Here is a spell checked version of the above answer
Here is some reading that will help
Using the View Camera is a book I wrote
or
User's Guide to the View Camera by Jim Stone
and some of the free articles on the View Camera magazine web site
www.viewcamera.com
and hit the Free Articles link on the home page
steve simmons
cindy -
don't forget that toyo give a student discount for buying a new camera
you might consider wollensaks and older schneider lenses. i have had very good luck finding them for not too much money on FEEbay or through dealers like KEH or equinoxphotographic(.com). i have used wollensak and older schneiders since the mid 80s and never had a problem at all. they render black and white as well as color well, and will fit well in a student budget.
good luck!
-john
The Horseman is a fine camera, and if you want small and lightweight it is your best choice. People sometimes put too much emphasis on range of movements and usable extreme lenses. Most landscape and portrait work can (should) be done with very limited movements, and a beginner such as yourself is not likely to buy expensive lenses (either long or wide) that will challenge this camera.
Cindy, Don't give up on that Graphic idea just yet! But look for a Super Speed Graphic which has COMPLETE movements on the front standard that exceed many more expensive brands. No back movements, but for a beginner this can be a blessing also. They are metal which you indicated is a plus for you. Built to last and they don't have to be treated with kid gloves. In combination with the Kodak 127mm Ektar lens, this makes an extremely compact package that produces fine results. Both camera and lens, as well as a Polaroid back can be had for around $500. I use lenses from 90 to 210 on mine with plenty of flexibility. If you're likely to stay in the 90 - 240 range, this could be the camera you want. You will eventually outgrow this camera, but that may be years from now. In conclusion, this is where the bang for the buck is.
Go with the Toyo.
As your first camera, you will never notice the difference between the two cameras. Later, you may, but then you can sell the Toyo, if appropriate, and get features you need.
Most importantly, with your apparent budget, if you buy the Toyo you have an extra $500 to buy film to make images. And you learn by photographing. Good luck.
Mike
“You can’t have everything. Where would you put it?”
Since you're considering the Horseman FA, you might also want to check out the Wista SP and Wista VX. (One has rear "micro-swing" and the other doesn't, don't remember which is which. I have got the one with.) I chose the Wista over the Horseman. Midwest Photo had a used one in very good condition for a reasonable price. I love the Wista - all the movements I could ever want and it's built like a tank - not heavy, just very sturdy.
Lenses: I have a 90/6.8 Angulon which just barely covers 4x5. Got it for about $150 on eBay last year. Caltar lenses can be good bargains. Look for ones that are rebranded Schneiders or Rodenstocks, e.g., I believe Caltar-S's are Symmar-S's. You need to do a little homework to see which is what but the Caltars tend to sell for a fraction of the price of the bigger names.
Chris
Hi everyone,
Wow--so much energy about LF photography, thank you all so much for your replies. I will consider the pro's and con's you have all brought up, but it doesn't sound like the choice itself will matter as much as starting to photograph with one of them. I've come across the Fuji Fujinon-W 135/f. 5.6 and will look at it again--it is reasonably priced. I will also take a look at the Wista at Midwest. I am really not an equipment crazy, and once I get the camera then the fun starts--my K1000 served me well for years, and I'm sure that whatever camera I buy, it will become part of my life too. I shoot everything from fake palm trees in front of a casino (that brought security out, even though it was 7AM and it wasn't open yet!), to panoramas of airbrush nail displays, to kitschy store fronts--my work is exclusively in color and I look forward to LF because I like to make photographs that have way too much information, that make the eye ache when you look at them, with colors that pop. So that is where I am trying to get to with the LF camera, at least that's what I'm shooting right now. I picked up Steve Simmon's book and Leslie Stroebels book at the library just today, and it was so cool to get a response from Steve himself! Thanks, and I look forward to being part of this group here.
Cindy
Cindy,
When you contact Midwest, be sure to ask for Jim and tell him that you saw the recommendation on this forum. Jim is one of the owners of Midwest and will give you a break on the price. He also has a couple of Fuji 135W's. Packaging a camera and lens is the most economical way to purchase previously owned equipment from Midwest.
Just to muddle things a bit more, I've been VERY happy with my Wisner Tech. It isn't the most wide angle friendly camera on the block, until you learn to use the geared rear tilt and then straighten up the back with the arms (thanks, again, to whomever on here told me about that trick). It also has plenty of draw (I can focus to about six feet with my 16.5" ((420mm)) RD Apo-Artar). And I really really like the geared tilt. Also, it's really pretty. I can also heartily reccomend Jim at Midwest.
I agree on the Fujinon W 135. I have the 125mm version, and it is my favorite lens.
If you feel that you want to choose between the Toyo and the Horseman, I would vote for the Toyo as the more versatile camera. Whatever you buy, make sure it is in good condition.
As always, I second Eugene's recommendation of Jim at Midwest Photo. He is a good guy, very knowledgable and fair. I believe that I saw a Toyo 45A on his website the other day. It would be worth investigating. You can call him at 614-261-1264. (I have no connection to MPEX, just a very satisfied repeat customer.)
Good luck.
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