New to LF

[MichaelChiara]

Can anyone recommend an easy to use 4x5 camera. I am an amateur and know nothing about 4x5 camera. I would like a camera that is easy to use, light, and easy to learn with. I enjoy taking portraits, landscapes and macro work.

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

 

[Laurent]

Hello Michael,

my first camera (and the only one I use on a regular basis) is a Tachihara 45. It's a folding, so may not be the best to learn but it's not too expensive, lightweight and very suited for landscape.

Macro might need a monorail of some kind (a used Sinar could be a good choice, I had one and sold it because it did not use it enough but it's a very clever camera)

 

[MichaelChiara]

Thank you Laurent

So your second suggestion is a Sinar monorail? Any particular model?

 

[Monophoto]

Michael -

Large format cameras generally are totally without any automation or complexity, so the characterization "easy to use" doesn't really apply. The only issues you might have are how easy it is to fold and/or transport a particular model. I've heard that Canham cameras fold a bit differently from other cameras - whether 'different' translates to more difficult I don't know. I suspect its really just a matter of learning how to do it.

Monorail cameras clearly are more difficult to transport since they don't fold. And some cameras are advertised as having the ability to fold with the lens attached - which theoretically should make them 'easier to use', but usually means that the particular model doesn't have the flexibility to do as much as cameras that can't be folded with the lens in place. In both instances, it becomes a tradeoff between what the camera is capable of doing, and the ease of dealing with the logistics of the camera.

I presume you understand that large format cameras almost always use film. And that means that you need to deal with film processing. Depending on your location, you may or may not be able to find someone locally who processes sheet film. DIY is not only possible, it is a common preference for amateurs working in large format, especially black and white.

 

[Laurent]

My Sinar was a F model, I agree with Louie that it is much harder to transport (which is why is sold it)

The Tachihara can fold with a lens, provided the lens is tiny (in my case, a 120/6.8 Angulon, which is suprinsigly nice for the cost and age of the lens).

 

[John Kasaian]

Don't stress over cameras. If you are new to this game just get your hands on any 4x5 in good condition (light tight and locks down firmly) that looks good and have at it. Over time, you'll develop a knowlege of what features will be most useful to you and you can "go from there."

So why must it "look good" to your eyes? That will give you motivation to go out and shoot it!

 

[MichaelChiara]

Thank you for the information. Any thoughts on the Toyo 45CF?

 

[Richard Kelham]

Probably as good a choice as any: not too many movements to confuse a novice, reasonably sturdy I believe, and not too old. Next question is the choice of lens....

 

[Venchka]

My re-introduction to 4x5 happened one evening when I was in a gentleman's home to purchase a Minolta Auto Meter IV.

I was about to leave whan I asked, "Do you have anything else you want to sell?"

"Would yo like a Speed Graphic?"

"Show me and I'll let you know!" I tried to be very calm.

He disappeared and retuned with a Pacemaker Speed Graphic and a box of stuff. He told me that he had bought the camera & lens new in 1953. All together I got a nice Speed Graphic, 127mm Ektar lens in shutter, 5 Graphic holders, flash handle + reflector, and a big old brass barrel lens mounted on a Speed Graphic board for $100. Holders usually sell for $5 to $15 each. The 127mm Ektar lens in a working shutter can sell for $75-$100. Oh, and the "old barrell lens"? When I got home I discovered that it was a 7 7/8" (200mm) Voigtlander & Sohn Collinear II from around 1907 or 1908. In perfect working order.

What's your point Wayne? Good deals are out there. A speed Graphic is a great starter camera. Heck, it's a great only camera. The focal plane shutter allows you to use barrel lenses. Big plus! Roll film backs are a breeze. Grafmatic holders are a breeze. With a calbrated rangefinder you can use it handheld. Great fun!

You could do worse than a nice Speed Graphic for a really good price.

My next 4x5 purchase was a Kodak 4x5 Master View camera with 4 holders, the big case to carry it in and a really odd 150mm Prinz lens stuck into an old Prontor dial set shutter with plumber's putty for $50. Way overpriced and I returned it for a full refund.

My third 4x5 camera is a Vermont built Zone VI field camera. I've only owned it a few weeks. I like it.

