Wista 45n as my first 4x5?

[chassis]

Jusxusfanatic, if you like the camera, go for it. It certainly can make nice landscape images. My first LF camera was/is a metal field camera, and I have no regrets.

[Corran]

A cardboard box would work well enough for someone's first 4x5 camera. I mean, LF cameras are not exactly whiz-bang technology for the most part.

I personally prioritize weight, ease-of-use, and ability to use short lenses. The trick to things first is to learn the camera, stick with it, and practice. I know that's beating a dead horse. Don, and I, have recommended AA's "The Camera" and "The Negative" multiple times to you. So consider this yet another recommendation for said books.

Also, the problem partly is that you don't know what you want because you don't know what's available/possible. I remember I asked questions about handheld 4x5 gear waaay back when I first joined and got a quick education in what that entailed, and a few years later bought what I "wanted" back then but didn't know existed.

[Phil_F_NM]

I've been communicating with Justin via PM for a couple days. There is a phenomenon on forums of folks kind of ganging up on some when they don't really deserve it. Even I'm guilty of that and I apologized to him. In a one-on-one discussion, he's a perfectly fine individual who is interested in all aspects of photography as a hobby and is trying to find a medium that fits him. I think he deserves a chance here and wherever else he wants to hang online. I think he can be a sponge of photographic information and there is so much that it can be daunting, all the variables. I haven't discouraged him at all from large format as I don't think anyone should. Heck, the more people buying film, the better for everyone on the long run. He may or may not get a 4x5, we'll see. Either way, he deserves a chance to learn from us all and possibly teach us something as well.

Phil Forrest

[Marco Milazzo]

I recently bought an older Wista 4X5, and like it a lot. It's a heavy camera that does well in the wind, but If you plan to backpack very far, weight could be an issue. I know one photographer who backpacks into the "outback." He had a machinist drill large holes in the body to lighten the weight. On the plus side, you can buy a Wista compendium lens hood for it.

[jusxusfanatic]

Thanks for the comments. I deceided to not get one at the moment, until I get enough funds and get the point of having one.

[xtmevolution]

just get it, life is too short! no down side to get one, or two, as long it fun. at the end only after holding in hand you'll know if that's the one anyway.

[jusxusfanatic]

Well I need to buy a lens for my M2, so I need to save up till I can get it. Sheet film is expensive anyways

[xtmevolution]

yeah, ok. some times i also don't understand why people say buy camera must make film picture, can't i just collect them for history and to be honest old camera are nice looking and new camera are not like that.

[Alan Gales]

Thanks for the comments. I deceided to not get one at the moment, until I get enough funds and get the point of having one.

Do what I did. Pick up an old unwanted 4x5 monorail with 210mm f/5.6 lens off Ebay for dirt cheap.

Some of the entry level monorails like Cambo, Calumet and Toyo are lightweight for a monorail so you may be able to use your existing tripod. If not then buy an old Leitz Tiltall for less than $100. Use an oversized black T-shirt or Sweat shirt for a dark cloth. Buy a cheap pair of "readers" from the drug store for a loupe. Use your existing light meter or one in a film or digital camera you own or even your Cell Phone with the right app.

This way you will find out if 4x5 is for you without spending very much. If you like it and decide you want a field camera then go for it. You may still want to keep the monorail for portraiture, architecture or for using long lenses. The 210mm f/5.6 lens will always come in handy. If you do decide to sell then you will get most of your money back.

Some would recommend buying a Crown or Speed Graphic instead. These cameras are great but have no back movements and limited front movements. Get a monorail which has everything and is the easiest camera to learn on. Just understand though that LF is addicting. My old 4x5 Cambo monorail turned into an 8x10 field camera.

[Willie]

Second what Alan said. Older Calumet and similar monorails work well and are inexpensive. Watching sales and auctions you can get one with a lens and film holders for under $300. Using it for awhile will get you in the game and you will soon find out any limitations as well as what you might want should you buy a different camera later.

Many of us started this way. I can still remember seeing my Uncle with a 22 inch monorail Calumet alongside David Muench from the early 1970's. The Calumet looked odd next to the Linhof Technica but the 4x5 chromes sure did look good. Yes, my Uncle moved on to a more exciting field camera but the experience hiking and working on location with the Calumet gave experience that helped him hone in on just what he needed for his backpacking and field photography. His second 4x5 was his last 4x5 for field use. He says he learned a lot from the Calumet and it saved him having to go the step by step upgrade later. I know he used the Calumet for a couple years before replacing it.

He started me the same way tho with a Deardorff knockoff - a Rajah from India. A whole package deal including two lensed and a Tripod for just under $500. Later sold it for what I paid for it - minus the tripod and film holders.

Get something and start photographing. All the agonizing to make sure you don't make a mistake is time wasted because you are going to make mistakes as you go along. Having the camera means you are able to make them instead of just think of them.