Walker New or other used?

[jayvo86]

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]

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]

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

Ron
.

[Terry Christian]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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


Ron
.

[LJH]

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]

This is the article I was referencing.

-Josh

http://www.film-and-darkroom-user.or...read.php?t=849