Choosing a camera for wide angle

[Rolle]

I want a 4x5" camera which allows movements even with a 65mm lens, as I intend to use 6x9cm and 6x12cm backs on it. It must be rather light as well. I came to the conclusion that within my budget a Shen Hao PTB45 with bag bellows or a Chamonix 45N-2 would be the best alternatives.

Does someone have any better suggestions than those two for a light camera with plenty of movements when used with a 65mm lens? I can imagine paying a little more than 1000$ for the camera, and I'd prefer to get the camera soon.

Any help appreciated

[Jack Dahlgren]

Sounds like a reasonable conclusion.
Not many light cameras have plenty of movements with a 65mm lens. On the other hand, 65mm lenses don't often allow plenty of movement.

If you are using roll film backs, how about just using a smaller camera?

[Frank Bunnik]

What about a Cambo Wide? The current model is above your budget but the previous one should be affordable? I have one with a 65mm Super Angulon lens and it is a great camera.

[Kirk Gittings]

What is your subject matter?

[Rolle]

What about a Cambo Wide? The current model is above your budget but the previous one should be affordable? I have one with a 65mm Super Angulon lens and it is a great camera.

I believe it is great, but I probably will get a longer lens later, so I think my first LF camera should not be a dedicated wide angle camera.

[Rolle]

What is your subject matter?

Mainly landscape and nature and some urban panoramas.

[Rolle]

If you are using roll film backs, how about just using a smaller camera?

I want to shoot 6x12 panoramas too, and give 4x5" a try as well. Maybe the slippery slope for my wallet, I know

[lenser]

Rolle,

If you are considering used equipment, I can highly recommend the Zone VI with bag bellows. I routinely use a 58mm XL with mine with tons of movements and the only limitation being to orient the set up so as to avoid getting the front of the bed in the bottom of the image.

The back for this camera allows the use of Calumet/Cambo style insert roll backs with ease, both the 6x7 and 6x12.

With the normal bellows in place, I use lenses up to 370mm without challenges.

Tim

[dave_whatever]

For primarily wides or rather short lenses you'll be hard pressed to better something in the non-folder design. Like an ebony SW45, RSW45, Shen Hao TFC45, walker titan XL etc etc. Will be much quicker to set up than a folding camera like a chamonix or PTB (you can leave the lens on, pretty much any lens, when packed).

[Rolle]

For primarily wides or rather short lenses you'll be hard pressed to better something in the non-folder design. Like an ebony SW45, RSW45, Shen Hao TFC45, walker titan XL etc etc. Will be much quicker to set up than a folding camera like a chamonix or PTB (you can leave the lens on, pretty much any lens, when packed).

I would prefer having a camera with back tilt and none of those have that, do they?