5x4 options

[Gary Holliday]

It's been a long time since I have used a 5x4. I was trained on a Sinar and loved the transparencies that came back from the lab.

I'm considering a 5x4 for some colour work and would like a camera with very few movements for speed of use.

What are the options?

[Ian Grant]

Crown or Speed Graphic, don't pay silly money - UK prices can be far too high compared to buying in the US, even if you end up paying the 22% Duty etc. Movements are very basic and can be a bit limiting.

Of course a cheap MPP would be just as good.

Ian

[Nick Zentena]

I'm considering a 5x4 for some colour work and would like a camera with very few movements for speed of use.

Nobody forces you to use any movements. Just don't loosen the knobs.

[DBP]

Also B&J Press, though the Graphics are a bit sturdier.

[Dave Miller]

It's been a long time since I have used a 5x4. I was trained on a Sinar and loved the transparencies that came back from the lab.

I'm considering a 5x4 for some colour work and would like a camera with very few movements for speed of use.

What are the options?

Since you didn't say it had to be cheap look at one of the advertisers here: http://fotomancamera.com/

[Trevor Crone]

If you've not already done so have a look at the Ebony RSW45. Has just front rise, fall and tilt.

Being none folding its ready to use straight from the bag with a lens attached. Weighs 1.5kg (without lens), limited to a 180mm lens (non-telephoto) before having to use extension tubes and/or extender back.

[Gary Holliday]

Since you didn't say it had to be cheap look at one of the advertisers here: http://fotomancamera.com/

I don't normally do cheap! I'm liking the handheld Fotoman...that's what I'm aiming for...the quality of a larger negative with speed of use.

[Dave Miller]

I don't normally do cheap! I'm liking the handheld Fotoman...that's what I'm aiming for...the quality of a larger negative with speed of use.

Good for you.

Why not go all the way and get the 10x8 bicep builder?

[rob champagne]

I beleive Joe Cornish uses or at least he did use an Ebony. That would be a good choice depending on what type of photography you are doing.

The choice should be made first on the lenses you want to use and then the camera which will support those lenses. If its field/landscape work then a Master Tecknika with rangefinder focussing doesn't get any quicker. Why? Because if you can close the camera with lens attached, then you just fold out the front and slide the front standard to the infinity stop, fine focus in the rangefinder with film holder in place and darkslide pulled and shoot. It can be thrown in a light backpack with a few film holders or quickloads and takes minimal space. Can even be handheld.
With the ebony, it will need to be packed much more carefully, maybe taking lens off and you will need to focus on GG with loupe before inserting film holder. But it is a good camera.
The technika or variant is very versatile but has limits on focal length lenses, but then so do all other field cameras.
If its architectural work then you may need very short focal length lenses. If shifts are required with those then a technika is not so good and a camera with a bag bellows comes into its own.

You really haven't told us enough about the type of photography you want it for.

[Frank Szabo]

Nobody forces you to use any movements. Just don't loosen the knobs.

I agree with Nick - it's always better to have and not need than need and not have.

You'll not get out of drawing the bellows out, I'm afraid.

Go ahead and get another Sinar - the "P"s are cheap enough anymore.