Re: Toyo, Sinar, Horseman, or all 3?

[trev2401]

Greetings to all!


ok, i've decided to go 4x5 fully (just sold my last DSLR & lens.. yaaaayy) and would like to purchase both a field and a monorail camera. =)

I just got approval from da wife aka chief financial officer as of last night and am overjoyed on the switch.

I've more or less settled on the toyo 45AII or Horseman FA for the field side, but was wondering about the monorail section, as to which body would fit my needs best.

I would be mainly shooting portraits for people on and off location, together with the occassional architectural shot; and hence, would prefer something with a good deal of movement/preferably light.

I've been reading a lot about the toyos, and it seems like the GXs are a good starter. However, i'm lured by the sexy Ls of the Horsemans and have also read tons of good things about the Sinar Fs.

My budget's around 1.2k usd for camera alone. If anyone has any pointers, recommendations/anything for sale, do drop me a line/pm.

Thanks to all for the help

best regards,
Trev

 

[Bandicoot]

I know this only makes your decision harder, but you should consider Arca-Swiss as well as the others you mention.

Arcas are very rigid with good movements, and for field use I find them lighter than the 'equivalent' Sinar options. There's a lensboard for the 4x5 (and up) models that will take a Linhof type board, so you can easily switch lenses between an Arca and your Horseman field camera.

You should be able to find something within your budget, especially if you're patient.


Peter

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Used Sinars are probably the best deal in the recent market. If you've got $1200 to spend on a monorail apart from a field camera, you could put together a nice Sinar P kit. The F was designed more as a monorail for the field, and the P is more of a studio camera--heavier with self-arresting geared movements. The F cameras have a tilt and swing calculator, while the P uses asymmetric swings and tilts that let you see what you're doing on the groundglass more directly. If you're new to LF, this is a real advantage.

 

[trev2401]

hi guys.

thanks for the replies..

hmm, arcas...

another question is where to find all these cameras 2nd hand. I'm trying my best to avoid ebay. I love mpex, but was wondering if there were any more places that might sell 2nd hand.

thanks

 

[rkmiec]

i am with you on the horseman mono rails.i have a wista sp feild camera nut i need a little more flexibility so i have been admiring the horsemans,if you decide to go that route get the horseman with the optical bench rail.it is a 3 piece rail for added length,pretty cool set up.i just cant decide if i want another 4x5 or an 8x10.and i have noticed the horsemans go the cheapest on ebay,but you can give keh.com a try.goodluck.

 

[tim_walls]

I've got a Toyo 45CX monorail, and I'm very happy indeed with it; the only problem is, it really is one for the studio - taking it out and about is a royal pain in the backside.

I've been looking at getting hold of a Shen-Hao field camera rather than the Toyo though, on account of being considerably cheaper'n'all (and I really don't need something super-rugged, which seems to be the main advantage of the 45AII.) Don't s'pose anyone knows if lensboards from the 45CX will fit a Shen-Hao, do they?