Soliciting comments on 3 field cameras

[David Karp]

Hi all,

I know, here we go again with a "what kind of camera should I buy" post. I have done a lot of investigation, and have narrowed down my potential choices. I have been thinking about purchasing a field camera (my main camera is a monorail), and have limited the candidates to three. Budget is a significant factor for me, since I really don’t “need” this camera. I can always use my monorail, or if necessary, my Crown Graphic. It is just that I miss the front and rear movements when using my Crown, and there are times when the monorail just can't make the trip with me. I cannot justify spending more for another camera than these cameras cost.

Lenses used are from 75-450mm. I don’t use the 75 or 90 as much in the field as I do with my lenses from 125-450mm. My “normal” and most used lens is a Fujinon W 125mm. I have been looking for a camera that will allow me to use the 450mm Fujinon when needed. It is my least used lens, but when I need it, I am glad to have it available, and have missed it at times when using my Crown Graphic. I would also like to be able to use the 90mm without difficulty.

Based on my requirements and budget, I have come up with the following possibilities:

-Ebony RW45 with universal bellows: This seems like a fine camera, and I think I can get used to working in the field without shift. It is supposed to be rigid, so it could be used at full extension. And I do mean full extension, because I would have to use it with front and rear tilts to get to the full 410mm extension. I am thinking that I could use a top hat lensboard with the 450mm Fujinon, which has a 425.3mm flange to focal distance. The question here is, has anyone tried to use this camera with this lens? Will this be a problem for me? By the way, the more expensive Ebony cameras are out of my price range. An advantage here is that I use Technika type lensboards with an adapter on my monorail, so would not have to buy any more lensboards.

-Zone VI Ultralight: This camera seems to have all of the movements, and plenty of extension for use with the 450mm, and can work with a 90mm with no problem since it can take a 58mm lens at infinity focus with the standard bellows. A bag bellows is available if needed. How does this camera handle the 450mm? Is it stable? (I know it won’t be as stable as my monorail.)

-Walker Titan SF: This camera has 430mm of bellows extension, plus another 43mm if tilts are used to gain additional length. A top hat lensboard on the 450mm would seem to work fine with this camera. The Titan SF seems to have all the movements, plus the advantage of durability due to the materials use in its construction. This camera also uses Technika type boards, and a bag bellows is also available for this camera. I read Roger Hicks’s review on this camera, which was positive, and many posts which basically say “I like it” but would appreciate it if any users could pass on their experiences, especially if they use it with a 450mm Fujinon. Also, if there is anyone in the Los Angeles area with one of these, I would appreciate a chance to look at this thing.

Canham KBC or DLC, Wisner cameras, and others in this price range are too expensive for me, so they were ruled out.

As always, I appreciate your input. If I have missed a camera that you think will fit the bill, please let me know.

[Mark Sampson]

I have an older (non ultra-light) Zone VI camera. It won't focus a 480mm Artar- and at max extension I would doubt the 450. I have used a 500mm Nikkor-T successfully, though. Rigidity will be compromised on any field camera when fully extended and a heavy lens stuck on the front. The Z-VI is quite workable with a 75mm and the bag bellows, but movements would be difficult with a wider lens- the standards are very close together then. I'm going to figure out a recessed board to make my 75 easier to use.

[Steve Hamley]

David,

Jerry Greer uses a Fuji 450 with a "top hat" on an RW45. I assume it's working O.K.

http://www.jerrygreerphotography.com/

I use the SV45U and it works very well in the range you mention. It will just barely focus a 480mm lens at infinity - the bellows is tight as a drum and anything closer than infinity will not be in focus. The 450mm Fuji is quite usable. The camera has front shift and the SV45U2 has rear shift in addition.

Steve

[Gem Singer]

Hi David,

I recently went through the same decision making process. I ended up purchasing a 5X7 Tachihara, a 4X5 reducing back, a few 5X7 film holders, and an adapter lensboard, so that I can use my lenses mounted on Linhof Tech type lensboards. Our mutual friend Jim, at Midwest, gave me a very good deal on the package.

The camera is larger, and slightly heavier, than my former 4X5 field camera. However, I can use my Fuji lenses, from 90mm. to 450mm., on flat lensboards. The 5X7 Tachi will also allow me to use the Canham 6X17 roll film back, if I desire. The 4X5 reducing back allows the use of my Polaroid 545i holder and Type 55P/N film. Since I no longer do any backpack hiking, the additional size and weight are of no concern. I refer to it as my "old geezer" camera.

