Originally Posted by
Wjdoyle
So, I made the leap to LF about 2 months ago with a Crown Graphic and I'm hooked! In my zeal to put together a kit, however, my research has fallen short, and I'm looking for the help of you experienced users. My LF photography will be about 80% landscape, 10% portrait, and 10% other. I currently have the Crown, the 135mm Optar 4.7 it came with, and have added a 90mm Fujinon 5.6 in a Copal #0, and a 254mm Caltar 6.3 in an Acme #3 (I will use the 90mm most, then the 135). I didn't pay enough attention to knowing the size of the camera throat and quickly discovered the Fujinon wouldn't fit (yes, I could disassemble it each time, but with a Graphic back it just does not make sense in the field). I'm not looking for movements (although I'm sure I would quickly use them if I had the option), metal is fine over wood, and I really like the portability and durability of a field camera that quickly folds/unfolds, and has a cover over the GG. I would prefer to stay in the $500-$700 range, have a Braflok-Style back, and am leaning towards the Wista SP. I see that the Wista w/o bellows extensions maxes out at about 12". My questions are:
1. Will the Fujinon fit through the throat without disassembly? (I see them for sale with Wista boards, but figured I should double-check.)
2. Will the Caltar (#3 shutter) fit? If so, will I be able to get a reasonable minimum focusing distance?
3. Will it be any big deal to get new lens boards to fit the Wista? (I believe they are 96mm x 99mm) Can I use just standard flat boards?
4. Would you have different camera recommendations based on my requirements?
Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide. I have shot 10 exposures so far and developed them myself (including a few with some Plus-X from 1976) and am having a ball!
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