First 4x5 field camera

[Robert Ruderman]

Hi,

I am contemplating my first 4x5 field camera. After reviewing the field of wood en field cameras, I have narrowed down my choices to a Wista DX (with shift) and a Wisner Expedition. Ignoring the significant cost difference between the two models, what are people's general opinions regarding what would be a better mode l that one could "grow into"? My general application is landscape photography a nd a little portrait work. I'd like to be able to mount a lens as wide as 75mm on the 4x5. When I pose this question to a dealer in my area, I can never get t he same answer twice (i.e. one pushes Toyo; another Wista; and a third Wisner).

Thanks in advance for your time. Robert

[Mark Windom]

My first piece of advice would be to reconsider buying a wood field camera rathe r than a metal one. Metal cameras are much more stable and durable which become s particularly important if you intend to do any backpacking. I personally know 3 pros who initally started with wood fields and eventually switched to metal. There are probably several photographers out there who use wood fields and who w ould disagree with me but this is my opinion. I use a Wista SP which I would certainly recommend. I have no experience with t he other makes and models. Using a 75 will probably require a bag bellows or re cessed lens board. If you haven't already, take a look at Leslie Stroebel's "View Camera Techniques " (6th edition). There's an excellent section that compares the different featu res of a wide variety of large format cameras. Decide which features you would like to have in the camera and use the book to help narrow the choices.

[Dan Smith]

No comparison at all between Wisner and the Wista. Buy the Wisner and never loo k back. But in a decision among equals, look at the Canham metal camera that just came o ut. It will give you an option in the same basic price and quality range. Both are excellent. Right up there with Linhof Technicas, but both have more bellow s draw than the Linhof. With either you won't go wrong and will have a camera y our grandchildren will be able to use long after you are gone. You do get what you pay for and with both the Wisner & Canham you get quality that will last lon g after the energizer bunny poop out.