mmo
2-Jul-2008, 16:41
Hi,
Others have written about the Toyo 45 carbon fiber camera elsewhere on this site. I'd just like to throw out my two cents.
Based on my limited experience, this camera is very very poorly made. I ordered one a while back and when I received it I found that the rail that the front standard sits on for focusing was not even the same size as the rail in the rear standard that it sits on when the camera is folded up. This, in effect, rendered the camera completely useless since the front standard could not even be mounted onto the front rail. I sent the camera back and was sent a replacement. This camera suffered significant alignment issues. These were somewhat evident when the camera was in the "neutral" position and became increasingly apparent when shifting the front standard left or right. If you are the type of photographer who shoots static subjects at f64, this kind of thing may not bother you, since your depth of field will mask these alignment problems. But if you'd like to have the confidence in your camera's alignment to shoot more wide open, then this camera may not be for you.
I would add to this that, prior to making the mistake of buying a 45CF, I shot with a 45AII for several years, and prior to that an older monorail. Like many others on this site, I find the 45AII to be very well made and very reliable. (My only complaint regards the limited front rise, a question of design not construction.) In short, for those who are accustomed to the 45AII/45AX quality design and construction, be aware that you may find yourselves dissatisfied with the 45CF.
Others have written about the Toyo 45 carbon fiber camera elsewhere on this site. I'd just like to throw out my two cents.
Based on my limited experience, this camera is very very poorly made. I ordered one a while back and when I received it I found that the rail that the front standard sits on for focusing was not even the same size as the rail in the rear standard that it sits on when the camera is folded up. This, in effect, rendered the camera completely useless since the front standard could not even be mounted onto the front rail. I sent the camera back and was sent a replacement. This camera suffered significant alignment issues. These were somewhat evident when the camera was in the "neutral" position and became increasingly apparent when shifting the front standard left or right. If you are the type of photographer who shoots static subjects at f64, this kind of thing may not bother you, since your depth of field will mask these alignment problems. But if you'd like to have the confidence in your camera's alignment to shoot more wide open, then this camera may not be for you.
I would add to this that, prior to making the mistake of buying a 45CF, I shot with a 45AII for several years, and prior to that an older monorail. Like many others on this site, I find the 45AII to be very well made and very reliable. (My only complaint regards the limited front rise, a question of design not construction.) In short, for those who are accustomed to the 45AII/45AX quality design and construction, be aware that you may find yourselves dissatisfied with the 45CF.