Compact metal Field camera

[rugenius]

Pertaining to collapsible metal field cameras:
Just looking for a couple of comments to contrast the "utility/ease of use" and mechanical quality between Toyo 45A/AII, vs Witsa 45VX/SP, vs Horseman 45HD/FA...
Throw in others as appropriate...
Keywords: portability, quality, precision, ease of use/set-up in the field, sturdy, reliable, resilient

Do the features and construction provide an advantage compared to another manufacturer that will assist in imaging, and do it over and over?

Can someone distinguish between why a person would choose Japanese metal field compared to a "user grade" Linhof Tech IV/V if each used system were approx the same cost used...
Is the set of differences beyond the utility of each camera the mechanical silk of Linhof manufacture?.
Or,... is this mostly the collectible factor.
I.E. Purchasing a camera that tends to "hold it's value" versus completely utilitarian.
The metal/ wood field camera possibilities are so enormous that utility and design are more important to me than the value the camera will have in 10 years.
Or does choice come down to realistic average used price differences between these camera systems and the accessories period?

[jeroldharter]

Get a Toyo. Rock solid, reasonably light, easily takes 90-300mm lenses, readily available new and used.

[Ari]

You can test-drive a Linhof Technika; I have a III (version 5), it's buttery-smooth and bulletproof. Less features than a Tech IV or V, but by no means a slouch. If you can afford any of these, it will last you a lifetime.

[David Karp]

If you go with a Technika, you will be able to use a longer non-telephoto lens. I believe that you can go to a 450mm like a 450mm Fujinon C. With the Toyo, you can go to 300mm. With the others, I think you max out at 240mm, or perhaps 210mm.

That being said, I have seen a Wista (I don't remember which) and it is a sweet camera. Small, well made, and very solid. If I never went longer than 210mm, it would be enticing.

I think that the Technikas have more rear movements than the other cameras you listed, even if they are unconventional, when compared to those found on more traditional field cameras.

[Dave_B]

The Toyo is built like a brick s___house. It will do everything you need a camera to do and your great-grandchildren will be able to use it (if anyone still makes film then....). I love mine and it is the last camera I would get rid of.
Dave B.

[Robert Hughes]

My Busch Pressman D does 95% of what I could ask for in a camera, and it cost all of $100 (with lens) from the Dreaded...

[Jim Rhoades]

Well I have the Horseman HD and a Linhof V so I'll address those model's. Of all the camera's you listed the Horseman in the lightest by almost half. But... With the HD you give up back movements. The FA has some rear movements. It is limited by a 9 inch bellows. The Tech IV or V has all the movements you might need, 15 inch bellows, rangefinder, easy change cams and more parts made for it than you could ever use or carry.

The extream precision of the HD is what made me buy the Linhof at three times the price. The Horseman HD/FA is I think, toughter than a Linhof and at 3 point something pounds a better backpacking camera. The HD with the rubber coating over aluminum is damn near bullet proof. Lot's of owner's have stripped the rise/fall lever on the Linhof. While it's a well made camera it's not for the stupid or inept. A linhof at the price of a Horseman or Toyo will have rotted bellows and other needs that will be expensive to repair.

Now that I'm an old geezer working near my car the Linhof fits my needs. If your going to be working in the mountains, bouncing around in a jeep or on foot or motorcycle the HD is a better choice. You can put together a three lens outfit that weights less than the body of a Linhof,Toyo or Wista.

If you have the money for a good one and can handle the weight, a Linhof is the last 4X5 you will ever buy.

[Frank Petronio]

They are all excellent choices, as far as ease of use it is really a matter of personal preference and what you train yourself to do. Those are all strong, solid cameras but the Linhof has an even more rigid and robust feel -- more parts are cast and machined rather than being "bent". But the trade off is weight... I've owned the Wista - very nice but a short bellows; the Linhof - great but heavier than the others; I haven't owned a Toyo but I like them a lot; the Horseman HD is rarer and it seems a little too tiny almost, at least for my clumsy fingers.

Of course my advice is not to get any of those, just get a $250 Crown Graphic with a lens (or a cheap monorail) and go shoot and see if you like large-format photography in the first place. Once people decide that they like it, they often end up buying and trading several good cameras to find the one that is "just right" for them.

[Thomas Greutmann]

All cameras you mention are good cameras, if you choose any of the cameras on the list you will not make the wrong decision.

One additional comment regarding the Linhof Technika (I own a Linhof IV). They are heavy (heavier than others, which may be a pain sometimes) but it is a lot easier to find accessories, used or new, than for a Wista, Horseman etc. This may be important at some point. The Linhof design hasn't changed that much since the Linhof IV (introduced 60 years ago), so most accessories made then or now will fit any model, Linhof IV up to the newest model. Accessories being lensboards (I always need some), the viewfinder, the reflex hood, the compendium and so on.

And the accessories will usually fit other Linhof cameras as well, e.g. the Technikardan or the monorails.

To put it short: if you buy a Wista, Horseman etc. you buy a camera (certainly a good one), if you buy a Linhof you buy into a system.

[Anthony Lewis]

Don't forget the Toho FC45X. Metal, light, portable and sturdy. Takes a very wide range of lenses.