Alan Gales]

Take care -- this may not be a lifetime 'investment'. Either, 1) One never sells any equipment, or 2) Thru experience, one finds a camera design better suited for the work one does, or 3) "I want/need a bigger camera."

Pounds of camera comes into play if one walks about with the camera on the tripod, holders, etc in a shoulder bag. Carrying a 3 lb camera vs a 6 pound camera all day in your hand is significant.

As usual, you make a good point, Vaughn. When I set up my 8x10, I may move it several times on the tripod to take different angles of the same scene but after a few shots, I pack it back up and move some where else. If I were to carry it around much on a tripod, I'd shoot a 4x5 and the lighter the better.

A whole lot depends upon the photographer's use of the camera and we are all different.