Paul Schilliger
13-Apr-2000, 09:28
For those of you who helped me and supported me in my search for a new camera, I am pleased to say it has had a successful outcome. I was looking for a compact light camera that could accommodate a range of lenses from 47 mm to at least 30 0, and with extensive movements. I would use it for landscape (extensive backpac king friendly) but also for architecture and in the studio. We looked at many c ontenders such as the Linhof Master 2000 and TKs, Arca-Swiss, Canham DLC, Ebony SV U, all wonderful cameras with their own specific character and qualities. But somehow, after reviewing them all, I wasn't entirely comfortable with any of th em. All had concessions to be made, weather lack of movements, additional acces sories and weight, uneasy manipulation, not upgradable or price.
This time, salvation came from the East. I went through the whole camera reviews on the entry page once again and suddenly, was attracted to the Toyo VX 125, a camera I had put aside when it came out because of it's price tag. This camera h as amazing studio capabilities and is very portable though with it's telescopin g rail and 2,6 Kg naked. I asked Bill Glickman for some feedback and on his very positive comments, ordered one from Robert White in the UK. Not only the price was so amazing I can't talk about it, but Robert is the most friendly person I have ever made business with! The next day a brand new Toyo arrived and I can s ay, it's up to the expectancies! It's beautifully made, geared movements and ver y stiff. With the recessed Linhof adapter, it can take any wide angle with much more movements than the lens would allow, without the need of a bag bellows. Th e only issue is about finding now an extended lensboard for the 300 mm to compen sate for the recessed adapter and be able to focus closer than infinity, shouldn 't be a problem. So, even a Congo type T500 mm would be usable without carrying any additional accessory. And it is also part of an upgradable system.
Now, I am not saying this camera is the best of the above choice. Many of them I have not even had the chance to see with my own eyes. But for my kind of photog raphy, it seems excellent, after I have composed with my Tech V limitations and qualities for almost ten years. I would compare the Tech to a Beetle and the VX to a terrain 4WD. One is better and quicker on the streets but the other makes t he difference in sand dunes! (figuratively speaking, for I am not sure either wo uld be comfortable with sand!) Thanks for your help so far!
This time, salvation came from the East. I went through the whole camera reviews on the entry page once again and suddenly, was attracted to the Toyo VX 125, a camera I had put aside when it came out because of it's price tag. This camera h as amazing studio capabilities and is very portable though with it's telescopin g rail and 2,6 Kg naked. I asked Bill Glickman for some feedback and on his very positive comments, ordered one from Robert White in the UK. Not only the price was so amazing I can't talk about it, but Robert is the most friendly person I have ever made business with! The next day a brand new Toyo arrived and I can s ay, it's up to the expectancies! It's beautifully made, geared movements and ver y stiff. With the recessed Linhof adapter, it can take any wide angle with much more movements than the lens would allow, without the need of a bag bellows. Th e only issue is about finding now an extended lensboard for the 300 mm to compen sate for the recessed adapter and be able to focus closer than infinity, shouldn 't be a problem. So, even a Congo type T500 mm would be usable without carrying any additional accessory. And it is also part of an upgradable system.
Now, I am not saying this camera is the best of the above choice. Many of them I have not even had the chance to see with my own eyes. But for my kind of photog raphy, it seems excellent, after I have composed with my Tech V limitations and qualities for almost ten years. I would compare the Tech to a Beetle and the VX to a terrain 4WD. One is better and quicker on the streets but the other makes t he difference in sand dunes! (figuratively speaking, for I am not sure either wo uld be comfortable with sand!) Thanks for your help so far!