Shen Hao HZX 4X5-IIA or Ebony RW45E as first 4x5?

[Brian Vuillemenot]

I can use a 58mm with no problem with the regular lensboard on my Shen-Hao 4X5. I don't use extensive movements, but I can get plenty of front base tilt for general landscape applications.

If you want a camera to impress your photo buddies, get the Ebony. If you want a camera to make images with, get the Shen-Hao.

[Brian Ellis]

When I bought my Shen Hao I was told that there was a model I and a model II. The main difference between the two, maybe the only difference, was a change in the back to make it lock down better. Whether that completely fixed whatever the problem was before I don't know but at least they apparently tried.

[Eric James]

If you want a camera to impress your photo buddies, get the Ebony. If you want a camera to make images with, get the Shen-Hao.

It is a bit a of a museum piece, but the Ebony can be used to take photos too

Turner, I'm not sure what a focusing tube is but the Quietworks Black Jacket is a modified tube and a very nice way to make the GG dark:

http://www.quietworks.com/FRAMES_FIL...SINGCLOTH.html

Also, check out the 3rd issue of MAGNAchrom for more on focusing tubes.

[MJSfoto1956]

What is a focusing tube and where are they available? It sound very interesting, do they work with most view cameras?

We reviewed four of them in the 3rd issue of MAGNAchrom -- free to download. Just register. Honestly, I'm surprised and saddened that nobody bothered to mention it.

[Turner Reich]

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I use a 12-inch length of 6-inch diameter matter black-painted PVC pipe. If you drill two holes on the end and attach a strap, you can hang it around your neck like a big loupe. And that looks pretty cool, especially if you decorate it with some Harley biker or American eagle decals.

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Frank, a focusing tube not a shooting tube! Nice try.

[Rakesh Malik]

If you want a camera to impress your photo buddies, get the Ebony. If you want a camera to make images with, get the Shen-Hao.

Funny thing... I make images with my Ebony camera, in spite of its good looks.