Non-folding Ebony 4x5 camera

[ediz7531]

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.

 

[Vaughn]

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.

 

[Rayt]

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?

 

[ghart]

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.

 

[ediz7531]

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?

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

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.

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?

 

[Rayt]

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?

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