Looking for a Field Camera

[Fotoguy20d]

I'm in the market for an afforable 4x5 field camera. I use a GV-II but I'd like something with reasonable movements that I can backpack. Due to the limited movements (and the weight) I don't care for using a Speed/Crown. I also have a B&J Press camera (why doesn't anyone ever seem to mention these?) - seems to have a fair amount of movement, and that nice rotating back, but weighs a ton (literally ).

I've been looking at a Toyo 45a, as well as Tachihara, Shen-Hao, Calumet Woodfield, Nagaoka. Only the former (and the Shen Hao) seems to offer a full range of movements. Any thoughts on these options?

Thanks,
Dan

[williamtheis]

if your'e interested in a field camera, you can consider mine which is still for sale

Zone VI camera with standard (removable) synthetic bellows with no holes. Camera wear is average (scratches).

I have added a BAIL to keep the camera from moving when inserting a film holder which is a very nice feature.

comes with a half dozen lensboards, some wood OEM and some homemade aluminum (won't break)

Camera alone: $650

150mm Apo-Symmar f5.6 $325

210mm Symmar-S f5.6 $275

outfit $1100 and I'll throw in 12 Fidelity holders and a box of film

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzd1s39p/zonevi/index.htm

[williamtheis]

Zone VI's are cheap and decent. there are 2 versions: one is a Tachihara and the other made in Vermont (i have been told this is by Wisner before he had a falling out with Picker... later ones are less well constructed). check out some of the threads here and elsewhere since this is well plowed field:

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/roundup4x5.html

and some others

http://photo.net/equipment/large-format/choosing

[photobum]

I look at it as a movements or weight issue. Some of the cameras mentioned can be a little loose too. I used a Zone VI for a few years, lots of movement and triple extension as well as bag bellow adaptable. Mine locked up as tight as a safe. Over six pounds though.

Then a long run with a Horseman HD. Wonderful camera. No movements on the back and very short bellows. Around three pounds and rubber covered aluminum. Damn near bulletproof. With the Fuji Tele 300 it covered about everything I needed. I used very small lenses on it to keep the weight down. For a field and stream hiking camera it did everything I ever wanted. I never should have sold it.

Too bad because I sold them both to buy a Linhof. Another wonderful camera that I really don't want to pack to far.

I would add the Horseman FA to your list. But you would need tele's beyond the 240 mark. BTW, For real backpacking consider the HD. It folds up smaller than anything else out there too. BTW, back movements are over rated.

[RalphLambrecht]

Dan

You seem to put a lot of emphasis on movements. I wonder why. I have three LF cameras, a Toyo 45 metal-field, a Linhof Technikardan and a Cambo Legend for the studio. The Toyo has the least movements, but still more than any of my lenses (90, 135, 210). The lens coverage is the bottleneck, not the camera movements.

[Fotoguy20d]

Ralph,
I don't think it's a lot of emphasis on movement - I think I mention weight equally. My primary 4x5 cameras are a GV-II and a Pacemaker Speed. The GV-II does everything I want it to, but isn't packable. I use the Speed with barrel lenses for portraiture. While I like the idea of a stripped down Crown as a field camera, it doesn't have enough movements to challenge my Nikkor-SW 90 f8, and to use that lens in the GV-II requires the recessed lensboard which severely limits movement of the front.

Dan

[phaedrus]

I can recommend the Shen-Hao, my son uses it and routinely exceeds the image circle of his lenses with it's movements. But don't tell him I said that! On the other hand, he can't use my Fuji 450 mm lens, not enough draw.

[jmcd]

How much extension do you want? If 12 inches will do, the Tachihara is a great balance weight, movement, and usability.

[Dave_ON]

I made the choice to start out with a Tachihara due to weight as I'm a backpacker also. I go into some pretty rugged areas in Northern Ontario and after breaking the Tachihara rather easily, I switched to the Toyo 45A, giving up some weight for sturdiness. I've never lacked for movement in the field for what I do. MPEX gave me a fair trade in value on the Tachihara as it was repairable. I also use a Cambo Legend for studio work.

[RalphLambrecht]

Dan

I don't think, they get any lighter than this:

http://www.canhamcameras.com/4x5.htm

I don't own one, but I'm tempted.