What Is The Best Used View Camera For $ 500?

[Johnny Reno]

I want to get a used view camera. I have a Crown Graphic that I will use most of the time. I am thinking of a Cambo SC. I would like it to be light but not flimsy. Would also need a case (not included in the $500). I can't find much on cases. Would have to have a case to be able to take all the plunder on location. A thousand years ago in photography school I used a cardboard box. Hoping for something better. On the camera, I could go over the $500 a little. I need light and sturdy. All info much appreciated. I will get a sherpa cart unless you have better ideas. Thanks, Johnny Reno

[Ari]

If you're looking for a monorail, it's tough to beat the value of a Calumet 4x5.
There is one for sale here:
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...ompendium-hood

They are tough, cheap, and have all the movements you need.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Two suggestions: Sinar Alpina, Linhof Color. I paid $75 each for mine. The Sinar breaks down nicely for schlepping. The Color not so much, but still good.

Sinar F1 cameras are also economical and can be backpacked.

[mdarnton]

I had a Cambo SC for about 10 years. In the studio it was great, but I took it on a couple of road trips to Europe and on one trip the front frame got bent. It was easy to straighten, but I see how it could have easily broken. The bottom part that holds the two upright posts is just a thin aluminum or magnesium casting shell, and relatively fragile, I realized when it happened. So, it's a great camera to use, and I'd buy another in a heartbeat, but not for packing out.

Before that I had two of the Calumets in Ari's post. That one's built like a truck, but it's kind of heavy and doesn't pack easily. I actually bought the Cambo so I wouldn't have to take the Calumet to Europe the first time. If you don't mind the inconvenience, though, you could probably put a strap on it and sling it over your shoulder and never worry about it getting broken. :-) Also, they're dirt cheap, so if you buy one and don't like it, you could almost throw it away.

Both cameras come in a normal or long version--I had the long in both cases--and the Calumet also came in a wide model with a short bar. The Cambo takes interchangable bellows, so for W/A you can buy the short bellows and put the camera on the front end of the bar.

[John Kasaian]

One that is in excellent working condition, of course!

[Neal Chaves]

I have used the 4X5 Crown Graphic and Toyo view cameras for some time. All my lenses are on Graphic boards except for one big one that has to go on a Toyo View lens board. I have Toyo Graphic adapter boards for the view cameras. The adapter board has a larger throat and lenses that will not mount on the Crown can be used, like the 120mm SW Nikkor.

My 4X5 view camera is a Toyo 45G. These can be purchased for a fraction of the new cost. Most will need a new bellows, so buy a camera with a known bad bellows and replace it. The replacement bellows from China are excellent quality. You should be able to assemble a very nice 45G for less than $300.

[Alan Gales]

For $600.00 you can probably find a Sinar F2 or Norma. Additional Sinar gear is really easy to find in the U.S. plus you have the option of later buying a Sinar shutter if you wish.

Of course there is nothing wrong with Cambo/Calumets and Toyo's. The money you save can be put towards another lens or film.

I have owned Cambo and Calumet. I own a Sinar P and bought an F for parts. I prefer shooting Sinar. If you can get the chance to play with some of these cameras it would really help you make a decision!

[Jim Jones]

Johnny: Among the view cameras that I've owned and used, the favorites in order are the Graphic View Camera II, The Kodak Master View and the nearly identical Calumet monorail, Burke & James monorail, the original Graphic View Camera, Anba Ikeda field camera, Burke & James flatbed, and a distant last, New Vue. The Anba Ikeda is treasured for its light weight, compactness, and beauty. The original Graphic View has baseboard tilts rather than center tilts, although one can soon adapt to this. With careful shopping you should be able to assemble a kit with any of the above monorail cameras, case, one or more lenses, a few film holders, and the other accessories for $500. The Anba Ikeda and the similar Tachihara cost more. Condition and price are more important to many of us than brand or appearance.

[mdarnton]

Adding to my post: neither the Calumet nor the Cambo folds up. I packed the Cambo by taking everything off the rail, then you end up with something more compact.

But my fantasy was always to get some sort of wooden field camera, Deardorff style, with a long bellows. There are quite a few original wood cameras in that same vein, for intance, I have a 5x7 B&J (with an extension track for 3X bellows) that folds up really nicely, and there was a 4x5 version of that--like this one, http://www.ebay.com/itm/View-Camera-...item35ce25130f. But that wouldn't be my first choice--it's a bit clunky to use.

The queen of that style is the Ansco view, the one with the tilting front, but I don't know if it came in 4x5. To me, this one is gorgeous: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ansco-5x7-4x...item35cdb4a81e The first view camera I ever handled was the 8x10 version of this.

[Dan Fromm]

Johnny, the Calumet CC-401 is a rugged and capable camera. Much the same as the 4x5 Kodak Master View. Not particularly friendly to short lenses and it has a fixed bellows. I've had one, sold it. 4" square lens board, may be a little small. Recessed boards are available, may be a little small. Spring back only (bail type), not a handicap unless you want to shoot roll film with it. For a catalog, see http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/calumet_1.html

I have a couple of Cambos (2x3, 4x5). Capable, heavy. I haven't damaged mine so can't address ruggedness. 6 3/8" x 6 3/8" boards (4x5), recessed boards are available. Removable bellows, bag bellows are available. Spring (bail type) and graflok backs. 4x5 not too hard to use with short lenses, 2x3 another story. Catalog here: http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/cambo_1.html If used with a rail no longer than the container (briefcase, back pack) the way to make a Cambo relatively compact is to detach the bellows and rotate the standards 90 degrees so that they and the rail are in the same plane.

Sinars are very available, well regarded, well supported.

I don't agree with JAC about the Linhof Color, but perhaps our experiences with them have been different. It is a Techika on a rail, very well made and robust and heavy. Especially heavy. When I was thinking about going 2x3 I played with a 2x3 Color. It frightened me badly, very heavy and the lens axis seemed very far above the tripod platform.

Jim Jones' advice is good but he left one thing out. It often happens that the first view camera purchased serves most of all to teach the buyer which view camera features it does and doesn't like/need. Get a monorail in good order and be prepared to replace it.