[Ted Harris]

Hi David,



I recently went through the same analysis as c-5/c-6 compression and attendent loss of a bit of feeling in two fingers on my left hand had made my beloved Horseman FA more and more difficult to use iwth its small knobs. Since I knew I had to switch anyway I decided I would include in my wish list easier to use rear movements and I ended up with the RW45. I strongly considered the SV series but ruled it out as I just could not justify the additional expense for shift and even mor eexpens for asymetrical movements. I thought hard about the shift and realized that I very seldom use it when shooting landscapes or other reasonably uncomplex subjects in the field. If really necessary I can always frag the rail camera to the scene (I do that anyway for things like interior architecture and food shoots). I also ruled out the non folding Ebony's because i need the packability of of the folder and want both the axis and ase tilt they give.



I have now been putting the RW45 through its paces for two weeks including one intensive two day period in the Great North Woods of New Hampshire shooting fall foliage in a variety of terrain, including some significanttreks and definite offroad situations. My impressions follow:



1) Absolutely rigid, no problems at all with lenses from 75mm through 360mm. Nor any wiggle or tilt problems with lenses in a #3 shutter. Impressive in this regard. I can't comment on the 450 since I have not tried to use a 450 with it yet. The movements are all smooth and easy to use, lock down easily and tightly. Is it less precise than a metal field, sure. Does it bother me, not a bit. It is definitely more precise than other wood fields I have used (Wisner, Tachihara, Wista).



2) No problems at all using a 90 conventionally. Using the 75 required using tilts, putting the camera to use Ebonys' words into "wide angle mode." Once done I had plenty of room to use movements with the 75 on a flat board. Important note which they don't tell you .... you have to pu tthe camera into the wide angle mode befor eyou mount the lens or you won't get sufficient initial tilts. Once I figured this out it was not a problem and I had sufficient movements for all my needs (strictly landscape shooting).



3) The camera sets up and breaks down at least as fast as other wood fields I have known. It is light, and that is a joy, another reason why it was at the top of my list.



4) I wasn't going to add this last until I got an answer back from the factory but since you asked ..... the fit and finish of the camera is good, no doubt about i, but it is not quite up to the standard I expected. There are a bunch of marks on the bottom plate and there is a longish scratch on one of the metal bed standards and a couple of other little picky things. It could be jsut this camera or they could be slipping in their QA/QC with the high demand. No negative implied here till we see what the factory says.



Overall impression it was the right choice for me and I think it will be for you as well, although the Walker may alos work for you. I wouldn't recommend the Zone VI Ultralight. I have only seen it in the store but it impressed me as being too flimsy for my taste.

Luck,

Ted

[michael Allen]

Danny Burk is also a big Ebony promoter. Check his web sight at www.dannyburk.com, He is one of the main reasons I decided the Ebony SVTE model. I haven't tried the U model so I really don't know what I'm missing with this feature, although I'm told it's worth the extra coin.

[Dan Dozer]

David,

I assume that the cameras you listed were your choices as new cameras rather than used ones. I just purchased a used Linhof Technikardan as opposed to a traditional field camera. I haven't even had a chance to use it yet, but I am very impressed with it. Used Technikardan's are close to the same price range as those you listed if new. The Technikardan has all the movement (and more) and has the bellows draw that you're looking for. They're not all that easy to find used, but there is a Technikardan S on E-bay right now. Unfortunately, the owner has separated out the bag bellows as a separate bid item. You would probably need the bag bellows if you're shooting wide angle. There are also several technikardan users on this forum who have been very helpful to me.

I'm not in LA directly, but if you wanted to drive out to the Palm Springs area (La Quinta), I would be happy to show it to you. One other thing, the Technikardan is a type of monorail camera and if you went that way, you might not need your old monorail (I'm getting ready to get rid of mine).

[Ben Calwell]

Eugene,

If you're still monitoring this post, I'm thinking of getting the same outfit you have. Can you focus a 90mm lens on the 5x7 Tachi with a flat board? I currently use a Linhof 5x7, which is a bit heavy for me, and a 4x5 Wista DX. My thought is to consolidate with the 5x7 Tachi and a 4x5 reducing back. Is the 5x7 Tachi well made? Thank you, sir.

[Frank Petronio]

If you want to consolidate, and can be patient, start looking for a Wista Rittereck 5x7 and its 4x5 reducing back - like a lighter weight 5x7 Linhof Technika with more movements - can take a 75mm to a 450mm. Rigid and well made. Very rare - the last one was made in the 1980s - but they do show up on eBay. I had one, and kick myself twice for selling it.

Seeing a Zone VI and Tachi in the field (never used them) gives me doubts about build quality - I'd start investigating the Shen Hao 5x7, which might be better made and less expensive too.

[ronald moravec]

You can focus a 90mm on the Zone 6, but you need the bag bellows for movement. A 450mm or 18" should focus at infinity and very slightly closer.

All LF seems to be some sort of comprimise. The Canham DCL has a very flexible bellows that may meet your needs. I ended up with an older Zone 6 and a bag bellows. The 90 goes way off axis and my 300 works well.