The Horseman HD45 - For a first time LF camera is it good?

[Bruce G. Collier]

I have both a Shen-Hao HZX45-IIA and a Horseman 45FA (cousin of the HD with rear swing/tilt). The Shen-Hao is more "flexible" in pretty much all respects, has longer bellows draw by a couple of inches, and is not limited in lens diameter as is the FA/HD. *But* for travel/hiking and other landscape-friendly ventures, the 45FA is the one I throw in the backpack. It's lighter, smaller, tougher, and more convenient. The mechanics are wonderful and feel very precise. Just got back from Thailand with it and have no complaints.

Yes, your lens selection will be limited. But, if your primary application is outback landscapes, it is the better choice in my opinion.

Regards, Bruce      
www.brucegcollier.com

[Peter Skov]

Can I just say thanks a bunch to all the people who have offered their advice both by email and by postings here. I love the photographic community. You guys are all great. It still seems a tough decision. No, I don't fall down a lot. I try not too when I am skirting the edges of steep mountain ridges. But thanks for caring. I will probably not purchase a camera until the fall so I will carefully consider what everyone has said. Thanks again. Cheers!