Omega 4x5 View Camera

[Irwin Cua]

I want to get into LF photography and am having a difficulty in deciding which c amera to get. I was offered a used Omega 4x5D View camera for 300 dollars. I k now the bellows are not interchangeable and in the future I would like to use a 300mm lens with the camera. On the other hand, I'm also considering a CAlumet 4 x5N but I like the adjustments of the Omega better and the Omega costs much chea per.Hope someone can help me.

[james norman]

my intern has been using a calumet 45N for the past year. it has held up well under the rigors of heavy field use and seems adequate for most professional work. it's best attributes are the availability of a wide variety of interchangeable parts at reasonable prices, sturdy construction, and solid resale value.

[N Dhananjay]

I used an Omega 45E for a long time (and I'm pretty sure the 45D is very similar). Its quite a sturdy workhorse. Lots of movements, very intuitively placed controls and works very well. Not ideal for field work though. Somewhat bulky and not exactly light. It has a pretty long monorail, as I remember (about 17 - 18 "). It should handle a 300 with ease. Good luck. DJ

[Alan Cecil]

Irwin: Try to find an Omega C if you can...it is the same as a Toyo C, interchangable bellows, etc. In fact, it is compatable with the entire Toyo line...it is a very good camera (as is the Calumet N). I have seen them on e-bay for as little as $350 in good condition...