bad back = get a light weight 4x5" camera

[andy]

For what it's worth, I spent most of yesterday bicycling around NYC with my chamonix 4x5, a 135mm lens, a few holders, my meter, and a loup in a messenger bag, and it was great--the weight was far less than I carried when I was in grad school. A carbon fiber tripod would have made the setup ideal, I didn't carry a tripod because it was too much, I borrowed one when I got to where I was going.

It's amazing how light large format can be.

[axs810]

The Chamonix 45F1 was the lightest 4x5 camera I've ever used...I would highly recommend one of those if you are looking for a lightweight camera. The only reason I sold my Chamonix is because I prefer the Linhof color I have because I'm faster with it

[AtlantaTerry]

The only reason I sold my Chamonix is because I prefer the Linhof color I have because I'm faster with it.

I don't understand. What does the color of a camera have to do with the speed of operation?

[axs810]

Linhof Color is a camera model

[Old-N-Feeble]

[AtlantaTerry]

Ah... this is why the use of upper case letters is so important.

[axs810]

hehe I'm sorry :P

[Corran]

Terry,

I've written about this before and also on my blog so instead of rehashing it all I will link it HERE.

Long story short, my Chamonix and a few small lenses and an especially small CF tripod make a great kit. I did some really hard hiking/canoeing last week and I knew I wanted to keep it really light so I packed this exact kit. I had no complaints. I really only needed one lens so I still over-packed.

The CF tripod I have is a cheap Gitzo knock-off that most people would laugh at if I said I was shooting 4x5 on it. But it's completely rigid and stable with my Chamonix and even my normal, heavier lenses. I've used my 8x10 on it even, with some caution.

This kit is actually lighter than an average 35mm SLR and a few lenses. Once I get my Travelwide I will likely downgrade to nothing but that and my 90mm f/6.8 Angulon. I stop it right down to f/32 and it's as sharp as my Nikkor 90/8 in all but the farthest corners on one side.

[Old-N-Feeble]

Corran, that looks like a good ultra-lightweight field kit. If longer lenses are desired, I'd suggest a 203 Ektar or 210 G-Claron or 210 f/6.1 Xenar or 200 Nikkor-M. For even longer, I'd suggest a 300 Fujinon-C or 305 G-Claron.

[Corran]

Good point. I'm more of a wide kinda guy, hence the 65mm instead of a longer lens. On that note, a 300mm Nikkor-M is another option.