Need some help and some reference material

I have been looking at the Grimes website regrading ther thin Graflex conversion large format, its light and portable, but is there any real reservations in the large format medium with this setup.
I also need to get some guidance on the lenses, I like landscape work and need to have an idea on a a good starter lens to get me going, as always money is an issue so any info would be greatly appreciated or am I barking up the wrong tree and should be looking at another setup.

http://www.skgrimes.com/paqpro/index.htm

That one? Maybe I'm thicker then usual today but isn't this just a 6x9 camera? Is that what you want? Or does that setup provide more then your average 6x9?

Tell us what you're looking for and I bet somebody can make some suggestions.

If all you want is a cheap 6x9 camera then you can't get much cheaper then something like a B&J press camera and a 6x9 roll film holder. Only issue would be if you wanted real wide lenses. I don't remember how wide the B&J will go.

But sketch out what you're looking for.

Nick Zentena said:

http://www.skgrimes.com/paqpro/index.htm

That one? Maybe I'm thicker then usual today but isn't this just a 6x9 camera? Is that what you want? Or does that setup provide more then your average 6x9?

Tell us what you're looking for and I bet somebody can make some suggestions.

If all you want is a cheap 6x9 camera then you can't get much cheaper then something like a B&J press camera and a 6x9 roll film holder. Only issue would be if you wanted real wide lenses. I don't remember how wide the B&J will go.

But sketch out what you're looking for.

Click to expand...

I was not reading what was in front of me I saw a larger format camera but did not take any notice of the of the neg dims. , im looking for that build type light and portable but in a 5x4 format, my apologies

If you don't need rear movements something like the B&J might fit your needs. It folds up alot like a kids lunch box. It's not that heavy. I guess most orginally got used handheld. Should be fairly cheap. Definetly less then $200 and often less then $100. Won't handle long lenses that well but if you don't don't need anything long then it's a non issue. Down side is the spring back. It will limit the type of roll film backs that will fit.

You might want to look at a Super Graphic(or Super Speed Graphic) for a tough little 4x5 with enough movements for landscape work. It will sit well on an old Tiltall tripod.
A 203mm f/7.7 Ektar and/or 135mm Wide Fied Ektar would be my choice for glass up front. My 2-cents, anyway (actually my personal preference would be skip the 4x5 and embrace the 8x10 with both arms---you'll need both of them---and have fun!)

I've considered cameras like the ProPaq and other homemade alternatives for quite a while. The very expensive Alpa is basically the same idea only very well done. But for the money, I think 4x5 and Readyloads is a lot better use of your time for not much more hassle. On the low end a Crown Graphic - or on the high side a Technika - and you can really shoot. Otherwise, if you just want a good roll film 120 camera, pick up one of the great bargain Mamiyas or Hasselblads that are flooding the market.

Personally, I don't see the point of roll film anymore, digital is that good. If you're going to hassle with film, use a sheet.