Looking to move on from my Crown Graphic. Camera suggestions?

[chazum0]

Hey guys. I started shooting LF a few years ago with a crown graphic and ektar 127mm lens, and I must say that it has served me very well. But now I feel it's time to move on to a camera with more movements, specifically, I'm looking for a field camera (for its compact qualities) that has the necessary movements to correct perspective and parallel lines. I'd like to spend no more than $800. Ideally, I would move to 8x10, but that's a little out of my budget. I appreciate any and all of your suggestions!

 

[ic-racer]

Shen-Hao and Chamonix are popular, reasonably priced new Chinese cameras. For example the PBT Shen-Hao 4x5 is under $900 USD brand new. The used market is huge in that price range. I can't think of any crummy 4x5 cameras to avoid; just avoid cameras with bellows issues or broken pieces.

 

[winger]

I've seen used Shen-Hao and Chamonix under $800 recently (maybe even in APUG's classifieds?). I have a Chamonix F1 and love it.

 

[Alan Gales]

Yes, used Chamonix, Shen Hao, Tachihara, probably Wista wooden field cameras. Also Wista and Toyo metal technical field cameras.

If it was me I would look for a Chamonix N2 on the used market because they are both lightweight and have a reputation for sturdiness like a metal technical field. The F1 is nice but I doubt you will find one for $800.



You might find a user Deardorff V8 (8x10) for that if you look hard enough. Look for one in good working order with just cosmetic issues.

Just remember that 8x10 is more expensive in every way. The cameras, lenses, tripods, film holders, film, etc. all cost more. Do your homework before making the jump. Shooting 8x10 is a lot of fun but not cheap.

 

[Jim Jones]

I used a Burke & James for many years. It's bulky and perhaps heavier than you want, but has all the movements you may ever need, and is cheap. It also use the nearly ubiquitous 4" lens board. It's not for really wide angle lenses.

 

[Rudolf Karachun]

I have Shen-Hao 4x5 for sale, in perfect condition. PM me if interested.

 

[jimjm]

Another vote for the 4x5 Shen-Hao. I have a TZ45-IIB that has served me very well since I bought it new about 8 years ago. They have several different models and you should be able to find one in good condition within your budget. All the movements I've ever needed and the quality is very good. I use mine with everything from a 90mm Caltar lens to a 320mm Cooke lens from the 1920's. Check out Badger Graphic Sales if you're not familiar with the current models.

For me, 4x5 is the best compromise between quality and cost per shot. If you develop and print in the darkroom, 4x5 is easier to manage until you really feel a need to move up in format. Tons of used LF gear out there, and luckily much of it has not been as thrashed as the MF and 35mm equipment you often see.

Obviously, check out Large Format Photography forum for lots of info on lenses and other things. Also, try to get ahold of a copy of "Using the View Camera" by Steve Simmons - very useful book.

 

[Ian Grant]

Although I've been using a Wista 45DX for nearly 30 years I've also found that a Super Graphic does everything I need, I've yet to have insufficient movements with it. The advantage is it's essentially the same lens boards as the Crown & Speed Pacemaker Graphics which I also use ocassionally and it's easy to use hand-held.

Ian

 

[chazum0]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I appreciate it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gleaf]

If you want a low cost first step to full movements in 4x5 I have a couple of Calumet 4xx series on the shelf.

 

[moltogordo]

I'd go a bit different of a route. You have, in your Crown Graphic, what is in essence a flatbed field camera already. Maybe not as flexible as a Toyo or Horseman or Whathaveyou field, but a fair approximation.

Rather than going to something with limited movements, I'd look for a Linhof Color Kardan, or what is also called a "Technika on a Stick." (picture below).

It's basically got everything a Technika has, with more movements and more flexibility. It will also cost you about 1/4 of what any Technika will. It can also be used in a pinch as a studio camera. A very versatile machine. Not quite as light as a field camera, but not as heavy as a medium weight monorail like a Sinar F2, which I have and use as a tabletop camera. I could use it in the field, but it's a bit heavy . . . the Kardan is better there.

I used to have a Toyo 45A, and I prefer the Linhof in every way in the field. I have two of them - I bought a second for $250 on Evilbay, for spare parts and a mint bellows. The Linhof cameras are so well designed and smooth as silk. It would be different enough from your Crown that I think you'd be pleased, and you'd only need something bigger if you were going to do studio work where more massive movements would be required.

If I'm going outdoors, this is the camera I take unless I'm shooting a smaller format.

 

[Dan Fromm]

moltogordo, you showed a Linhof Color. It is a Technika on a monorail, has exactly the same movements as a Technika. See http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/linhof_5.html

The Kardan Color is a different and much more flexible camera offered in 5x7 and 8x10. See http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/linhof_5.html

You may be thinking of the Kardan Color 45S, see http://www.shutterbug.com/content/c...kardan-color-45sbran-economy-monorail-classic

 

[moltogordo]

Dan, there is some confusion and controversy surrounding these cameras. I have a Kardan Color 45S, I know that camera well:

My instruction manual for the camera below says "Linhof Color Kardan" right on the front. I believe the first versions were indeed called as you say, "Linhof Color". "Kardan" means knuckle joint in German, and refers to the joint that mounts the cameras to the rail. I have two of these cameras. They have a few features not pictured on the brochure you kindly provided, and the instruction manuals for both say Linhof Color Kardan. If you reverse and go Linhof Kardan Color, that is again a different camera, a monorail that can be converted from 4x5 to 5x7 to 8x10, as you note. It's confusing.

Whatever the case, it's a dynamite camera, and works just great in the field.


The Linhof Kardan Color was originally an 8x10 machine from the 1950s and was one of the first monorails that Linhof made. This article explains a little about the genesis of the name, and like you, he refers to the 4x5 as a "Linhof Color":

http://dustyman.com/post/123150642137/linhof-kardan-color-8x10-camera


I was asked by a fellow in the Large Format forum, when I first described my camera as a Linhof Color, as you say above, ""Color Kardan" or "Kardan Color"? They are two different machines."

So being as confused as ever now, I simply will refer to it as "Technika on a Stick" or what my instruction manuals have printed on them, "Linhof Color Kardan." I believe that your instruction manual is the first generation of this camera. As far as I know, the later ones have added the word Kardan. I don't have a problem with being wrong, but the manual I have definitely says "Linhof Color Kardan." I'll see if I can dig it up and scan the first page.

As a PS: Here's my camera in the middle, referred to as a Linhof Color Kardan. To add to the confusion, there is the 45S, also called the same:

My manual for this camera says "Linhof Kardan Color 45S".

Ouch.

 

[Dan Fromm]

Thanks for telling me that your camera's manual isn't fully consistent with the earlier version on cameraeccentric. Re the images from Google, clearly we can't believe everything we see on the internet.

I hope that Bob Salomon will come along and clear this up for us. In the meantime I'll take my belief with a small grain of salt.

Cheers,

Dan

 

[moltogordo]

Thanks for telling me that your camera's manual isn't fully consistent with the earlier version on cameraeccentric. Re the images from Google, clearly we can't believe everything we see on the internet.

I hope that Bob Salomon will come along and clear this up for us. In the meantime I'll take my belief with a small grain of salt.

Cheers,

Dan

Dan, and so will I. Hey Bob, where are you?????

 

[meisburger]

Kumar has a couple of nice Wistas on sale in the classifieds right now for $350. If I understand correctly, these are an evolution of the super graphic, but with full movements. Looks like a deal!