Camera shake - Toyo vs Wista metal field cameras?

[John Rodriguez]

Thinking about picking up a second 4x5. I like the friction controls on the Wistas, but my primary concern is lack of camera shake with longer heavy lenses (250/300 copal 1 non-tele) . The double extension design of the Toyos seems like it would be sturdier. Can anyone who's owned both comment?

[Joseph Dickerson]

You mention Toyo metal field camera(s). Do you mean the 45A(AII, AX)?

If so you'll find the bellows is shorter than you think. I had a 45A which I really loved, but to use a 300 APO Ronar I had to resort to mounting the lens on a reversed recessed lens board. Not a big hassle, but a non-tele any longer than 300 is not doable. Perhaps it would work with the back extension, but that adds a level of complexity I never wanted to deal with.

JD

[John Rodriguez]

Thanks Joseph. On the Toyos I'd stay with my 250mm, or maybe go up to 270. Did you run into any camera shake issues with the 300?

[EOTS]

Hello John,

I use a Toyo Field 45AII with a Nikon 360 T in the field and have never experienced any shake problems (Gitzo 5541 tripod with RRS BH-50 ball head).
Can't comment on the Wista though, never used one...

Best regards,
Martin

[Ari]

You'll be fine with the Wista.
I have an RF and I have used a Fujinon 250 f6,7 on the RF without problem.

[Peter De Smidt]

I occasionally use a 300mm Kowa Graphic in a Copal 3 shutter on my Toyo AX for distant subjects. I haven't noticed any issues. I'm not sure how close I can focus with it, though. I can check tomorrow.

[B.S.Kumar]

I've used a 300mm Fujinon with my Wista 45D and now RF with no problems.

Kumar

[John Rodriguez]

Thanks everyone. Glad to know either will work. Now I just need to decide... :)

[Joseph Dickerson]

I had no issues of any kind with the Toyo 45A...probably shouldn't have sold it!

It does have some limits, but for the landscapes, and historic architecture that I usually do it was a good choice. I thought I needed something lighter but that's another story. At the time my widest lens was a 90. I never had an opportunity to use the 45A with anything shorter, but I doubt it would be very convenient.

I'm currently using a Sinar F1, and am a happy camper, at least as long as my back holds out.

Short answer is that the Toyo 45 series are all solid cameras even at maximum extension (45CF excepted).

JD

[EOTS]

... At the time my widest lens was a 90. I never had an opportunity to use the 45A with anything shorter, but I doubt it would be very convenient.


Hi Joseph,

I've used my 45AII with 75mm and 80mm lenses without a recessed board and without any problems.

58mm is also supported, but with a recessed board and I never tried that, but I assume that camera movements really will be inconvenient at this ultra-wide focal lengths...

[John Rodriguez]

Yeah, 180 is fine on my 45cf, but the 250 is another story.

[Frank Petronio]

I owned an Wista and have played with the Toyos, I think they are pretty similar in quality and rigidity. The bellows is kind of short on both but with the Wista you can fold it up with a small Copal 0 lens (like a 135 or 150) attached, which I found invaluable for packing. I also think the fresnel is nicer on the Wista metal VX-SP series.

[Joseph Dickerson]

Martin,

Thanks for upgrading my data file on the 45A. Glad to hear it works with 75 and shorter.

I may have to get another one some day...it sure is a nice camera.

JD