A Speed Graphic and a wood field camera. A nice pair that compliment each other.

Current lens inventory: 105mm Tominon macro lens (from a Polaroid copy camera), 127mm Ektar, 150mm+ 1913 Rapid Rectilinear cells in the same shutter that came with the 127mm Ektar, 180mm Nikkor-W (came with the Zone VI), and the lovely 7 7/8" Collinear II.

I'm good for now.

 

[raucousimages]

Any rail or field camera will get you started. The camera is basicly to hold the film and lens. Toyo rail cameras like the 45D or 45E can be found at a good price and will give full movements. They can be backpacked just not as easy as a field camera. Get started and you can always switch cameras when you refine what you are looking for.

 

[geoferrell]

I'd look at the Speed Graphics and the Crown Graphic, the Speed has a shutter in the back so you can use barrell lenses that don't have a shutter and are usually less expensive. You might look at the Bush Pressman Model D with rangefinder. And, if you get a press camera, check and see if the rangefinder is correct for the lens. If you can afford an expensive LF then the field cameras are great. For less expense the 4x5 and 8x10 pinhole cameras could work well, too.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

For a budget 4x5, I would not recommend the Toyo 45CF. I was seriously considering one when I was looking to get back in to LF a few years ago, but after handling it, I decided against it because it felt very plasticky, and some of the compromises they made to save weight made certain functions more difficult. While Speed/Crown Graphics are fun cameras, I would not recommend them for starters in LF precisely because of the limitations they have on movements. I think you would be better off starting with something like a Shen-Hao or Tachihara, which have significant movements, fold compactly, and are modest to light-weight.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Thank you for the information. Any thoughts on the Toyo 45CF?

If you search for threads on this camera here and at lfphoto.info, it gets mixed reviews. Many people were enthusiastic about a lightweight, relatively inexpensive modern camera from Toyo, but when it came out, some people found it flimsy. If you're looking for a new camera in that price range, Chamonix and Shen-Hao are probably better options.

Sinar F-series cameras are quite good deals. They don't fold into a compact clamshell like a wooden or metal flatbed camera, but they're transportable in a variety of different ways, some of which are sturdier, some more convenient, some more or less compact. You can decide what works best for your purposes.

 

[rorye]

I have 3 drawers full of broken Toyo parts that I've collected over the years.
I think they are made by the same people who make Lego.
Of course that's just what I've found. My friend has used his for years with no problems.

 

[MichaelChiara]

Thank you all for your recommendations

 

[raucousimages]

I think Toyo depends on the model.
The 45D, G, GII, GX are rather solid but the 45E and F were fragile. I sold several 45Es I built from boxes of broken ones I picked up. They make good camera but not as durable as a Sinar or some of the linhofs. The up side is you can find a 45E for $150.00 and a 45D for a bit more and they are light but you get what you pay for.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I think most people are positive about Toyo's other metal field cameras, the 45AX and 45AII, just not the 45CF, but for the price of a new 45AX or 45AII, I'd be looking for a second-hand Linhof Tech V or Master Tech.

 

[Wade D]

My 1st LF camera 30+ years ago was a Crown View. Limited movements but very easy to work with and quite portable. Worth checking out if you can find one in decent shape. I still have and use mine.

 

[3Dfan]

Some good articles:
http://rogerandfrances.com/photoschool/ps large.html
http://rogerandfrances.com/photoschool/ps how loading cut film.html

There is also a good book on medium and large format photography by the same authors.

 

[ragc]

I'll add my 2 cents to what is possibly confusing advice already: An older folding wood camera will have longer bellows than a modern folding 4x5, and will accomodate macro work fine, with the portability of a folder. If you are handy with tools you can easily adapt 4x5 and 5x7 backs to a half-plate camera. An English-style half-plate triple extension wood folder is ideal for this. These can be found for little money and make great learner cameras for all 3 uses you describe. Movements are limited, but cover the 3 uses well, and are much better than the heavier Graphic press cameras'.

Japanese-made half-plate (Asanuma King 1) shown with 5x7 back - 24" of bellows in a compact, lightweight package.

 

[John Kasaian]

Graphic View 1 and 2, and the Calumet 400 series are really sweet 4x5 monorails you can find for under $200