Walker New or other used?

jayvo86 · Jun 21, 2012

I'm seriously considering LF.

I originally stumbled upon a Shen Hao and almost put the trigger, but now fell upon a Walker 4x5 that looks like a much better body.

What do you guys think? Or should I be looking at something used?

jayvo86 · Jun 21, 2012

I might add I'm also debating whether to go "all the way" with 8x10 or not. (I'm also looking at 5x7.)

I can enlarge 4x5 in the darkroom I have access to and it would be "ok" for alt process prints.

The 5x7 would be better for contact prints and I can stick a reducing back on it.

The 8x10 would be better yet for contact prints, I could have a nice scan, or stick a 4x5 reducing back on it.

...granted I don't want to get in over my head.

M.A.Longmore · Jun 21, 2012

.
You're Moving In The Right Direction !
I've been on the lookout for an 8X10 camera also ...

Ron
.

Terry Christian · Jun 21, 2012

Only you can make that decision, based on what you're likely to shoot and how you want to process it. As for myself, I like 4x5 and consider it a "sweet spot" because I can use my enlarger with it, and the film and holders get exponentially more expensive at 5x7 and above... not to mention the size and portability of the camera itself. Personally I'd recommend borrowing or using a friend's 8x10 before deciding if that large a format is really right for you.

jayvo86 · Jun 21, 2012

There seems to be some good buys on eBay at the moment. Maybe I'll check into one of those.

But, I agree. Being able to enlarge the 4x5's would be really nice.

LJH · Jun 21, 2012

Are you shooting colour or B&W?

Have you shot LF before?

What style of lens (wide, long etc) do you want to use?

Have you considered the prerequisite accessories' cost and/or availability (film holders, lenses, etc)?

How do you intend to process the film?

Also, can you define what you mean by "…much better body"?

jayvo86 · Jun 21, 2012

LJH said:
Are you shooting colour or B&W?

Have you shot LF before?

What style of lens (wide, long etc) do you want to use?

Have you considered the prerequisite accessories' cost and/or availability (film holders, lenses, etc)?

How do you intend to process the film?

Also, can you define what you mean by "much better body"?

BW mostly maybe a little color in the future.

No experience with LF. (Just watching videos.)

150mm mostly....maybe a 90 or a 210.

Yes, I considered the extra cost. However, I also live in Japan and am able to pick up used holders and lenses for a very reasonable price.

I intend to tray process the 4x5 BW. I can get 4x5 color processed locally if needed.

Better body to me means, more precise movements, more rigid, and more accurate over all. I think the Walker's handle humidity better too.

M.A.Longmore · Jun 21, 2012

.
If It's Affordable, go For It !!!
The Possibilities Are Endless ...

Ron
.

LJH · Jun 22, 2012

Have you found any reference to the Shen Hao not being rigid, precise and inaccurate?

Modern polyurethane finishes all but eliminate atmospheric absorption. Not only that, history is littered with great photographs taken with wooden cameras in all climates. It is a rather moot point.

jayvo86 · Jun 22, 2012

This is the article I was referencing.

-Josh

http://www.film-and-darkroom-user.org.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=849

John Kasaian · Jun 24, 2012

Get a cheap camera in good condition and play with it first. LF isn't for everyone and dropping a boatload of $$ from the get go will only add to your frustrations, IMHO. If your intentions are backpacking, then a Shen or any of the more modern japanese woodys should serve you just fine. If you find a need for plastic camera you can upgrade later and your lens & film holders and the rest of your "kit" can transfer over to the new camera.
My 2-cents anyway

John Kasaian · Jun 24, 2012

8x10 is a great format to learn on!
But
Backpacking any distance will be a real challenge, as everything 8x10 is heavier and bulkier.

Color 8x10 is prohibitvely expensive( and if you'll be able to find color 8x10 film at all is very much a crap shoot!)

Nothing IMHO beats an 8x10 B&W contact print, however (unless its a 11x14 or larger contact print!)
I mention all this not discourage you, but so you'll be aware of the limitations.

jayvo86 · Jun 25, 2012

John, Thanks for the info.

I actually just picked up a Crown Graphic for a good price. I figure that would be a good start for now to test the water. Hey, maybe I'll decide I want to go 8x10.

Either way, I'm not too worried about getting film or other materials. It's pretty easy to find that stuff here in Japan.

M. Lointain · Jun 25, 2012

I have been thinking about getting a better 4x5 but one of the concerns I have is limited bellows draw. Off the top of my head the longest available ones are the Ebony and the Canham. Both cameras are pricey though. I learned the other day that Chamonix has a bed extension available and the bellows can handle it. The Chamonix cameras look like the best deal going these days. It is difficult to find anyone saying anything negative about it. With the way the internet is these days that is rare!

I stick with 4x5 because it is the most practical. I used to have an 8x10 but I never really used it unless the image was roadkill. I just never wanted to lug it anywhere. The image quality was phenomenal of course. 4x5 is the largest neg my enlarger (Saunders 4550xl) can handle so to me it is a sweet spot. If all you are going to do is contact print then maybe go with something larger.

LJH · Jun 25, 2012

My Shen Hao XPO has 420mm draw. No idea how that compares to those listed, but well over the "usual" 4x5 field camera draw (<350mm).

jayvo86 · Jun 25, 2012

M. Lointain said:
I have been thinking about getting a better 4x5 but one of the concerns I have is limited bellows draw. Off the top of my head the longest available ones are the Ebony and the Canham. Both cameras are pricey though. I learned the other day that Chamonix has a bed extension available and the bellows can handle it. The Chamonix cameras look like the best deal going these days. It is difficult to find anyone saying anything negative about it. With the way the internet is these days that is rare!

I stick with 4x5 because it is the most practical. I used to have an 8x10 but I never really used it unless the image was roadkill. I just never wanted to lug it anywhere. The image quality was phenomenal of course. 4x5 is the largest neg my enlarger (Saunders 4550xl) can handle so to me it is a sweet spot. If all you are going to do is contact print then maybe go with something larger.

Yeah, that was the thing for me. I can enlarge 4x5 no problem, but it's a little small for alt process. (IMOO)

8x10 is obviously better for contact printing, but I'd be limited to that or scanning for now.

On a side note....I'm very interested in the Ebony 4x5's. They are expensive, but I love the look of them. (I'm sure they work great too.)

Of course all in all....whatever expensive film camera I buy it will last longer and cost less than the latest digital craze.

aluncrockford · Jun 25, 2012

There just happens to be a walker Camera for sale here, http://www.teamworkphoto.com/walker-titan-wide-camera-p-16090.html Excellent dealer and one of the last pro camera shops in London

Dismayed · Aug 30, 2012

LJH said:
My Shen Hao XPO has 420mm draw. No idea how that compares to those listed, but well over the "usual" 4x5 field camera draw (<350mm).

The Shen Hao web site lists the XPO as having 360mm of bellows draw. Has the camera changed over time?

LJH · Aug 31, 2012

Dismayed said:
The Shen Hao web site lists the XPO as having 360mm of bellows draw. Has the camera changed over time?

I cannot answer that, simply because I have never spec'ed another XPO. I can only go on what mine does.

A simple way to get the answer would be to ask Mr Zhang at Shen Hao about it. He's pretty good at responding, albeit a bit later than expected.

Have you seen this thread? Might give you some more information on it.

Walker New or other used?

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