Hi, folks.
I too am on the market for a new 4x5 and just came across this thread. I initially had the Shen-Hao PTB on the short list, but slowly gravitated toward the HZX and TZ because they look a bit more rigid and durable. The problem with those two, of course, is the weight. The PTB is nice and light which makes it hard to pass up. Having said that, I am currently leaning toward the HZX which is the heaviest of the three.
As for the choice between rail and field style construction, I have been shooting with a 4x5 rail camera for 10+ years. My feeling is that a field camera is more versatile because it can easily be used both in the studio and in the field whereas a rail camera is too cumbersome to be practical for use in the field unless you're staying within a few feet of your car. That assumes you have the bellows extension you need for both situations.
Of course, I'm speaking from the perspective of someone who doesn't know the shortcomings of a field camera in a studio environment. I just know I'm not lugging that bulky rail camera around on foot. Soon, I expect to have a Shen-Hao, but I have no plans to get rid of my Cambo rail camera for studio use.
