Toyo 45c: how good?

[essensebe]

I'm looking to buy a large format 4x5 camera, but find it difficult to chose.
Noticed the Toyo 45 camera's like the 45C are really cheap.

Are these good to start with?
or will I soon regret not having bought a better model or brand?

I can buy a kit for only 300 euro...

 

[Paul Howell]

Toyo is a good entry level monorail, but before you think about brand what do intend to shoot? I have an old Brand New View 4X5 while not a monorail is not as portable as a field camera or old press camera to shoot landscapes I generally use an Crown Graphic press camera.

 

[essensebe]

I'm looking for a portable 4x5 camera, mainly for architecture photography, but not only.
So I need ultra wide angle lenses and vertical shift movements.
The field camera do not seem to be suited for ultra wide angle lenses...

 

[Brian T]

I've been using a Toyo 45 on a rail for decades. No complaints. Your real money has to go into the lenses.
Did a lot of work to fill an architect's portfolio, enjoyed every minute of it.

You can cut some corners = looked at a recessed lens board ($175) for my Schneider 90.
Blank board cut out for small aluminum bowl, sprayed matt black for less than $30 as I recall.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

Toyo is a good entry level monorail, but before you think about brand what do intend to shoot? I have an old Brand New View 4X5 while not a monorail is not as portable as a field camera or old press camera to shoot landscapes I generally use an Crown Graphic press camera.

Toyo... "entry level"?? Some yes and some no. The Model C is indeed an entry level camera. The G, GII, GX, Robos, etc. are PRO level monorails.

 

[Paul Howell]

OP is thinking about a C which is the entry level camera. For his needs a good choice, if he needs additional features he can move up.

I'm looking for a portable 4x5 camera, mainly for architecture photography, but not only.
So I need ultra wide angle lenses and vertical shift movements.
The field camera do not seem to be suited for ultra wide angle lenses...

The Crown Graphic has a dropped bed and will take a 90mm, but not an ultra wide like a 65mm and limited movements so a monorail will likely work better.

 

[Alan Gales]

The entry level Toyos and Cambo/Calumets are a bargain today. If you are on a budget then they are great. In the United States if you have a little more to spend then get a Sinar. There is lots of Sinar equipment available. In Belgium things may be different with Sinar.

Just my opinion.

 

[Andre Noble]

Toyo 45C is very good! I have had mine for almost 20 years. I had a machine shop shorten the monorail for me, and I use it for architecture, and it easily transport in a backpack. Try to get a newer one for condition sake. This is mine, below. It has a Schneider 72XL wide angle attached with a Toyo bag bellows. I cannot say enough about this camera. But be cautious buying used. You have to inspect that gear rail and gears have not been mishandled.

 

[Kilgallb]

I went from an old 24" cambo monorail to a Toyo 45CF and never looked back. The 45CF, the CF stands for carbon fibre, weighs about 2 kg and is a dream to back pack. I use a 90mm with ease.

 

[Ian Grant]

OP is thinking about a C which is the entry level camera. For his needs a good choice, if he needs additional features he can move up.

I'm looking for a portable 4x5 camera, mainly for architecture photography, but not only.
So I need ultra wide angle lenses and vertical shift movements.
The field camera do not seem to be suited for ultra wide angle lenses...

The Crown Graphic has a dropped bed and will take a 90mm, but not an ultra wide like a 65mm and limited movements so a monorail will likely work better.

My Wista 45DX has plenty of movements, I use 65mm & 75mm lenses regularly with it.

Ian