I think that the older Arca-Swiss cameras represent a good value. They have interchangable bellows, recessed lensboards, they weigh a reasonable amount, in the 5-7lbs range, etc. Some of their parts are usable on current models, like the lensboards, and the rails.
One drawback is that some models don't have the Graphloc back, so they can't take 6x7 backs except for the kind made by Calumet.
I've seen these cameras sell for the mid-$400's on EBAy, which is pretty good, given what you get.
If you want cheap and only want wider/ shorter lenses, look at a Crown Graphic or similar. You can get one with a decent enough 135mm lens for as little as half your budget or even less, they can be resold on Ebay, and work fine. They are an excellent cheap intro back into LF. Then, you might look at a used Calumet rail C1 or C2 camera. You can get one for around $150 or less and spend the rest on a decent lens. I have also used an NX as mentioned above but if you just want to play for a while, why spend the extra money? I also looked at the Cadet when I started in LF but got a Crown Graphic instead. It was good enough to use, and cheap enough to tinker with. Just what a beginner probably needs The Cadet trade-in option, as I recall is only on an NX or SCX or whatever it is now. And it is doubtful that you would buy one of those new when you can get an older NX or SCX on Ebay or elsewhere for far less money. If you only 'buy new' then it might be worth looking at, but I doubt it. Cheers,Richard
I didn't see any votes for a Graphic View II, but you might add that to your list. They're not fancy, but they're built like a tank, they have all the movements you'll ever need, and they're relatively inexpensive. Drawbacks -- they're probably heavier than the other cameras being discussed and they probably don't have all of the bells and whistles of fancier cameras (but simplicity can be a virtue, too). Good luck with your search.
If you go to www.ebay.com you can find several Linhof's as well as others. The C adet, from the things I've heard are really pretty good. You can also trade up to something else when buying the Cadet. Also, one other thought... if your handy with basic tools, you can go to www.benderphoto.com and get a wooden kit for under $300. Just another thought. Cheers, Scott
Another vote for the Crown Graphic, I have been using this beginners camera for 15 years. Pat
If low budget is your priority, then as has been said many times before, spend the extra cash on lenses that will stay with you for a long time. How many responses say I wish I had never sold that lens etc...The calumet cadet holds the lens at one end and the film at the other, in common with every other camera, no matter how expensive. You won't polish it and put it on show in the front room of your house, unlike many more expensive field cameras. It has sufficient movement for most applications and takes lenses from 75mm to 300mm. Don't get me wrong, I definitely intend to save up and spend my hard- earned cash on just such a wooden field camera when economics permit, they are beautiful, but for now, film, lenses and location and not dark boxes are what matters most. If you can only afford a new cadet then buy one and look at the results and not the method of taking. If you are really concerned, when someone asks you what camera you used, just name whatever brand you want, no-one is going to question your choice. Up the revolution...Dave.
Disregard all of the previous posts (with all due respect).
You do not want a Calumet/Toyo or any other monorail - period.
If you want to shoot landscapes, get a field - ANY field, not a monorail!
Russell,
I have a Toyo 45CX and an old Cambo SC. I like the Toyo more, mainly due to the geared fine focus on the rear standard (it's also on the front standard, but who uses this). It's not quite a stable as the Cambo. Both the front and rear standards tend to rock in their respective mounts. I've read this can be fixed by the user with a 2mm hex driver and a bit of torgueing. It's just a slight amount of movement, I haven't noticed any problem with focus, but then again this isn't a 2k+ studio camera. And like I said somewhere someone has mentioned a fix for this problem, just can't remember where.
Another good thing about the 45CX is the fact that it uses the same exact lenboards as Toyo's field cameras. Once you mount your favorite lenses, if you decide to purchase a Toyo field camera in the future, you don't have to remount your lenses. Then if you need the extra movements for a studio shoot, you can simpy use the 45CX, no fuss.
It's true, the 45CX is a bit on the heavy, bulky side for backpacking, but the lensboard interchangeability (is that a word???) I think makes up for that. Also, the 45CX is quite simple to take apart. The front and rear standards come off of the rail in about 30 seconds. If you purchase a Calumet ground glass protector (a simple piece of plastic kind of U-shaped which covers the ground glass from both sides) you can pack it into a larger Lowepro or Tenba backpack with room for a meter, a Fuji Quickload holder and other accessories.
Regards
Juicespeare
Russell,
Bill Mitchell said it best.."think used". I just checked the website for one of the used places I feel comfortable buying from and they had three or four options for under $500. You say that you have $650 to spend on a camera but you need to consider all the other stuff you will start buying such as film holders, ground glass loupe, cable release, light meter, tripod etc. You might still have some of this stuff around. Anyway do some online checking to see whats available.
Good luck, and welcome back.
Yoohoo, Russell, still there? Roxy
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