modern field camera w/long focus?

[Gem Singer]

Hi Edward,

You are absolutely correct. Because of the extreme bellows contraction, the camera does not allow me to use myFuji 90SW, and my Fuji 105SW is just barely able to focus at infinity with a small amount of movement capability. The problem could probably be solved with a bag bellows. Unfortunately, the Tachi doesn't have an interchangeable bellows feature. Since it is relatively inexpensive as 5x7 cameras go, it doesn't seem to be designed for wide angle lenses. More evidence that there is no such thing as a "perfect" camera.

[MIke Sherck]

Do any of the modern (and inexpensive) field cameras like the tachihara, shen-hao, nagaoka, etc, have a focus in the range of 15-20 inches?

The Wisner Traditional (about $1500 new from MPEX) is the least expensive new 4x5 camera with bellows longer than 14". While there are other options as described above (more expensive cameras, using a 5x7 as a 4x5, or an older monorail,) if you want a new field camera that's the least expensive choice. As a side note, if you're going to spend $1500 or more for a new camera, take a serious hands-on look at Ebony. The cost is greater; the quality is much higher: simply superb cameras. Wisners just aren't in the same league. I had a Wisner for a week and sent it back; if I had the money I'd go with an Ebony.

But I don't have the money. I'd like enough bellows to focus a 300mm lens down to about ten feet or so (or my Fuji 180 1:1) and maybe the Shen-Hao will do that in real life; I don't know. A used Zone VI with a longer bellows would be all right, I suppose, but their prices are higher than I can afford. I'll probably try the Shen-Hao from somewhere with a good return policy, just in case.

[Nick_3536]

Scroll down to my Question on the 5x7 Shen Hao. It's more money then the Shen Hao 4x5 but sounds like it fits all your needs. 600mm is 24 inches.


http://www.shen-hao.com/proaccessories.html

If you can give up the request for modern then something like an Ansco 5x7 with a 4x5 back should handle your long needs but you'll need a recessed board for wider then I guess 120mm. OTOH you'll save $1000.

Frank's suggestion of the Calumet monorail will go to 22" for the long rail model. But light? It's okay for weight. Plus it's not exactly easily to haul. Fine for 100 metres from the car.

[David A. Goldfarb]

Technikas all have about 17.5", and there's not a huge difference between a Tech IV, V, and Master Tech. If you are just purchasing the body (though it's nice to have at least one cammed lens), an older Tech IV isn't outrageously expensive. A Tech III has the same extension and is even less expensive, but it's harder to find lensboards.

[Gary J. McCutcheon]

To answer your question directly, no. You may find a used Zone VI or Wisner for a little more money. I've seen used Zone VI cameras at KEH and Midwest Photo for around $700 to $900. Used Wisners go for a little more. Around $1500 will give you a new Wisner Traditional and you may find one at Midwest ready to go. The Ebonies are beautiful and sturdy, but you'd have to spend at least $2595 for the sv45ti to get the bellows you want. The thing is, you can do everything the Ebony does with a used Zone VI or Wisner. Check with Jim at Midwest photo, he won't steer you wrong and may have a suggestion or two.

Gary

[CXC]

15-20 inches is a pretty broad range; you'd probably be better off selecting a particular lens as your longest, and a particular focussing distance (less than infinity, if any) that you require, to work out a more exact bellows length requirement.

And of course you should do the same with short lenses. If you like ultra-wide, you may need a camera that can be fitted with a bag bellows.

If you like the design of wooden field cameras, but are open to other materials, I can recommend the Walker Titan (ABS plastic & stainless steel), which I use with lenses from 65mm to 450mm. $1700.

[Brian Ellis]

"My inexpensive Shen Hao has 360mm (14 inches) of bellows extension."

Well not exactly. I believe it actually has 12 inches of bellows extension. I think you're getting the extra two inches by using base and axis tilts to move the lens farther forward. I have nothing against Shen Haos, from all I read they're excellent cameras, but I think people who don't know better are likely to be mislead if they read something like this and think they're getting a camera that has a 14 inch bellows. Any field camera that has base and axis tilts can gain an extra couple inches of forward movement by using base and axis tilts (or an extension lens board could be used for the same effect) but that doesn't mean the bellows will extend any farther, just that the lens can be moved farther forward than the bellows alone will allow.

[Gary J. McCutcheon]

Just saw two Zone VI cameras on E-bay for reasonable value. A Wisner Tech Field yesterday. Midwest photo is selling it. They will see that everything is as it should be.
Gary