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Thread: 4x5 Camera for Landscape only

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Oct 1999
    Location
    Pendleton, Oregon
    Posts
    30

    4x5 Camera for Landscape only

    I have been researching a camera for landscape photography only. It will be use d specifically as a field camera. It will have to be rugged as I will be carring it on hikes and field trips. At the present, I am leaning towards the TOYO 45AI I, and I am asking for suggestions from the field. I haven't ever used a large format camera and currently own a Pentax 67. I will be using lenses in the 75-3 00 mm range. If I do get this camera, will I need a recessed board for the 75 m m wide angle lens? Any help would be greatly appreciated. In addition, I only have about $2500 dollars to spend.

    By the way, I did search the archives and found lots of good information; howeve r, I did not find anything specifically related to my question.

    Thanks in advance,

    ...Wade...

  2. #2

    4x5 Camera for Landscape only

    thomas - the toyo is an excellent quality machine that would serve your purposes. i believe this body may be able to accommodate a 75mm without a recessed board, but i haven't tried it. you might also want to consider the cambo wide system cameras. they are exceptionally easy to carry and use, extremely sturdy, and the bodies are specifically designed for wide angle lenses. for another improvement in portability, consider using the kodak readyload system rather than carrying heavy filmholders. i can also highly recommend the use of the cambo reflex viewing hood - even though it is something else to carry, it might help ease your transition from medium format to large.

  3. #3

    4x5 Camera for Landscape only

    With respect to the Toyo and using a 75 mm lens, Toyo has a website with a forum specifically to answer questions related to Toyo products. You might try that site too (i think it's www.toyo.com or www.mamiya.com). With respect to your particular decision, it's really a two step process: (1) metal or wood field (or even, perhaps a light metal monorail), (2) once I know the answer to #1, what's in my price range. I agree with your choice for a metal field camera; I personally would rather have a used Linhof, than a new Toyo. I personally own a Horseman (6 x 9 metal technical field camera, like the Linhof, but a bit smaller and cheaper) and am very pleased

  4. #4

    4x5 Camera for Landscape only

    Wade:

    I bought the Toyo for its rock-solid stability as well. It really locks down securely and feels well-machined. However, I opted for the Toyo 45AX model over the 45AII, because I didn't find the revolving back to be worth an extra $550. Before I took the plunge and bought the Toyo, I had rented Sinar F1s for many years and had grown accustomed to removing, turning, and replacing the back to switch between vertical and horizontal. Perhaps because that is what I knew it never seemed like a big deal, and it only takes a couple of seconds longer. I figured the difference would go a long way toward another lens, which was much more desirable. I did add the folding focusing hood for an extra $100.

    I've recently been trying to decide between 90mm and 75mm lenses, and have tried both on the camera. I used a flat lensboard with the 75mm, and it will work. If I end up buying the 75 over the 90, however, I probably will use it with the shallower of the two recessed lensboards (12.5mm). The bellows are pretty scrunched up with the flat board, and I think the 12.5mm recessed board will give adequate relief without making access to the shutter and aperture controls too difficult.

    By the way, I second the suggestion that the discussion forum at the Toyo site is worthwhile, but the URL is www.toyoview.com. From the homepage look for the User Forum link. I think I even asked the same question about the 75mm lens there a while back!

  5. #5

    4x5 Camera for Landscape only

    Wade,

    I purchased the Toyo AX about 6 months ago exclusively for landscape photography, and after about 500 sheets of film I can say that I am very pleased with my choice. There are many fine 4x5 cameras out there, and I examined Canham, Wisner, Linhof, Wista and Tachihara, but in each case I preferred the way the Toyo AX felt and handled (precise focusing, bomb-proof construction and rock solid when everything is tightened), really liked the acid-etched screen with no corner cutouts, and found the $1499 price easier on my wallet than most other models. Everyone has their favorite camera, but this is the one that works for me in the field.

    I currently use lenses from 90mm to 300mm with no problem, and I believe you can focus a 75mm without a recessed board, but the scrunched bellows won't allow much movement other than some front forward or rear backward tilt (which may be all you need for most landscapes). You can even focus a Nikon 500T at infinity by mounting the lens in reverse on the Toyo 45mm recessed board, or you can shell out $500 for the 4" extension back.

    Yes, I wish I had a little more bellows extension for telephoto work, and the rear tilt is a tad too stiff, but overall I find it to be a confidence-inspiring camera that allows me to engage in the pursuit of beautiful images without worrying about camera stability, ruggedness or film flatness.

    If you like the solid, no-nonsense functionality of the P67, then you would surely appreciate the same in the Toyo AX or AII.

    Good luck, Ross

  6. #6

    4x5 Camera for Landscape only

    Wade, I had a look a Toyo before buying my Wista (metal) VX, have a look at this cameras before buyng Toyo, this last one is a lot more fiddly compare to Wista's an not at all cheaper. Wista have the extra option of longer rails (if needed) and wideangle bellows (for confortable wideangle use) I use it with a 75mm with standard bellows and Linhof recessed lens board and if not too many movements are required it is perfect! Good Luck!

  7. #7

    4x5 Camera for Landscape only

    Sorry about my poor typing , I see so many mistakes!

  8. #8

    4x5 Camera for Landscape only

    I agree with many of the users above, but will add one thing. You have to take a look at the type of movements you want to use first, then pick the camera. The AII / AX has limitations in bellows draw, which can be somewhat overcome by the back extensions they sell, limited in rise, compared to the Toyo VX125 (which I also own) and slightly less limited in shift which does not get used as much in lanscape work. If you are not going to use extreme movements in these areas, I think this is an excellent camera for the money. The Canahm DLC offers much more in terms of movements and bellows draw but is a bit more money. Mamiya America Corp. (the importer) really stands behind their products in every way, and that is very helpful when you have problems or need add on accesories which Toyo has a lot of... and they are all interchangable between cameras! So you definetly can not go wrong, unless of course you want the camera to do more than what the specs say it can do! Good luck.....

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Apr 1999
    Posts
    88

    4x5 Camera for Landscape only

    Why not consider a wooden field? Wood is more friendly, lighter and much stronger compared in weight than a metal one. I've owned all kinds of fields, and wouldn't think for one second what to purchase if I had to choise between a Toyo and any wooden camera. Think of this!

  10. #10

    4x5 Camera for Landscape only

    If your budget is $2500., you might want to spend more money on glass, and less on the body. I went this route and got a Super Speed Graphic and a set (90mm, 125mm and 240mm) of Fujinon lenses for quite a bit less than your budget maximum of $2500. The Super Speed has a significant advantage over the Toyo in that it folds up with a lens and cable release attached. The Super with a Grafmatic back can fit in a large fanny pack and the lens is protected in a solid metal case.

    In any event, the body is not that important for landscape work. Even a camera as modest as the Super Speed has all the movement required for most landscape work. As you no doubt are finding out, you could shoot half of your budget on the 75mm lens alone. I would get a body and a "wide normal" (125-150mm) lens to start rather than an entire kit right off. Rent other lenses and see what focal lengths work for the way you see things. You should be able to get a Super Speed and a modern lens for under $1000. If you decide that this camera is not for you, it can be sold quickly and you are not tying up much of your money. The lens can be used on you next camera, so you are really only risking the $300 or so that the Super Speed set you back.

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