4x5 Field Camera: Wood or Metal?

[Vaughn]

Also wood is easier to repair yourself if it does break.


Steve.

I almost added that to my post, but realized that my woodworking skills are embarressing (even worse than my spelling)...

[Ian Grant]

I almost added that to my post, but realized that my woodworking skills are embarressing (even worse than my spelling)...

Wood bounces better than metal

I had a quick release system on a tripod release my Wista without reason, it bounced on a tarmac road then split a major joint, I tapped the joint back into place with a shoe heel. it stayed like that another 15+ years before I re-glued the joint 2 years ago.

Even of you can't fix it a good cabinet maker can mend a wooden camera, and even make new parts if needed. That's from practical experience - hoever with restortaion where parts were missing which is actually harder.

Ian

[SeanEsopenko]

I have a Wista 45SP metal field camera with a graflock back, flip up 4x5 hood and 6x9 sliding film holder. I'm glad it's metal because I would have smashed a wooden field camera a few times by now. I crawl and climb to places that make a wood camera a bit of a liability.

I'll sling the carrying strap through my tripod shoulder strap and sling that across from one shoulder to the other side to climb ladders and stuff like that. It bangs around a bit but I'm not too concerned. It's built like a tank.

[SMBooth]

SNIP At one point, as I was setting up a shot, the wood user was standing next to me and commented (almost in awe) at how easy my front tilt was to adjust, one thumb screw, tilt the standard with a thumb and forefinger, easy. I hadn't thought twice about it until he commented, then I saw him struggling with his front movements, two screws that had to be loosed at the same time, trying to flick the brass rails in while also holding the standard up to stop it falling all the way forward... a very cumbersome looking routine, and in the cold and drizzle, made me very thankful for the simpler handling of my, slightly heavier, metal field.

I just wanted to throw that in, because of all the wood vs metal debates I've read, they all seem to focus on the weight vs ruggedness debate, forgetting other practical considerations. So, just something to make your decision a little harder again!

Not sure I was in AWE, well maybe a little..

But it is a good point the operation is as important as the construction.

[mfratt]

Well now I'm even more indecisive!

I do not want something I have to wrestle with in order to get it into position. This is annoying in any circumstance, let alone when its below zero and my fingers have lost most of their tactile abilities.

It also seems like the picture I'm getting is that wood is more durable against the big knocks, but metal might be better for the usual "getting bumped around." Fair assessment?

[Vaughn]

A metal camera is much better for self-defense than a wood one. But wood or metal, if the GG is not protected, it will be hard to use if it gets broken.

[Hikari]

It also seems like the picture I'm getting is that wood is more durable against the big knocks, but metal might be better for the usual "getting bumped around." Fair assessment?

Cameras are not soccer balls.

I don't think anyone can claim one material is stronger than the other--but it is interesting to note most aircraft today are not made of wood. My metal Wista VX is probably the strongest camera I have ever owned. But you can beat any camera silly with a baseball bat. Do you normally abuse your equipment? In that case, nothing is safe and it does not matter what you get.

[John Kasaian]

A metal camera is much better for self-defense than a wood one. But wood or metal, if the GG is not protected, it will be hard to use if it gets broken.

Tripods are for self defense. Thats what the pointy things on the ends of the legs are for!
What focal length lenses do you plan on using? Make sure the bellows can handle them and all the rest of the details are....details.
Wooden cameras are my preference, but I wouldn't turn up my nose at a Linhoff or Super Graphic. The ability to shoot handheld is something I've come to value(hence one of my current 5x7s is a Speeder)
I think cameras are like tennis rackets. If it is a model you enjoy looking at and handling, and can imagine yourself using in the field then it is probably a safe pick. Go look at cameras and fall in love with one.

[SteveR]

Not sure I was in AWE, well maybe a little..

hehe, okay, maybe I exaggerate a little, but still...

[jelke]

i like this camera very much..

http://www.lotusviewcamera.at/cameras/lovica_4x5_e.html