Wista Field 4x5 Questions

[Ljrack]

Greetings,

I'm new to APUG and glad I found this forum.

I've had a Wista 4x5 Field camera for a number a years and I generally like it and enjoy using it. I shoot almost exclusively color outdoor/landscape/nature and have only Nikkor 90 and 210mm lenses. I'm looking to eventually change bodies because I would like to get a longer lens and the 12" bellows limits me to 300mm lens or a telephoto.

Anyway, about the Wista:

1. There's a plate on the camera that says "Wista Field". Is there any way to find out what model this is? It has front rise/tilt/swing and rear tilt/swing and shift. Below the rear standard, stamped in the wood is "D 20".

2. A couple of the nuts (preventing knobs from coming off, wing nuts?) are missing. Is there a source for ordering replacements?

3. The tripod mount is loose. Can I disassemble the bottom plate and tighten this? I haven't messed with and don't want to unless I know I can fix it.

4. Lastly, given the above info, what could I expect to sell this camera for?
Additionally, the metal has quite a bit of brassing and certainly not a polished finish. The bellows are in great condition and functionally works great. Typical nicks/scratches/wear on the wood finish, but otherwise a good looking camera.

It seems there is a large resource of LF users here and I hope to absorb some of your expertise. I may have more questions in the very near future.

thanks in advance,
Lon

 

[BradS]

Hi Lon,

These do not sound like very major defects to me. I would start by looking for the "lock?" nuts at your local OSH. Maybe one of those "ny-loc" nuts would work? I guess it depends if you want a user or a display queen. I have no idea what model it is. I think that one of the distinguishing features of the wista wood cameras is whether or not it has a graflock back. As for the loos tripod socket....tough to say how to fix it without having a look at what's wrong but, I'm gonna guess that it would be no problem to fix for somebody with the right tools.

Brad (in Pleasanton).

PS (edited) if the bellows are good and everything lock down tight, I should think you might easily find somebody willing to give you $300 for it...especially if it is the one with a graflock back.

 

[grahamp]

Sounds a bit older than mine (serial F500007), which has the same 6 movements and a spring back. Mine cost me $650 with a 135mm Symmar S, darkcloth, and 6 new film holders (allow at least $120 for those, maybe $150 for the lens). This was a private sale done locally about three years ago. A decent price at the time, especially for a face-to-face deal.

I am using a 90mm and a 135mm. I think about something longer in the 250-270mm range, but the motivation isn't strong. I seem to be doing decent work with it in the current configuration.

The only quirk on mine is that there is a modification to fit a central tripod mount in the aperture in the base normally used to allow a lens to remain on the camera. This is a DIY job that was on the camera when I got it, and I improved it with some brass sheet. It is completely removable (since it clamps in place) should I want to go back to the rear socket only. A central tripod mount makes for much better balance.

 

[Frank Petronio]

Try Marflex for parts, they are the Wista American service. I think they are nice enough cameras but there have been a lot of subtle variations over the years, and I've seen many with missing cap nuts and wobbly tripod mounts. Maybe a dose of Locktite and epoxy all around?

 

[Ljrack]

Thanks for the responses folks. I've sent a message to Marflex to see if they have any spare parts. I'm thinking of selling this one and move to a Wisner or something where I can get a substantial increase in bellows extension. TX