Did I get a good deal or am I missing something?

[brightmatter]

Hi everyone,
Just nabbed my first 4x5 camera on ebay today. Its a calumet monorail with an Ilex Caltar 165m f:6.3 lens & Seikosha Shutter. I got it for £73, which seems like a steal. But now i'm wondering whether this is actually a good monorail/lens combo and whether there was something in the listing that I missed because of my lack of experience (heres the listing, if you have time : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Calumet-4x...vip=true&rt=nc) Any advice would be great. Thanks a lot!
brightmatter

[BrianShaw]

Why are you second guessing now? That is an old camera but if the bellows are in light-tight shape and the shutter runs reasonably accurately than you can certainly use it to take pictures.

[IanG]

For the price it's OK, it's a good functional camera, even with the postage it's probably worth a little more in the UK.

Ian

[Mark Sawyer]

I agree with Brian, it's a great little camera with generous movements at both ends, and the lens is quite nice too. As long as the basic mechanics all work and bellows is light tight, this is as capable a 4x5 as any.

[Ari]

These are great little cameras, capable of most movements and they are true workhorses.
The only disadvantage is if you want to use a Polaroid back, it won't squeeze in between the frame and GG.
Other than that, use it!

[brightmatter]

Thanks everyone! The only reason I was second guessing was because I discovered the auction with only a few minutes to go.

[BrianShaw]

Understood. You didn't go wrong with that snap judgement!

[brightmatter]

Lets hope not just need to get some film holders and film now.

[lenser]

This is the exact same combination that I bought for my first view camera back in the 1960's. If the bellows is light tight and if the shutter speeds are accurate, it is a big winner of a combination. Plenty of movements, the lens is sharp if a bit slow, and the rotating back is excellent for convenience. The only thing that ever went wrong with mine was a slight ding on the rail that created a very rough spot to move one of the standards through. The rail is about the only potential weak point because the tolerance is so tight that any slight bend or ding will cause that same kind of binding. A little automotive grade sand paper took care of that problem but I followed it up with removing the rail and giving it a thorough cleaning, especially in the groove, to make the drive system work easily. Great camera.

[AJ Edmondson]

Same as Tim... my first LF camera and I still have one of the wide-angle (CC403 I think) models and it remains my first choice when I need 90mm or less. They are easy to maintain and lock down tight, easy to find lens-boards for. The 165 f6.3 Caltar was a sharp little lens and had plenty of coverage. Enjoy it!!!
Joel