Suggestions on second-hand 4x5 compromise between versatility and portability?

[Removed Account]

So here's the deal, I've been shooting 4x5 for a few weeks now and learning more about what I need from a camera. It would be hard to pick a primary subject matter for me because I love shooting still lifes, landscapes, portraits, anything really. I have made pretty significant regular use of my Graphic View's front rise and front/rear tilts, especially in focusing very close and small subjects. One thing I would like is more bellows extension, and am especially considering monorails with available rail extensions. The contenders seem to be the Cambos that pop up all the time for low prices, and I am keeping my eye on an SCX. The only problem is that it weighs 13 lbs, much more than even the 9 lb Graphic View, which by itself is a pain in the butt to carry. If not from the weight, at least from the noncompactness (is that even a word?) of the camera. Going to the other end of the spectrum I do like to go location shooting, not heavy backcountry hiking but BC is quite hilly :rolleyes: and I do not have a car at this point so I am limited to walking and the bus. This is leading me to a field camera, but it seems that the only one I know of featuring a range of movements and decent bellows extension is the Toyo 45AII, which even used is likely to be out of my $400-$500 US$ budget. I would prefer to avoid wood cameras because I have a particular fondness for photographing rough weather and it rains a considerable amount of time here. I am also planning on macro work, where the extension rails are a huge plus, but a field camera with a long bellows extension, 12"+, would be wonderful. So I've kind of been all over the place on this post, but hopefully someone on here has an idea of what I could use. Thanks again everyone!

- Justin

 

[Nick Zentena]

Does it have to be one camera?

If not

Calumet CC401 [the long bellows model] 22" of bellows not much more then $100. Great for long bellows. Lousy for wide angles. Hard to carry around because of the 26" rail.

B&J Press camera. Fairly full front movements. No rear movements. Metal with some sort of covering. Often less then $100 but shouldn't be much more then that including an old press lens. Big loss is it's a spring back. Folds up into a lunch box package. Even has a handle. Not very long bellows but can go fairly wide.

The two cameras use basically the same lensboards. If you make your own you should be able to make them fit both cameras.

Perfect cameras tend to be expensive. A few speciality cameras can be much cheaper

 

[Removed Account]

Ideally it would be one camera, but as you said perfect cameras are expensive. I'm just looking for something reasonably useful in several areas, I will probably have two eventually, but for now just one. A Zone VI Classic has got my attention. How would the wood stand up in the elements?

 

[Nick Zentena]

No idea what that one is made of but they make boats out of wood. It's a question of the right wood and finish. People who make woodies know they aren't going to sit in studios all their lives so you would hope they made the right choices.

 

[Anscojohn]

Off topic. Your screen name rings a bell. Was not the Cafe Harrer a conditorrei in Munich in the early 1920s?
Anscojohn, Mount Vernon, Virginia, USA

 

[Removed Account]

Anscojohn, I have no idea :confused: I picked the name because I am tremendous coffee geek, even roasting my own beans, and two of my favourite coffees come from the the Ghimbi and Harrar regions of Ethiopia. I figured Harrar was less awkward than Ghimbi, and Cafe seemed an elegant combination, plus the double meaning of coffee in french as well as an actual coffehouse restaurant type deal. I will look in to it, sounds interesting. Sorry to disappoint!

This happened years ago as well where I used the handle Bluefin because I liked the ring, but didn't realize I had named myself after a tuna Just as off topic, awkward is a very awkward word to spell, as is pronouncing that phrase, no?

OK, back to the subject... :rolleyes: You have a good point Nick, I hadn't thought of that. When at the waterfront later I will check if the wooden boats are still floating, they seemed OK. Plus I guess people have handled much more delicate equipment in harsher environments than Nanaimo.

- Justin


O

 

[Vaughn]

Instead of longer bellow, how about a shorter lens?

I have a wood Zone VI -- has held up in all kinds of weather.

