I would make a first rough decision between two locations: do you mainly shoot around the house, portrait, stills or do you want to go out for landscapes. And then you need to know whether movements are important or notI've seen many people express this same view, but it isn't a truism.
It didn't make sense for me to start with a monorail because I was interested in landscape photography. So went with a light Chamonix field camera as my first and only LF camera.There’s a lot to discover and to get used to in LF, far more than the making of the photo. I started with a monorail for around the house. I think that is a good introduction because you see what all the possibilities are for movements, Scheimpflug, etc. Then you also learn how to deal with all the practicalities, exposure calculation controlled for bellow length, managing filmholders, loading unloading, developing etc.
In fact everything else than a monorail are compromises and reductions from the complete idea of LF. Start broad, and specialize later if you know what you are looking for in LF. Unless you choose for the way your grandma uses a 4*5 of course, and aren’t interested in the whole spectrum. And she’s got friends who take over an important part of the whole process.
It didn't make sense for me to start with a monorail because I was interested in landscape photography. So went with a light Chamonix field camera as my first and only LF camera.
replaced by Rollei TLR and Leica/Nikon rf cameras because of their superior results.
I can only say that I have never had regrets that I bought this camera in 2017. It’s light, easy to pack in just a normal backpack, in my case the Osprey Farpoint 40. Because of its weight I can also compromise a bit with the weight of the tripod I choose for certain situations. More than enough movements for general work, also in studio. I must say I am very happy with Chamonix’s filmholders, for me really worth the extra money over old and used plastic onesA lot of my research has led me to choose Chamonix 45F-2. Seems light and durable. I keep hearing that the intrepid is a little shaky, but it is so tempting to get a try out. I do rather spend more money and not regret the purchase and learning experience.
I definitely will be shooting landscape, doing hiking, backpacking etc. I am trying to decide whether I want my first 4x5 to be a rock and just use after I take out of truck or be portable.
Anybody have other suggestions please advise. Thanks!
I did hear the Fidelity holders are next best option.
Thanks Craig! Did not know. I was not so set on Fidelity.
Folks, what about 4x5 Stenopeika? Hyperlite model or just the company in general….
Its too flimsy right? Is that the reason for the flimsy feedback I have read with the Intrepids?Multiplex/plywood is not my thing and it's just 100gm less than the F2
Its too flimsy right? Is that the reason for the flimsy feedback I have read with the Intrepids?
That can be corrected, right?
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