Toyo Field Camera - Which is the best value?

[77seriesiii]

Frank,

Definitely take a look at the Wista then (Gem Singer suggestion) or a Speed, maybe even a linhof if you want to spend the $$. The toyo cannot be folded w/ a lens attached. Well I guess it could happen once...:-)

./e

[Paul Bujak]

It will fold with a 90/6.8 Angulon on a recessed board.

[jeroldharter]

The Toyo AX and AII are not designed to be folded with a lens attached. Neither is the Canham.

The Toyo AX is a great camera though. Lenses small enough to be folded into the camera are likely small enough to be carried separately without too much inconvenience given the need for other accessories. Not sure of the Wista dimensions but I believe that the only way they can accommodate an attached lens while folded is to have larger folded dimensions so it is kind of a zero sum game.

[Darin Boville]

It will fold with a 90/6.8 Angulon on a recessed board.

Indeed, I used to do this all the time when I had mine.

--Darin

[Kevin Thomas]

As Oren Grad suggested the Horseman FA45 may might your requirements - it will fold with a Rodenstock 135mm f5.6 Apo Sironar N inside.

There is a thread with the specifications of the FA45 on the forum
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...=horseman+fa45

[tgtaylor]

I was thinking that mine might fold with a 150mm Rodenstock Apo-Sirona S on a recessed board but it doesn't - it just manages to clip the locking lever on the front standard. That lens is a Copal 0 that takes a 49mm filter.

[Frank Petronio]

Thanks everyone. Too late for me now. I got offered a good deal on that old whole plate 5x7 metal Toyo, the early one. The one I said I didn't want to consider... and I bought it anyway ;-)

The lens can go in a pocket, haha.

Need 5x7 holders next!

[brianam]

Glad to hear it worked out Frank. I have that early Toyo field too and use it as a 4x5 and 5x7, and whole plate.
What 5x7 back did yours come with, if I may ask?
The one I bought has a back adapted from the Toyo 5x7 rail cameras. It's very lightweight, and has a fresnel. OTOH, the 4x5 rotating back is surprisingly heavy. Would happily swap it for a non-rotating to save weight and (some) bulk.

[Frank Petronio]

I'm not sure yet!

[boris]

frank, some pics of the 5x7 toyo metal field would be very interesting. could you post some?