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Stenopeika 4x5 Feedback/Reviews?

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I have NOT used them, however in my opinion this hybrid of a techincal/field camera and a monorail camera is not joining the best sides of the two, but is actually summing up their limitations. I would rather openly choose between a technical camera or a monorail camera.

The price is very interesting, though.
 
But the Technikas for instance just were favoured because of being hybrid.
 
I have to disagree with that. I favour them because they are foldable and, when folded, they take a negligible amount of space, and the lens is protected inside their body better than in a strongbox.
 
What are you wanting to do with it? That's a much more important question than "is it any good". The reason I say that is because large format cameras are pretty basic in their design. Usually, the reason to get a monorail camera is for their sturdiness, versatility, and extreme movements. Usually, the reason to get a field camera is because of their compactness and lack of weight. This looks like a heavy field camera or a flimsy and limited monorail to me.

If you need a do-it-all type of camera, you would probably be better served buying both a field camera and monorail, and just switching between the two as needed. Used monorails in good condition are really cheap these days. Plus the advantage to getting a more established monorail system, like a Sinar, is all of the parts and accessories that are available. So if you need more bellows extension for macro work, you just buy a rail extension. If you need more movements with a wide angle lens, you buy some bag bellows. If you need to use a barrel lens, you buy an Auto Aperture shutter. Then if you need something smaller and more lightweight, you can buy a field camera. They even have cheap ones these days, like the Intrepid.

So I agree with Marco on this one. A Leatherman seems like a great tool to have. But in reality, it's just a terrible screwdriver, set of pliers, bottle opener, scissors, etc. It's good for emergencies, but not much else.
 
1.4kg=3.02lbs. Seems light, foldable so it's reasonably compact.
Doesn't protect the lens or GG.
How many people actually use the FULL capability of a view camera and what
are the differences between this and a field camera?

Curiosity on my part is all.
 
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