Chris Bitmead
6-May-1998, 03:59
Perhaps I should clarify my question even further.
Yes guys, I know there is no best 4x5 camera. When I say best, I mean best for m e, given what I want to do. And even then of course I am asking opinions.
Perhaps it would be more helpful to tell me all the things I should be looking for. What feature should I look for that I'll be sorry later I didn't get, but f or asking you experts who know?
Let me state my requirements again.
(1) Small/light/compact and quick to set up is a big priority. I want to cart th is thing out and about. (2) Of course the extra movements of a monorail will be nice as long as it it fi ts in with point (1). (3) I like really wide angle lenses. The 47mm Schneider looks mighty interesting . How should this affect my decision? (4) I don't have money coming out of my ears but I am willing to pay for quality or better features if I can see the value. I don't think in terms of the total price, but rather what extra benefit to I get for additional cost. (5) I want something useful rather than beautifully crafted. I'd probably rather have a Bronica or Rollei than a Hasselblad. Obviously something strong and well made is a priority. Classical looks like the Linhof is irrelevant.
So feel free to advise on either a particular camera OR which features I should look for in a camera. I'll worry about the lenses later. For now I'm just resear ching. I won't buy for at least 3 months.
What is the fealing about taking monorails into the field? I have seen some comm ents that in some ways they are actually easier to use in the field. What are pe oples thoughts on that?
Also what is the revolving back some cameras have? Is that to take portrait orie ntation? Which cameras have that?
I've taken note of the Toyo 45AII and the Arca-Swiss FC advice. The Toyo looks v ery compact and the Arca-Swiss looks very interesting and flexible too. I'm lean ing towards something like the Arca if I can be convinced it is convenient enoug h in the field.
Yes guys, I know there is no best 4x5 camera. When I say best, I mean best for m e, given what I want to do. And even then of course I am asking opinions.
Perhaps it would be more helpful to tell me all the things I should be looking for. What feature should I look for that I'll be sorry later I didn't get, but f or asking you experts who know?
Let me state my requirements again.
(1) Small/light/compact and quick to set up is a big priority. I want to cart th is thing out and about. (2) Of course the extra movements of a monorail will be nice as long as it it fi ts in with point (1). (3) I like really wide angle lenses. The 47mm Schneider looks mighty interesting . How should this affect my decision? (4) I don't have money coming out of my ears but I am willing to pay for quality or better features if I can see the value. I don't think in terms of the total price, but rather what extra benefit to I get for additional cost. (5) I want something useful rather than beautifully crafted. I'd probably rather have a Bronica or Rollei than a Hasselblad. Obviously something strong and well made is a priority. Classical looks like the Linhof is irrelevant.
So feel free to advise on either a particular camera OR which features I should look for in a camera. I'll worry about the lenses later. For now I'm just resear ching. I won't buy for at least 3 months.
What is the fealing about taking monorails into the field? I have seen some comm ents that in some ways they are actually easier to use in the field. What are pe oples thoughts on that?
Also what is the revolving back some cameras have? Is that to take portrait orie ntation? Which cameras have that?
I've taken note of the Toyo 45AII and the Arca-Swiss FC advice. The Toyo looks v ery compact and the Arca-Swiss looks very interesting and flexible too. I'm lean ing towards something like the Arca if I can be convinced it is convenient enoug h in the field.