Using a Toyo VX125 in the Field

I found a pristine Toyo VX125 on Craigslist that I just couldn’t resist, given it’s condition, price, and local pickup. Picked it up last night and it’s a beauty!

Anyone have experience using a compact monorail out in the field? I’m pondering how to carry it around safely. My previous 4x5 (sold decades ago) was a Toyo 45A, which folded up very compactly. Bag or Pelican case? I won’t be hiking far from my car with this setup. I have only a single lens so far (Schneider-Kreuznach 150mm f5.6) but expect to eventually get something wider and something longer.

I use a Technikardan 45 and a Arca Swiss F-Metric 4x5 in the field. I start with the largest lens wrap I can find (usually the 19 inch Domke, and use that to wrap the folded camera.) It works well on the Technkardan, but not as well on the AS. Next my bag is a Domke F-1x. I lay the camera on its side in the empty bag. On its side the cameras are both about the entire length of the main compartment, but not the width so I take some other padded inserts and place them between the camera and the wall of the bag (usually the camera is snug up to the side that touches my hip and the inserts are snug the front of the bag. The inserts are stuffed with any additional lenses (I leave one lens mounted on the camera.) I'll also have my compendium hood in there, and my filter kit. The front pouches have the loupe, meter, and release cable. The dark cloth (currently a harrison) lays on top of the main compartment, and with the Arca Swiss, the main rail goes on top of dark cloth. The top of the bag is then closed and clipped. There are two large pockets--on on each side. The are big enough for 3 4x5 film holders each, but I usually only put two in each side so its not too tight--B&W on one side and E6 on the other (I still haven't shot any C41 in large format.)

I started with compact folding 4x5s like the Shen Hao HZX-IIA or the Linhof Technika but I never really got on with them, so I didn't enjoy LF. Then I found a crazy good price on the Technikardan and it lit my love of the view camera process. At this point prefer using monorails in the field to the folding boxes that are so popular now.

The VX125 is a really interesting camera, and It would have been on my short list if I had known about it when I was searching. But today, I have no need for another 4x5. BTW @B.S.Kumar is a great resource for Toyo parts is you need to add anything to your kit.

Congratulations on your purchase. Hard cases of any type make no sense in field photography. Just a lot of redundant extra weight with "Steal Me" posted all over it. I've carried Sinar monorails for decades in vintage external-frame real backpacking packs using soft jackets or simple lightweight bubble packing for cushioning and thermal insulation. Side pockets hold lenses and accessories, also cushioned as needed in simple bubble pk mailers. Plenty of extra room if you do want to hike further or spend a night out. I have gone great distances from the car that way- like a hundred miles; but either way, a real pack is easier on your spine and legs than other methods like shoulder bags.

I used hard cases on architectural shoots, where things like lighting and laser alignment gear also had to be toted, strapped to wheeled handtrucks. And sometimes, for short distances, I'll carry a lightweight 4X5 Ebony folder and a couple of lenses in a big Domke shoulder bag, or else some med format gear. But a serious monorail system? - nope. Just too bulky and heavy.

Lowe pro on a bag is also a steal me sign. Cut the tags off.

I carried a Calumet 24” monorail in a brio internal frame pack. The pack is basically a big sack. I pushed the rear and front to the end of the rail and thread the rail in behind items in the pack. The camera sat at the top of the pack. Heavy yes, but I was 10 years younger.

I use a Lowepro Whistler BP 450 AW backpack for my 4x5 kit. It can fit:

Linhof Technikardan S45
Standard bellows and bag bellows (each in a padded wrap)
Large, waterproof dark cloth (Paramo)
5 to 6 lenses, ranging from 72mm to 450mm
Lee bellows lens hood/filter system + various filters
Cable releases, stopwatch, spare batteries, loupe, field notebook, small torch
Sekonic L-758D meter
1.5L water bottle
Tripod
12 x Toyo double film holders (in two Photobackpacker cascading wallets)
Linhof Techno Rollex 6x12 rollfilm back

I haven't actually weighed the pack thusly loaded, but it is damn heavy and not all that comfortable if I'm being honest. It's tough and well made though.

I find hard cases make good storage at home. Rather than throwing equipment into drawers or cabinets, the cases can be stacked or put on end to store more equipment in the same space. Plus the cases offer good protection.

I use some kind of soft bag when using the equipment.

Heavy loads are far more comfortable to carry in external frame backpacks than in internal frame ones, or typical rucksack style book-baggish camera packs. They also protect your camera gear better.