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Thread: 4x5 in the UK?

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  1. #1

    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Bristol
    Posts
    5

    4x5 in the UK?

    Good day,

    ..I'll start by saying that this is a very helpful place for someone who's wishing to step into large format. so much information, that I need to take brakes when reading to absorb it all.

    I would like to buy a used 4x5 camera. I've been reading as much as I can, and because of my very small budget - 400 pounds - I understand that something like Combo 4x5 would be affordable and practical for someone starting out.

    So my question would be... Does anyone know a place in the UK where to buy used 4x5 LF cameras? I've tried all the big shops( Jacobs, Jessops, Calumet..everything I could find really) but nothing.

    I also found that my budget would allow me to order it from the US, but does anyone know how much would I have to pay at customs?


    Thank you for reading this!

    Have a wonderful day!


    josefs

  2. #2

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    6,245

    Re: 4x5 in the UK?

    Cambo is many different things - many are quite delicate, others are as well engineered as Sinar. And weigh as much.
    You will have to think about what you want to photograph a bit before you spend £400 - or quite a lot less.
    If I was starting out on the journey again, I would choose to start with an old folder (9x12cm - slightly less than 4x5"). Film is quite easily available for this size by post. You may not be able to buy 4x5" film in Bristol anyway!
    The only problem with 4x5 or 9x12cm is that contact prints are a bit small - so you have to have access to either a scanner or a big enlarger (small price but they fill a lot of space). These, mostly German, cameras are very reasonable in price on e**y. You have to make sure that they come with film holders rather than the older "plate" holders or the newer (useless) film pack holders.
    You dont have to stick to the original lens as there are plenty of cheap lenses in shutters for wide angle etc. No lensboards usually -you screw in the various lenses.
    Movements are restricted but at least you will find out whether LF is for you.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Barnack, UK
    Posts
    52

    Re: 4x5 in the UK?

    Other people to try are http://www.ffordes.com/ and https://secure.peterwalnes.com/

    And rather cheekily, could I suggest having a look at http://www.lf-photo.org.uk

    Nick

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    6,245

    Re: 4x5 in the UK?

    Good luck with the lf-photo forum. I've tried twice to get without any response!
    I, personally, have bought very little from dealers - they are most often not competitive with the private sellers.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Barnack, UK
    Posts
    52

    Re: 4x5 in the UK?

    It does take persistence to get in, but it's an interesting site.

    Nick

  7. #7

    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Tamworth, Staffordshire. U.K.
    Posts
    1,167

    Re: 4x5 in the UK?

    Stay well away from any shops in Croydon. Hang around here 'till you're eligable to buy from forum members for the best deals. I've bought two cameras from members in the states in the past and had great deals on both. A lot of old LF cameras don't have front tilt, read about movements and make your own decisions. It's too bloody cold to go out with any camera around here, but I hate snow and refuse to photograph it. Personally I would steer away from press cameras but many here would argue with me. Older MPP's also have registration problems which you don't need when starting LF. In my opinion most plate cameras found in The UK are best used as ornaments unless you have wet plate ambitions.
    Pete.

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Denmark
    Posts
    6,245

    Re: 4x5 in the UK?

    IanG (based in the UK) has a basic Cambo Cadet (monorail's have both advantages and disadvantages) for sale in our for sale section just now which would be a easy start for £125. On top of that, you will need tripod with head, 4x5 film holders and a lens or two. Plenty left from £400!
    You can get into the commercial thread here after a month's membership.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Huntington, Long Island, NY
    Posts
    167

    Re: 4x5 in the UK?

    Re: And it's 5x4 in the UK, not 4x5!

    He could just buy a 4x5 camera and rotate the back 90 degrees.

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Bristol
    Posts
    5

    Re: 4x5 in the UK?

    Thank you all for the answers and suggestions!

    ..I've been doing photography with 35 mm and 6x6. I would be using this for portraits and some ''fine art''. So the quality and the fact that it takes time to make a photo with 5x4 (...) is perfect for me.

    thank you. I will contact IanG about the camera.

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