B&J Press 4x5

[Dan Brittain]

How are the 4x5 Burke & James Press cameras as compared to the Graphlex models? Looking to get into LF on a tight budget. Would this be a route to consider?

[Doug Paramore]

Dan: The first 4x5 press camera I ever bought was a Burke and James, and I used it for several years without complaint. It is an all metal camera and quite sturdy. Mine never gave any trouble at all. I wish I stil had it. Many of the old photographers preferred it over the Graphic. It never gained the popularity of the Graphic, but it was not for the lack of quality. The Graphic was Nikon of its day, so a lot of photographers felt they should use the Graphic because everybody else used one. The Graphic got the jump on every other manufacturer in building a press camera and they held on to their reputation. I think you would be well pleased with the camera. It will do everything you want to do until you decide to move into a full view camera. Good shooting, Doug.