Shen-Hao TZ45-IIB VS Shen-Hao HZX 4X5-IIA

Soeren · Feb 28, 2009

I really want a 4X5 field camera and these are about as cheap as they get.
But what are the differences?
Is the TZ a more pro quality camera?
It looks like the HZX will handle wider lended out of the box, true?
How about stability? Are they different on that issue.
Thanks
Kinde regards

Nick Zentena · Feb 28, 2009

You might want to add the PTB version to your list.

http://www.badgergraphic.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=2766

The HZX is the Ebony style camera. Just glancing at the TZ I've no idea how that differs. Less rear movements?

The PTB is the Phillips style camera.

My expierence is with the HZX 5x7 style and the FCL-810 which I guess the PTB is a smaller version of. They're different. Best you can do is search for the threads on Ebony and Phillips. Different strengths. Different weakness. The Ebony types are heavier with longer bellows. The Phillips types are lighter but go much wider.

Nick Zentena · Feb 28, 2009

Is the TZ just a HZX with the hardware from the 5x7?

HerrBremerhaven · Feb 28, 2009

There are two TZ models, one more biased for longer lenses, and one for shorter focal lengths. The main difference to the HZX is that either TZ is slightly more compact. I have an HZX45A-II, and I have yet to ever run out of movements. The main lenses I use are 90mm, 135mm and 180mm, all on flat boards. I do think the TZ models appear to have better finish and hardware, though you pay more to get that.

http://www.shen-hao.com

Ciao!

Gordon Moat Photography

Soeren · Feb 28, 2009

Nick Zentena said:
You might want to add the PTB version to your list.

http://www.badgergraphic.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=2766

The HZX is the Ebony style camera. Just glancing at the TZ I've no idea how that differs. Less rear movements?

The PTB is the Phillips style camera.

My expierence is with the HZX 5x7 style and the FCL-810 which I guess the PTB is a smaller version of. They're different. Best you can do is search for the threads on Ebony and Phillips. Different strengths. Different weakness. The Ebony types are heavier with longer bellows. The Phillips types are lighter but go much wider.

I did think of the PTB but it looks well a bit odd. How does one focus using the rear/back? It looks like it will go out of alignment easily.
But thanks I didn't know about the style thing.
Kind regards
Edit
Hmm Is the PTB worth an extra look?

morkolv · Feb 28, 2009

Soeren said:
..
Hmm Is the PTB worth an extra look?

The PTB is a almost 1:1 copy of the chamonix 4x5. I have bought a PTB and have on loan a chamonix from the first batch. And they are almost identical. The PTB does however not fully match the workmanship of the Chamonix (or that of my FLC-57) but are quite usable and a bit cheaper (approx 1200++ NOK in my case) than the Chamonix.

So IMHO all good thing said about the Chamonix with regards to handling and capabilities applies to the PTB as well..

Best Regards

ruilourosa · Mar 7, 2012

What is the minimum focal distance you can use with the tz, with wide angle bellows????

Richard S. (rich815) · Mar 7, 2012

Keep your eye out for a decent used Wista 45DX. I paid about $700 for mine in perfect shape and in gorgeous rosewood, and I think they may be a bit better build-quality than the Shen Hao.

ruilourosa · Mar 7, 2012

wide angle capabilities, interchangeable bellows? wista is a bit more limited! a bony would be great but... no $

Richard S. (rich815) · Mar 7, 2012

Go snag this one!

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Shen-Hao TZ45-IIB VS Shen-Hao HZX 4X5-IIA

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