Recommendations for a Lightweight 4x5 for Urban Landscape

[JPlomley]

I could really use some help here on what is currently available to take to the streets. I'm currently using an Arca Swiss F-Field camera for landscape work, but trekking through the urban jungle with this camera is a bit much. So I'm looking for something lighter and more compact. Any and all suggestions are most welcome. My lens line-up for urban scapes would include the 55 APO Grandagon, 75 Grandagon-N and 110 XL Asph. On the long end a 180mm, but doubtful at this point.

Cheers,
Jeff

[Frank Petronio]

Short of a Toyo or Gowland type camera or a wooden Tachihara, the thing that seems the next logical step would be something like a Cambo - Fotoman - Silvestri - Sinar - Arca - Linhof 4x5 with the lenses on shift boards and with helical mounts. As long as you have room to shift isn't that all you need mostly?

[Eric James]

The Ebony SW45 is well suited for the lenses you list. It weighs in at 3.3 pounds (1.5KG).

[ic-racer]

I have the Horseman FA 4x5 in and the VHR 6x9cm. When in the urban setting, I prefer the VHR, because it can be focused quickly with the rangefinder. When I need 4x5, the FA is nice because I exclusively use the fold-out hood to focus. Thus, never needing to put my head under a dark-cloth. The whole camera can fold-up, but it is easier to leave it un-folded, with a quick release on the bottom and a lens & cable release mounted and ready to go. I have a shoulder bag that holds it in that configuration.

[Paul O]

Ebony SW45!

[Harley Goldman]

Chamonix would be my choice. I shot with an Arca F-Line Classic for 4 or 5 years. I bought the Cham to replace my Toho as my lightweight backpacking/travel camera. After using the Chamonix a couple of times, I sold the Toho and the Arca and have not missed either in the slightest. My $0.02 worth.

[Richard M. Coda]

I think you already have the perfect camera, as do I!

I also use an Arca 8x10 F Metric and soon, a custom hybrid Canham/Arca 11x14 back for the 8x10, all in the urban environment. What was it that Brett Weston said?

[Peter De Smidt]

I second the Chamonix. It works well with wide lenses, plus it's light, rigid, easy to use, and not that expensive. I used to own a Toho FC-45X Shimo, and I definitely prefer the Chamonix. (I use Arca F series cameras on a regular basis as well.)

[Steve Hamley]

I'd suggest an Ebony Rw45, although for the stated lenses, the SW45 may be better. Although you'd lose the 55mm equivalent and not LF, the Texas Leica (Mamiya 7II) with a 43mm, 65mm or 80mm, and 150mm would be an excellent choice. It's fast, hand holdable, and produces results that rival 4x5. The camera, three lenses, some film and accessories will fit in a Lowepro Orion belt pack.

Cheers,

Steve

[Bill_1856]

It's actually hard to beat a Linhof Technika for landscapes, both urban and rural.