Should I buy this LF Camera?

dehk · Nov 1, 2011

I'm new to LF, however I've been shooting Small and Medium format for quite a while now. I've been waiting for cheap LF camera showing up on craigslist for quite some time now, and I found one today. It's a Calumet 4X5 Monorail View Camera /w lens and case for $250. It comes with a Caltar 8-1/2" f6.3 Lens, and revolving back. Here are some photos, it looks like it's in really good shape.

What do you guys think about the camera? Good buy for that price right or should it actually be cheaper for some odd reason? He'll include 2 holders and a dark cloth for that price too.

Thanks for your input!

Peter Schrager · Nov 1, 2011

I had one for years and they are rock steady...make sure the shutter fires properly and you are good to go...perfect beginners camera or more..u take the pix..it's just a box with a lens!!
Best, Peter

dehk · Nov 1, 2011

Peter Schrager said:
I had one for years and they are rock steady...make sure the shutter fires properly and you are good to go...perfect beginners camera or more..u take the pix..it's just a box with a lens!!
Best, Peter

My friend just told me don't buy it simply because it weights like a ton, is it really that heavy? If so I have to factor that price in and see if I need a new tripod and see if its still affordable anymore.

DanielStone · Nov 1, 2011

Ansel Adams used one like that one .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am54LMSwz9E

see 4:26

If its "good enough" for him, I'm sure anyone will be fine with it. They're nice cameras. I had one, sold it, and have considered getting another

-Dan

2F/2F · Nov 1, 2011

Overpriced by at least $100, IMHO. They are fine cameras, but they can be had for less if you are willing to wait. $100 is a common price. Maybe you find them for $150 with a lens from time to time. The way I see it, with the used market the way it is, low-end monorail cameras are hardly worth spending more than that on. If you are going to spend $250, might as well wait, save, and spend $400 for a SINAR F, or $600 for a SINAR kit with lens, etc. In the $250 range, I'd look at Toyos and Omegas before those old Calumets, as the newer ones are more modern and full featured.

dehk said:
My friend just told me don't buy it simply because it weights like a ton, is it really that heavy? If so I have to factor that price in and see if I need a new tripod and see if its still affordable anymore.

That is nuts. They are lightweight cameras. And what does weight matter with a monorail camera anyhow?

tomalophicon · Nov 1, 2011

Apart from being ugly as sin, I'm sure it will give you fantastic images if you treat it right.

dehk · Nov 1, 2011

2F/2F said:
Overpriced, IMHO. They are fine cameras, but they can be had for next to nothing if you are willing to wait.

If you are going to spend $250, might as well wait, save, and spend $400 for a SINAR F.

I do like to pay next to nothing, that will match my paycheck very well

DanielStone · Nov 1, 2011

The one I bought(for $75 on C-List, w/ 3 4x4" lensboards, no lenses) and later re-sold was the black Calumet version.

Looks(of the camera) don't matter. Its what you photograph and how you compose the shot. I found that the best addition to the camera was putting an UNCLIPPED ground glass in the camera, so I could see the corners of the frame. IDK why they clipped the corners, but for those of us who use ALL the frame(like I do), its very important IMO. I'll admit they're not "sexy" like a Linhof or a fully-rigged Sinar system, but they're dependable, not too heavy, and have all the movements one needs. As I said, Ansel used one, and it seemed to work ok for him (see the video link above, there's 2 parts btw)

-Dan

guitstik · Nov 2, 2011

I dont know, I think the lens is worth that much alone.

tomalophicon · Nov 2, 2011

DanielStone said:
The one I bought(for $75 on C-List, w/ 3 4x4" lensboards, no lenses) and later re-sold was the black Calumet version.

