4x5" Press Camera As Field Camera - Roundup

[holmburgers]

So, I know that this is a well explored topic, but I couldn't find a good roundup of information on APUG discussing the different press cameras that make good field-type cameras, specifically in 4x5". Small package, reasonably light weight, some movement, handholdable and rangefinder capable.

Here's what I'm aware of thus far, and please feel free to fill in the gaps and add bits of information that might be useful to someone searching for such a camera; including any caveats like lens boards, minimum FL lens, RF cam availability; those types of things.

Pacemaker Crown Graphic - Can use wider angle lenses than the 'Speed'
Pacemaker Speed Graphic - FP shutter
Super (Speed) Graphic - More movements than Pacemakers, rotating back, metal

Toyo Super Graphic - Later version of the super graphic, by Toyo

Meridian 45A & 45B

Burke & James Press Camera

Busch Pressman
.....

And I see that wikipedia has a pretty good list, so just add what you will... or nothing at all.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Press_camera

[paul_c5x4]

MPP Micro Technical - Not particularly lightweight, but is still a capable camera.

[BetterSense]

Why can you use wider lenses on Crowns than on Speeds?

[holmburgers]

Thanks paul, hadn't heard of that one.

As per Speeds, the focal plane shutter limits minimum focal length.

[photobum]

I won't add to your list but I will say this. In 4x5 I've had or still own Zone VI, Calumet, Linhof, Deardorff, Horseman and a near mint Crown. When I look around at prints on my living room wall or in my basement studio most have been shot with the Crown.

I think it's how you work and what feels natural. I do know that I never worry about wrecking the Crown so I will take it anywhere. It has thousands of hard motorcycle miles on it. The lenses are tiny. This all makes it a perfect travel camera.

[David A. Goldfarb]

Linhof Technika of course. Lenses from 72mm to 360mm can be cammed. Lenses as short as 58mm can be used with the wideangle focusing device or as wide as 38mm with helical lenboard. Good descriptions of the different models can be found on cameraquest.com.

[Wade D]

The only thing I can think to add right now is about the Meridians. The 45A takes a weird round lens board. The 45B takes a square board.

[Dan Fromm]

Why can you use wider lenses on Crowns than on Speeds?

Because the Crown has a shorter minimum flange-to-film distance.

[Diapositivo]

I suggest you have a look into the Silvestri catalogue.

http://www.silvestricamera.com

Some of them have a Galilean viewfinder with shift simulation. You can also use rollfilm backs. They are small, but I have no idea about the weight.

Fabrizio

[Michael W]

My first & so far only 45 camera is a Crown Graphic. I bought it as a cheap way to explore large format & all round it's a great camera. However if I get another 45 I will definitely get one with a rotating back so I can have full range of movements for vertical as well as horizontal photos.