Field Camera Recommendations
I'm looking for a field camera that is 4x5, has all the common movements, interchanable lenses, is reasonably light, folds compactly, & most importantly is under $1,500. I've tried the Graphics & they don't have the movements & are too heavy. It will be used exclusively for landscapes. Thanks for any help.
Re: Field Camera Recommendations
Tachihara, Shen Hao, Ikeda Anba, Zone VI, Wista, Wisner, for starters. It depends what you mean by "too heavy."
Re: Field Camera Recommendations
What lenses are you planing on using? Whatever you choose might impact your camera choice, especially if you want to use really wide or really long lenses.
I have a Toyo AX, and I love it. It has plenty of movements for landscapes, it folds up compactly, it's very solid, more solid than any wooden field camera that I've used, and there are a lot of accessories available if needed.
In the wood fields, you have a lot of choices. Chamoniox (sp?), Wisner, Zone VI, Ebony (used)...
Walker makes some interesting ABS cameras.
Re: Field Camera Recommendations
for $1500 the sky is the limit. You can buy a brand new Shen-Hoa or Chamonix with all the movements you could possibly desire for around $800. Used, they still fetch around $500~600.
Re: Field Camera Recommendations
Thanks, guys! I should have qualified my question. I'll be using 135, 210, & 300mm lenses primarily. Weight - as light as possible bearing in mind durability. I'll be packing this thing a bit, so...
Re: Field Camera Recommendations
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BradS
for $1500 the sky is the limit. You can buy a brand new Shen-Hao or Chamonix with all the movements you could possibly desire for around $800. Used, they still fetch around $500~600.
When I have the cash I am going with one of these two. There are youtube videos showing setup and movements for both of them.
Chamonix 045N-2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEJ0GMWJk-Y
Shen Hao TZ45-IIB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6M4BWxwAp0
Re: Field Camera Recommendations
The Tachi is the lightest of the bunch, and the least expensive. I say get it.
Re: Field Camera Recommendations
Using the 300 successfully may require more than the lightest possible camera....
Re: Field Camera Recommendations
When saving weight, be sure to consider all the contributors. A few extra film holders can weigh as much as we save by using a lightweight tripod. A dark cloth can weigh as much as several lenses... etc.
Re: Field Camera Recommendations
There have been several good deals on previously owned K.B. Canham DLC 4x5's.
The camera has been replaced with the newer DLC-2.
It's all metal, light weight, and folds into a compact size soft carrying case.
You should be able to find one in your price range.
See: www.canhamcameras.com