Toyo 45A or Linhof Master Technika?

[DREW WILEY]

But the weight of a Grafmatic tugs on the back of a lightweight field camera far more than a conventional holder, and potentially deflects the film plane, so not an ideal combination in that case. And tiny 90 Angulons, when employing movements, suffers resolution loss toward the corners, while the Super-Angulon or comparable SW's do not. And believe me, it's not just architectural projects which might need a large image circle. But there are in fact, a number of very small lightweight lenses to choose from which also have ample image circles and superb optical performance. I could mention the Fuji A series up to 360mm, the Nikon M series up to 300mm, and the Schneider G-Claron series up to 270mm - all in small shutters.

There are all kinds of ways to reduce overall backpacking weight. I use true external frame backpacking packs, well-built with large volume carry capacity - yet they're lighter than most official camera backpacks! You don't need a bunch or redundant heavy foam rubber padding. Just use lightweight ordinary bubble packing. Or in my case, up in the mountains, I simply wrap my camera and film boxes in my goosedown jacket, plus a big plastic trashcan bag to keep water entirely out of both if it rains or I slip in a stream. There are all kinds of ways to improvise, yet at the same time, make your gear secure, and still have space left over for your personal supplies and emergency weather clothing.

But hey, let's put all this in perspective. When people mention going '"ultralight" - and I hear it all the time from the younger set - I just have to snicker a little. I grew up among cowboys and Indians, literally, and even knew nearby Indians old enough to remember crossing high Sierra passes barefoot, long before official trails were built, with nothing more for warmth than a rabbit-skin blanket at most, and depending on overhanging rocks for emergency shelter, then carrying back handwoven basket packs full of heavy obsidian cobbles needed for making their arrow points and other utensils.

And some of the local cowboys, and even classmates of mine, would spend entire summers in the high country, sometimes rolling up in the horse saddle blanket at night, and resorting to a simple oilcloth suspended from a rope for weather protection. Me and a friend would simply disappear into the deeps canyons for days on end equipped with nothing more than denim jackets, knives, a box of matches, and either a rifle or fishing pole. And when a certain individual claimed he invented "trail running" way back in the 1960's, I reminded him how that claim more properly belongs to someone fleeing a cave bear or saber toothed cat back in the Ice Ages. So it's all relative, just like camera weight.

 

[MTGseattle]

I feel like some rewind is in order. @SodaAnt how did you narrow down to those 2 models? What is your previous 4x5 experience?

As to weight, the 2 camera bodies are within about 16 ounces of each other, so to me, that is a non-issue. I've owned 2 different Technika IV's and when working well, they are a nice piece of equipment. (Technika IV's are getting s bit old now, so some issues may be encountered). I had a Toyo 45cf for about 6 months. It was fine, but I found it for such a ridiculously low prince, I flipped it for something else.
You need to really narrow down your needs as far as amount of bellows needed and movements available. You could also pack your monorail into the field a couple of times and see if you find it worth the effort or not. It's really just about shape and camera setup. Obviously, a camera that folds up within its own dimensions (sometimes with a lens attached) greatly helps the setup process, and a "box" is easier to pack than a box plus some rails.

G.a.s is something to both fear and embrace. I was telling myself that I would drop back to 2 formats only about 18 months ago. I jumped out of that path of reasoning and went into 8x10, then thought about 6x12 and 6x17. I've tried to unload a bit of gear to offset the craziness, but who am I kidding?