Newbie.....Help me buy a Large Format Camera.....

[Sagelike]

Ok so I'm looking to make the jump.

I started with my 35mm digital and moved on to medium format film.
I'm looking to move onto large format, 4X5.

I have used a 4x5 Toyo before and I like it very much.
The opportunity to move the front and the back plane is something that I would do more of (I do some architectural photography).

Now what I'm starting to come across is that are too many parts and factors to take into account.
For example:
- should I get one with the lens or without it?
- should I get one with the bellows or not?
- what type of lens is a good starter lens (brand)?
- used or new?

Much more choices than with a medium or a 35mm.
So help me out here.

I have about $1,500 to spend.
I'm going to need to need a whole outfit with tripod and with lens a little wider than standard (a little bigger than the equivalent of 50 on a 35mm?)

Should I go with a toyo, some other brand?
New or used?
Compile the parts?
Any retailers I should be looking at?


Help from the veterans would be great here.
Thanks in advance.

[monkeykoder]

All I can really say is I wish I had $1500 to spend on large format I'd have me a TON of lenses... As it is I bought myself a fairly worn out old calumet body and I'm working on the lenses. I figured $75 after shipping was too hard to pass up for the body... I would check out the classifieds here and see if there is something for a reasonable price.

[Colin Corneau]

The normal advice in a case like this is to suggest a Crown or Speed Graphic...however, if your interest is in architectural photography, you need more movements than a camera like that can offer.

Helpful information, that. A monorail camera is a good bet.

[Sagelike]

The normal advice in a case like this is to suggest a Crown or Speed Graphic...however, if your interest is in architectural photography, you need more movements than a camera like that can offer.

Helpful information, that. A monorail camera is a good bet.

Monorail!!!!!!

That's what's it's called.

I also don't need a monorail. I did like the movements however.

[2F/2F]

I would sign up at the local CC and try large format first. Learn how to use it. Then buy one when you are sure that's what you want. The best first step in something is rarely to buy #*%#.

[Sagelike]

I would sign up at the local CC and try large format first. Learn how to use it. Then buy one when you are sure that's what you want. The best first step in something is rarely to buy #*%#.

Well if that's the case then it's the Toyo 4x5 monorail that I used and what I am comfortable with.

I guess I wasn't sure if I should be buying lenses, body and bellows separately or buying the entire outfit.

[monkeykoder]

If you find an outfit for a reasonable price go for it. Most community colleges I know of expect you to have your own equipment and here in CA even the state college I go to requires you to be a photography major to take the large format class.

[Sagelike]

If you find an outfit for a reasonable price go for it. Most community colleges I know of expect you to have your own equipment and here in CA even the state college I go to requires you to be a photography major to take the large format class.

What's a reasonable price?

[monkeykoder]

I wish I know I know what a reasonable price for a speed or crown graphic is but it all depends on what you want out of the system.

[Sagelike]

I wish I know I know what a reasonable price for a speed or crown graphic is but it all depends on what you want out of the system.

Nothing special.

I have to reiterate, this will be my first large format camera that I will be purchasing. What I want is a good starter camera that I build on from there.

Hope I'm not being too vague.