Field Camera Recommendations

[1750Shooter]

I'm looking for a field camera that is 4x5, has all the common movements, interchanable lenses, is reasonably light, folds compactly, & most importantly is under $1,500. I've tried the Graphics & they don't have the movements & are too heavy. It will be used exclusively for landscapes. Thanks for any help.

[Kevin Crisp]

Tachihara, Shen Hao, Ikeda Anba, Zone VI, Wista, Wisner, for starters. It depends what you mean by "too heavy."

[Peter De Smidt]

What lenses are you planing on using? Whatever you choose might impact your camera choice, especially if you want to use really wide or really long lenses.

I have a Toyo AX, and I love it. It has plenty of movements for landscapes, it folds up compactly, it's very solid, more solid than any wooden field camera that I've used, and there are a lot of accessories available if needed.

In the wood fields, you have a lot of choices. Chamoniox (sp?), Wisner, Zone VI, Ebony (used)...

Walker makes some interesting ABS cameras.

[BradS]

for $1500 the sky is the limit. You can buy a brand new Shen-Hoa or Chamonix with all the movements you could possibly desire for around $800. Used, they still fetch around $500~600.

[1750Shooter]

Thanks, guys! I should have qualified my question. I'll be using 135, 210, & 300mm lenses primarily. Weight - as light as possible bearing in mind durability. I'll be packing this thing a bit, so...

[Edward (Halifax,NS)]

for $1500 the sky is the limit. You can buy a brand new Shen-Hao or Chamonix with all the movements you could possibly desire for around $800. Used, they still fetch around $500~600.

When I have the cash I am going with one of these two. There are youtube videos showing setup and movements for both of them.

Chamonix 045N-2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEJ0GMWJk-Y

Shen Hao TZ45-IIB

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6M4BWxwAp0

[SamReeves]

The Tachi is the lightest of the bunch, and the least expensive. I say get it.

[gliderbee]

When I have the cash I am going with one of these two. There are youtube videos showing setup and movements for both of them.

Chamonix 045N-2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEJ0GMWJk-Y

Shen Hao TZ45-IIB

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6M4BWxwAp0

I had the Shen-Hao, and now same in 5x7. Great cameras.

Stefan

[Matus Kalisky]

I have Tachihara 4x5. It is probably one of the lightest cameras. It will manage to focus 300mm lens to infinity and a little bit closer, but truth to be told - at the full extension the stability of the camera lacks a bit. 240 mm lens would be a better match (I use Fuji 240/9 A - no problem there). Lenses wider than 90mm can be used, but will allow for very little movement (though mostly enough for landscape - you will not get much rise because of the bellows being compressed so much).

I know you did not mention that you plan to use wide lenses, but should that need arise later, it would be beneficial for you if the camera can accept wide angle (bag) bellows. Just a thought.

[Frank Petronio]

Using the 300 successfully may require more than the lightest possible camera....