What would be your step up from a Press camera?

[AtlantaTerry]

If that press camera is a late model 4X5 Crown or Speed Graphic, investigate the Toyo system or other systems that provide adapter lens boards to take the Grapic boards.

+1

[C. D. Keth]

What do you want to do that a press camera won't allow? If your answer is "nothing" then spend your money on more film.

[Kimberly Anderson]

+1

What do you want to do that a press camera won't allow? If your answer is "nothing" then spend your money on more film.

[Patrick13]

You're going to be hard pressed to find another camera that can take the abuse a Graflex can. You could brain a mugger with one of those things, then pop it open to take the crime scene photos.

yes, this is a recurring theme in my posts where Graflex are mentioned

[Michael Roberts]

Tachihara 4x5
Pony Premo 5x7
Kodak2D 8x10

[Noah B]

FWIW, I've shot 4x5, 5x7, 8x10, and used both field and view cameras. My most recent camera was a Sinar F and it was fantastic. I used it indoors for studio/macro work and it was terrific. Now I shoot digitally and focus stack for that kind of work, but I wanted to have a view camera for paper negatives/alt process etc. Last year I got to shoot with an Ebony SW45 and it was brilliant. You can have a lens attached and have it folded up compactly, it's ready to go on a moment's notice. I love the fact that on the press cameras you can have a lens attached, drop the bed, pull out the lens and you're good to go. I've never owned a press camera up until now, but I appreciate the quickness. It's perfect for landscape or portraits and they don't weigh that much. Just my 2 cents!

[Daniel Stone]

OP,
What type of photography do you intend to employ this new camera into a life of servitude for?
If you're hiking long distances, don't want to carry a lot of weight, want the capability to go wide and quite long(up to 450mm), I'd look at Chamonix
If you're shooting from alongside the road, and only carry your camera(and are happy to do so) up to 50yds from the car, your options are much broader. Almost endless options TBH.

give us some more details about your intended purposes, and we can help you narrow down the options.

cheers,
Dan

[joselsgil]

J durr,

If you have been using a Press 4X5 camera, then you know what it can do, and what it's limitations are. Just look for a camera that can overcome those limitations and what is within your budget.

If you are looking for a mono rail 4x5, you can find Calumet CC400 cameras for $100. They are quite capable cameras, just not very glamorous.

If you want a field camera, the Burke and James field camera is a good choice for the price.

It all comes down to your end use. The Press camera is a very versatile, work horse camera and you may find that you really don't need another large format camera.

[Peter Gomena]

I know several people who own Chamonix 4x5 cameras and love them.

[Ivan J. Eberle]

Have you used one of the Press-View type metal folders? A bit heavier than the lightest press cameras, but more moves. MPP, Linhof, and Meridian all made models with revolving backs on adjustable posts for moves. Inexpensive today compared to when they were considered highly collectible, I've seen MPPs and Meridians sell at auction for less than $150, on occasion. Typically $400 to $700 for the nicest examples.