Hello from Utah

[nickademusss]

HI all,

I have been in photography for about 7 years, It grew from a digital hobby to an obsession in film.

I have several medium format cameras and a couple top of the line digital for sports and action.

I have just gotten into large format, having bought a Graflex Graphic view, I now realize that I dont want to pack that heavy rig around on the trail, so I am in the market for a good field camera in 4x5.

Any recommendations?

budget should be around 1200US, any help in this decision would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Zac

[Vick Vickery]

Welcome to group therapy! I use my Cambo in the field regularly, but since I do mostly architectural work, I don't have to carry it far; if I were going further than normal and didn't think I would be needing the movements of the Cambo, I keep a Super graphic around. Note: the Cambo has an adapter lensboard that allows me to put a lens on it in a Super lensboard...most of my lenses are on Super boards so that they can move between cameras.

[nickademusss]

Welcome to group therapy! lol,

thats for sure,

being a digital guru, I know the limitations of my D300 and the D700...

I know the type of film body I want, just not the brand that will last, hows the life span of a Shen Hao? Is a zone VI that looks just like the Shen with out the brass any good?
I have also been eying the Toyo 45FC, I think it looks like a great field camera, but it doesnt have rear adjustments...

Also am I wrong to think that a good lens for landscapes would be about 90mm?

I adore the process of using the 4x5, it makes me concentrate on the subject endlessly.
I needed to slow down, its good for me

[Vick Vickery]

The Shen Hao and the Toyo are both popular and reputedly well made cameras (I've not used either) of fine quality; same can be said of the Zone VI, but it has somewhat of a "cult" following that can raise its price somewhat. You will find all three to be good field cameras.

As to lenses, I would recommend starting with something around 150 to 160mm ("normal" length for 4x5)...this approximates your normal perspective and makes a good all-around lens. Most folks find wide angle lenses a bit harder to focus on a ground glass than longer lenses...I'd start longer and add a wider lens if you find you can't get enough on the negative with the normal lens; of course, as I say this, bear in mind that in shooting architectural subjects I shoot wide angles from 65mm to 90 mm a great deal of the time, but I always use the longest lens I can for any given scene in order to avoid the problems built into the wide angle perspective. Of course, having been doing this for awhile, I have a choice of about a dozen lenses ranging from 65mm to 450mm.

You're right that sheet film will slow you down and make you concentrate. Years ago, shooting 35mm, I used to shoot three of four of every shot...now I rarely shoot more than one unless the lighting is really problematical.

[michael slade]

If you want to see a Canham 8x10 'Traditional' camera (wood and aluminum), I am in Riverton. I head out to the lake regularly...

[nickademusss]

If you want to see a Canham 8x10 'Traditional' camera (wood and aluminum), I am in Riverton. I head out to the lake regularly...

I would indeed like to see an 8x10 in action, and pick your brain for some tips?
It will be a few weeks before I have my 4x5 rig started I would like to wait till then.
thanks for the invite!


And thanks everyone for the lens recommendations, I will start out with a 150mm or around that. My light meter should arrive this week, I didnt want to use my SLR for a light meter.....

[eddie]

Chamonix 4x5 (check with hugo Zhang here on the forum) and a schneider super angulon 90mm f8. BOth great values and light.

[msk2193]

Welcome aboard.

[nickademusss]

Picked up my lens, a 90mm F8 Super Angulon, waiting on my auctions to end to buy the body.....

I cant find a dealer for Chamonix here in the USA, anyone no of one?

[Greg Y]

Hi Zac. There were recently several used Chamonix 4x5s in the FS. Hugo Zhang (on the forum) is the US rep for these cameras. I've used Ebony 45RW, Canham 57 &810 trad and Deardorff 57 & 810. I just got a Chamonix 57 a week ago. I sent Hugo the money, went to Escalante for some slot canyon hiking & photography & had the camera sitting at the post office when I came home. Could not have been more painless. They are a terrific camera. Well made and very user friendly. Do take advantage of the chance to visit Michael S. I recently sold him some 4x10 film and regret I wasn't able to meet up with him in Riverton. His Great Salt Lake work is inspiring. Enjoy the 4x5 journey