Vaughn

 

[Logan Group]

I have a couple of Sinar F2 monorails and a Zone VI. I shoot a diverse number of subjects as well and use the Sinar for almost everything. There are rare times that for weight reasons on distant treks I use the Zone VI instead. The Zone VI is a wonderful camera but a little limited when doing a lot of Architectural work as I do. It's not that great for macro work but I have Nikkor 120mm ED Macro that is a great lens (however I have only shot with it on the Sinar) but as Vaughn suggested the shorter focal length means the less bellows draw required. And as far as shooting during in-climate weather if you're that determined get a waterproof dark cloth.

 

[Mark Fisher]

Wood never rusts....or corrodes. If you can live with a 12 inch bellows, I'd go for a Tachihara or Shen Hao. If you buy new, you might need to save up another hundred or so. With a few expensive exceptions, monorails are bit tough to pack and they are fairly heavy. I have a Tachihara and love it.

 

[MattKing]

As another resident of south western BC, I know of what you speak.

It would be my guess that the bellows and shutter would be more vulnerable to our form of "liquid sunshine" than the camera itself.

If anyone on APUG would have some informed thoughts on this, it would be MurrayMinchin in Kitimat. If he doesn't see this thread, and respond, I'd pm him.

Matt

 

[Bandicoot]

So here's the deal, I've been shooting 4x5 for a few weeks now and learning more about what I need from a camera.

{SNIP}

One thing I would like is more bellows extension, and am especially considering monorails with available rail extensions. The contenders seem to be the Cambos that pop up all the time for low prices, and I am keeping my eye on an SCX. The only problem is that it weighs 13 lbs, much more than even the 9 lb Graphic View, which by itself is a pain in the butt to carry.

If you want a monorail that's lightweight and not to expensive, you could look out for an old type Arca-Swiss on *Bay or similar. These go for quite good prices, and the non-axis tilt versions are very light and compact, but also pretty rigid. Many, though not all, parts are interchangeable with the latter M and F type Arcas: the most notable part that isn't is the bellows. Very little goes wrong with these, apart from the bubble levels drying out, but they can be replaced fairly easily.

I use (fairly) modern Arca Monoliths in the studio, but my lightweight field kit is based on the older type models and I'm very happy with them. I can give you moe info. if you want it - I know there are other options and plenty of field cameras that may suit you, but the Arca route is the monorail that I am most familiar with.


Peter

 

[Removed Account]

Absolutely, that would be excellent Peter. I will do some hunting for the Swiss...

Justin

 

[MurrayMinchin]

Hi Justin,

I've got a Wista that's been used and abused in every weather condition BC's north coast can throw at it (except high winds of course, but you can usually find a protected spot) and it also survived six months being hauled along BC's coast in a sea kayak. So my vote goes to wooden field cameras...they won't have the extreme movements, but are light and can withstand rugged use.

In the rain I use a small rain poncho, with the lens sticking out of the ponchos neck...mine has snaps that get small enough for a snug-ish fit around the lens. To protect my pack from wet or snowy ground, or from getting wet from above while I work I put a small tarp on the ground first, then fold it over the pack.

Good luck on your quest

Murray

 

[Jim Noel]

The Sinar Alpina may be an answer to your problem.
It has full movements front and rear, and accepts Sinar accessories, except rails. The rail is about 25" long, if my memory is correct. It comes in its own lightweight attache type case.

They usually sell for $250 -400.

 

[Removed Account]

I've looked at a few Sinars online. The Alpina has an 18" rail I think, but I have been looking very hard at the F1 which doesn't seem to be much more, in both cost and weight, and does take the extension rails. Also, they seem to be readily available including the case. Has anyone tried lugging one of these around? I don't usually do any "real" hiking, but do walk on trails by the ocean and whatnot, in which case a little roller cart would do nicely. When I do end up going on a canoe trip or whatnot, I may have to find something lighter.

- Justin