Large Format Debate

[Darkroom317]

I take it you are not looking for a camera to use as a journalist, and just want a "fun" 4x5.

Exactly, I want a fun 4x5 and have come down to these two choices

[Pupfish]

Exactly, I want a fun 4x5 and have come down to these two choices

Whew! (Rant over)

So snap up the Deardorff as a can't lose investment-- provided it's not some rickety-split clapped-out POS. Prices on collectibles won't remain this depressed forever ;-)

[2F/2F]

Unless you are really caught up in the cosmetics of the Pacemaker or earlier Graphics, I would suggest a Super Graphic or Super Speed Graphic, for the reasons I mentioned previously. It is the best compromise between the Graphic and the field camera, at the greatest value (bang for your buck).

That 5D Mk. II is big time overkill for newspaper work. While news picture agencies always do use the latest and greatest gizmos (for three reasons: to be competitive with other agencies, because they beat their cameras to death and need new ones, and because many of them are loaners from Canon or Nikon), that is well beyond what a college student or even a pro needs. Why use a 20-some-odd megapixel camera to shoot for a use that requires medium jpegs at best? Sell that, get two or three old 1Ds (Mk. I, 4 Mpix) for under $500 each, and use the money for film equipment and supplies!

Truthfully speaking, however, if I was still shooting for a newspaper, I'd rather have two or three 1Ds than a single 5D Mk. II.

[Darkroom317]

The camera isn't actually mine. It is my grandfather's. He lets me use it for this.

[totalamateur]

I'm not a deardorf fanantic. I feel that in Large Format, the camera is essentially just something that holds the lens and the film, and the darkness in between.

So if the lenses are worth the $$ definantely go for it. If you are getting 3x scheider 210/370 convertibles, don't bother. (not that I have anything against the schneider, its just the cheapest lens I could think of at the moment)

You really want swings and tilts? get something on a rail like a cambo - which is cheap.

[Darkroom317]

I just asked the seller about the lenses and received this back:

Kris, I have about three or so lenses ranging from wide angle to semi-long
focus.
If I sell the camera it will include the camera, lenses, carrying case and
lots of (4x5) sheet film holders, all in one package. The price will be
more than the thousand because the Deardorff (4x5) Special as it is known as
is worth quite a bit as a collectors item I have been told.
bh

At this point, I'm not going to go for it. I'm probably better off spending my money on film. I'll make the jump to large format later.

[k_jupiter]

I'm not a deardorf fanantic. I feel that in Large Format, the camera is essentially just something that holds the lens and the film, and the darkness in between.

Then you never shot with a Deardorff.
The most amazing camera as far as placement of controls I have ever used. I put my head under the darkcloth the first time and knew exactly where everything was. Right under the fingertips I was going to use.

Try that with a C1 or a B&J field camera.

tim in san jose