Non-folding Ebony 4x5 camera

I shouldn't want to, because I've been super happy with a Linhof Master Technika for the last year or so, but as I learn more about the landscape of 4x5 cameras I find Ebony cameras so attractive.

Curious to hear any thoughts from any owners of the non folding variants. I'm particularly intrigued by the 45s. Plenty of bellows extension for the focal lengths I shoot, and some more movements compared to my MT. Not super light compared to current folding cameras, but noticeably lighter than my MT brick and faster to work with in the field than a folding version. One awkward bit is finding a case for it, but I think I found a camera insert that can work with my Gregory 35L backpack.

I use an old example of a non-folding 5x7, Eastman View No.2. The design can be relatively light, not having a large base such as the Deardorf. Often the camera can be stored with a lens on it, and set-up quick.

I often use 4x5 and 5x7 with the camera on the tripod, and film and meter in a shoulder bag, and typically the non-folding field cameras are easier to carry over one’s shoulder.

I had an SW45 which is about the same size and weight as the 45s. It is very light and easy to set up. I only used front rise so set up is around a minute from the bag to focusing. I imagine the 45s should be the same. Anything particular you want to know?

I had an Ebony 45S for some 12 years and I found it a joy to use. Nothing to complain about, though I was occasionally irked by the weight that could have been saved by omitting lateral movement on the back standard, but then again I did use that movement occasionally. If you have good reason to change, you will not be disappointed with this Ebony camera.

Rayt said:

I had an SW45 which is about the same size and weight as the 45s. It is very light and easy to set up. I only used front rise so set up is around a minute from the bag to focusing. I imagine the 45s should be the same. Anything particular you want to know?

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Just looking for testimony on these since most of what I see today are folding cameras.

ghart said:

I had an Ebony 45S for some 12 years and I found it a joy to use. Nothing to complain about, though I was occasionally irked by the weight that could have been saved by omitting lateral movement on the back standard, but then again I did use that movement occasionally. If you have good reason to change, you will not be disappointed with this Ebony camera.

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I'm not looking to get rid of the Linhof. I'd like for rear movements to be less awkward to use sometimes. The linhof is quite substantial so something a little lighter for long hikes would also be welcome, but not at the expense of stability/rigidity concerns in a super lightweight folding version.

Not necessarily specific to non-folding, but I guess the fact these aren't being made anymore isn't a huge concern to folks in terms of being able to find parts for repair? I imagine that other than bellows replacement not much that needs to be fixed in a wooden box?

ediz7531 said:

Just looking for testimony on these since most of what I see today are folding cameras.


I'm not looking to get rid of the Linhof. I'd like for rear movements to be less awkward to use sometimes. The linhof is quite substantial so something a little lighter for long hik

Not necessarily specific to non-folding, but I guess the fact these aren't being made anymore isn't a huge concern to folks in terms of being able to find parts for repair? I imagine that other than bellows replacement not much that needs to be fixed in a wooden box?

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It’s wooden camera with leather bellows. Someone like Richard Ritter should be able to fix it.

I've had a lot of view cameras. My take based on having a 45S is that the focusing and the tilts, rise require both hands to loosen and tighten. The ground glass is not that bright. The design is top heavy and tippy. Frankly the Chamonix, Technika and Wista metals have easier focusing, especially one handed. Extended out it is not especially rigid but more than enough. The 45S is best for lenses less than 150mm but within that constraint movements are practically infinite. And of course the Ebony wood, Titanium, design details, craftsmanship and quality are top notch, the bellows is a work of art and beautiful, and you can sit and stare at it. Only a nice condition Linhof Technika is in the same league and a very different animal.

Honestly a Chamonix is more practical and less precious. It's rear focusing wheel is superior and its wood can be nice. Toyo makes great box cameras, Crown Graphics and monorails are plentiful and fine to use. An Ebony is definitely a luxury purchase and the worst issue is being afraid of damaging it.

Pack wise it's about an inch taller than your Technika but maybe it would drop in if your Tech has the rangefinder. It is very fast to leave the lens on and just pluck it out, mount tripod, focus.

Franklee said:

I've had a lot of view cameras. My take based on having a 45S is that the focusing and the tilts, rise require both hands to loosen and tighten. The ground glass is not that bright. The design is top heavy and tippy. Frankly the Chamonix, Technika and Wista metals have easier focusing, especially one handed. Extended out it is not especially rigid but more than enough. The 45S is best for lenses less than 150mm but within that constraint movements are practically infinite. And of course the Ebony wood, Titanium, design details, craftsmanship and quality are top notch, the bellows is a work of art and beautiful, and you can sit and stare at it. Only a nice condition Linhof Technika is in the same league and a very different animal.

Honestly a Chamonix is more practical and less precious. It's rear focusing wheel is superior and its wood can be nice. Toyo makes great box cameras, Crown Graphics and monorails are plentiful and fine to use. An Ebony is definitely a luxury purchase and the worst issue is being afraid of damaging it.

Pack wise it's about an inch taller than your Technika but maybe it would drop in if your Tech has the rangefinder. It is very fast to leave the lens on and just pluck it out, mount tripod, focus.

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When I was first looking for a 4x5 camera I thought long and hard about a Chamonix F-2. I was put off by the lack of any zero detents .

These are some very good comments and observations. Must confess to an uninhibited adoration for Ebony cameras - it's hard to see one and not fall in love. As I'm not good with sheet film (setting up packs, developing), I've gone the wimpy roll film approach, and thus have gravitated to the Ebony 23 versions. Have had both S and SW in both the 23 and 45 sizes, offer these opinons:

- like the smaller 23 for portability, but the viewing screen is a bit small, like everyone says. Probably better to stay with the 45.
- the 45SW or RW handles the wides, but as noted above, on full rear rack, can have a bit of sag at the back. Doesn't seem to affect the image quality, but something to keep an eye on.
- the S allows for longer lenses, but is a bit bigger overall. The SW is nice and tidy, up to about 150mm lens.
- there is a box extension sometimes findable, but its a bit awkward to carry around if not using it. Still, it's effective.
- have used topcoat extenders for longer focal lengths,but you have to pay attention that the lens isn't a big heavy one.
- much prefer the non-folding the, easy to transport. Oddly enough use a 75mm Caltar, which is quite sharp, regularly. Also have used older larger view camera lenses (210,240) which are quite sharp in their centers, good enough for 120 film.

SK Grimes made an adapter plate to fit a digital back. The extra weight on the rear standard is hard if racked out too much, Sacrilege, yes, but boy is it fun.