Where to start - which camera?

[soboyle]

I want to try my hand at large format photography.
Need advice on what might be a good 4x5 or 5x7 starter camera, something that will not break the bank, will be good for use in the field for landscape work, and something I will not outgrow or want to replace immediately.
A tall order I think.
Other thoughts are that I may want to add a 6x17 back at some future time.
A lens will come next, but I need to see if a camera is in the budget first.

Other thoughts are, I will be scanning the film and printing digitally.
I may want to add a scanning back at some point.

Thanks.

[BrianShaw]

consider something like htis:

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...C-401-monorail!!!

I am not Dan's sales agent and get no commission from this offering, but it could be just the thing for someone interested in getting started. You look, you ask questions, an dyou decide. Dan will be surely be honest with you if you ask more details regarding condition and capabilities. At that price an affordable lens will be, ummm, quite affordable. You need a lens sooner than later.

Don't know if this has Graflok back to support 6x17 but no matter you can do panoramic by masking the GG and cropping the film sheet. Re: scanniong back: I'd have to ask, "are you really sure you want to do that?"

[Brian Ellis]

Something for the field that won't break the bank (unless you have a very small bank and if you do LF photography may not be for you considering the cost of film and processing if you don't DIY): Tachihara, Shen Hao, Chamonix (in no particular order) are three good choices among wood field cameras that are currently being manufactured and cost less than $1,000. All can be found used (more Tachiharas than the other two since Tachiharas have been around longer) along with wood field cameras that are available on the used market but no longer being made such as Wisners and Zone VI. Canhams are fine cameras too but much more expensive. I don't know about adding a digital back to any of them, that isn't something I've ever wanted to do considering the cost and the quality of DSLRs being what it is today and getting better each year. Also don't know about adding a 6x17 back.

[Frank Petronio]

The opposite of a wooden field camera might be a professional metal monorail with unlimited movements and expansion capability. Because most hobbyists decide that saving weight and bulk is so important, they often overlook these types of cameras. True they are heavier and bulkier but they have many pluses as well - not the least of which is that you can buy a professional level Sinar F for about $350 these days. Spending $500-plus gets you a superior, high quality, upper-level monorail camera. Somebody has a top of the line 4x5 Toyo G listed on this board for under $500.

Companies that make or made good quality monorails include Sinar, Toyo, Arca-Swiss, Linhof, Horseman, and Cambo. And Daniel's inexpensive old Calumet ;-p

Of course the best thing is to try both the wooden field cameras and the metal monorails and understand the trade-offs with each kind. For learning it may be nicer to have a solid platform with full movements that doesn't break the bank.

In fact, if anything, I would spend the most money on a really solid, great tripod and put cheap cameras on that! Most bang for the buck IMHO.

[Brian C. Miller]

consider something like htis:

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...C-401-monorail!!!"

He just registered, and can't see the For Sale forum for 30 days.

In fact, if anything, I would spend the most money on a really solid, great tripod and put cheap cameras on that! Most bang for the buck IMHO.

+1, but used, heavy tripods can also be bought cheaply. I use a Bogen 3036, which I purchased used over 12 years ago. It's still running like a champ, and it has no problems with my 8x10 cameras.

Soboyle, there are lots of cameras that can be bought cheaply and used for years for general landscape work. I am still using my Graflex Super Graphic. Ansel Adams did use an Orbit 4x5, which can be purchased for under $100. I bought mine years back for $150. It has a carrying handle on the top, and it's not especially heavy.

By and large you don't need a lot of movements for landscape work. Just a little bit of front tilt, and the foreground pops into focus, no problem.

[Alan Gales]

Yeah, I always got a kick out of the guys who would buy the most expensive camera and lenses and then mount them on a Kmart tripod.

[michael slade]

Speed Graphic.

[John Kasaian]

Right now, the best bang for your buck seems to be the Calumet CC-401-ish monorails. They're going formuch less than Speeders. Add a used 215mm from Keh and some filmholders and you in da' biz.
There are threads on first camera recommendations out the wazoo here, do a search and read about first cameras to your heart's content!

[BrianShaw]

He just registered, and can't see the For Sale forum for 30 days.

If he or she is interested, he or she can ask and one of us Brians will surely help him or her out.

[Corran]

I've done landscapes with a big monorail. It sucked, unless only feet from the car. You need to decide if you're going to hike a ways to get your shot or just be a car shooter. Personally I like to suggest Crown Graphics for starter field cameras. You can get one with lens for $200 or less in so-so condition, or $400 in nice shape, at least if I'm hip to the current prices. Personally I have the Chamonix because it's exceedingly rigid, has tons of movements and bellows, and takes easily-found Technika-style boards that are cheap and plentiful.

I've seen many nice kits with lenses of 90/150/210 focal length and a decent wooden field camera for $1500 or less on eBay and on the forums.

I started by getting a Toyo GII for $250 on eBay on a whim. After lugging it around various places for about 3 months I was hooked on the film but not on the weight. I use it indoors for portraiture sometimes (not worth it to sell!) and occasionally landscapes with a 47mm, close to the car.