Looks(of the camera) don't matter. Its what you photograph and how you compose the shot. I found that the best addition to the camera was putting an UNCLIPPED ground glass in the camera, so I could see the corners of the frame. IDK why they clipped the corners, but for those of us who use ALL the frame(like I do), its very important IMO. I'll admit they're not "sexy" like a Linhof or a fully-rigged Sinar system, but they're dependable, not too heavy, and have all the movements one needs. As I said, Ansel used one, and it seemed to work ok for him (see the video link above, there's 2 parts btw)

-Dan

They clipped the corners so the glass doesn't explode with sudden bellows compression.

dehk · Nov 2, 2011

DanielStone said:
Ansel Adams used one like that one .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am54LMSwz9E

see 4:26

If its "good enough" for him, I'm sure anyone will be fine with it. They're nice cameras. I had one, sold it, and have considered getting another

-Dan

I see it , thanks for the link, cool video, still watching!

John Koehrer · Nov 3, 2011

There are a couple that keep popping up on the Chicago CL about once a week.
One with lens, one without. They're priced in the same range without the holders. $175.w/o lens $250.with
IMO it's not a great deal but it's not out of line either. You can always try to talk him down a bit too.
If there's any hesitation with the slow speeds of the shutter, that's gonna cost you a fifty dollar bill right off the bat and deserves a $50. reduction. Right off the bat. =)
There have been better deals over time so the decision is yours. Bird in the hand or ?
BTW there's always another one just down the road. check the ads here and LFPF.

dehk · Nov 3, 2011

John Koehrer said:
There are a couple that keep popping up on the Chicago CL about once a week.
One with lens, one without. They're priced in the same range without the holders. $175.w/o lens $250.with
IMO it's not a great deal but it's not out of line either. You can always try to talk him down a bit too.
If there's any hesitation with the slow speeds of the shutter, that's gonna cost you a fifty dollar bill right off the bat and deserves a $50. reduction. Right off the bat. =)
There have been better deals over time so the decision is yours. Bird in the hand or ?
BTW there's always another one just down the road. check the ads here and LFPF.

Yeah, I am thinking I will wait. I'd like one cheaper, that way I can actually afford film for it. Thanks.

pcyco · Nov 3, 2011

hallo

i bought one one year ago
its great to beginn
heavy but bombproof
--
thomas

Rick A · Nov 3, 2011

I have both the cc-400 and the longer bellows cc-401 version. No, they aint pretty, but thats of no consequence, what you do with them is. They are dependable work horse cameras. I don't hesitate to take mine out in the field. If you want a cheap one, I'll sell you my cc-400 with the case for $150 including domestic shipping, lenses and film holders not included.

Dave Ludwig · Nov 3, 2011

Great Camera, yes it is heavier than modern day, but your budget is what it is. It could be the last 4x5 you buy because it's built built like a brick outhouse. As for clipped corners the rapid expansion theory breaking glass is good but the corners are clipped to check your full aperature is visible from each corner when using extreme wings and tilts. Otherwise you will get a vignette. As for price, yes I would have to say a bit on the high side. If this is on E-Pray (pray it really works) I would pass. You could get a deal here like from Rick and you won't get taken. Do not spend a lot, after you go 4x5 you will really want 8x10 but then the enlarger gets to be $$ and when you do, factor in possible divorce cost as well. Good luck and have fun.

John Koehrer · Nov 3, 2011

Dave Ludwig said:
Great Camera, yes it is heavier than modern day, but your budget is what it is. It could be the last 4x5 you buy because it's built built like a brick outhouse. As for clipped corners the rapid expansion theory breaking glass is good but the corners are clipped to check your full aperature is visible from each corner when using extreme wings and tilts. Otherwise you will get a vignette. As for price, yes I would have to say a bit on the high side. If this is on E-Pray (pray it really works) I would pass. You could get a deal here like from Rick and you won't get taken. Do not spend a lot, after you go 4x5 you will really want 8x10 but then the enlarger gets to be $$ and when you do, factor in possible divorce cost as well. Good luck and have fun.

At that point go for broke and show her pictures of Edward Weston printing with a light bulb dangling from the ceiling. When that lulls her suspicions, then youNEED an enlarger. It works every time. =)

NOT!

Should I buy this LF Camera?

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