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Thread: Field Camera Recommendations

  1. #1

    Field Camera Recommendations

    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.

  2. #2

    Join Date
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    Re: Field Camera Recommendations

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

  3. #3
    Peter De Smidt's Avatar
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    Re: Field Camera Recommendations

    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.
    “You often feel tired, not because you've done too much, but because you've done too little of what sparks a light in you.”
    ― Alexander Den Heijer, Nothing You Don't Already Know

  4. #4

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    Re: Field Camera Recommendations

    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.

  5. #5

    Re: Field Camera Recommendations

    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...

  6. #6

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    Re: Field Camera Recommendations

    Quote Originally Posted by BradS View Post
    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

  7. #7
    Large format foamer! SamReeves's Avatar
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    Re: Field Camera Recommendations

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

  8. #8

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    Re: Field Camera Recommendations

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

  9. #9

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    Massachusetts USA
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    Re: Field Camera Recommendations

    When saving weight, be sure to consider all the contributors. A few extra film holders can weigh as much as we save by using a lightweight tripod. A dark cloth can weigh as much as several lenses... etc.

  10. #10
    Octogenarian
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    Sep 2003
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    Re: Field Camera Recommendations

    There have been several good deals on previously owned K.B. Canham DLC 4x5's.

    The camera has been replaced with the newer DLC-2.

    It's all metal, light weight, and folds into a compact size soft carrying case.

    You should be able to find one in your price range.

    See: www.canhamcameras.com

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