Originally Posted by
EdSawyer
hi -
For the lightweight landscape camera: Consider the older version of the cambo wide. I find it better than any of the globuscope/travelwide/etc. imitations. Perfect for a 47mmXL to 90mm lens choice. Chamonix Saber is a nice 2nd choice but tends to be rare/pricey and only gets to about 120mm as the widest lens for it.
For Reflex 4x5 / portraits: There's a few options. Graflex Super D 4x5 is nice, but it's a bit cumbersome, however they are nice cameras. Both the 3x4 converted to 4x5 and the regular 4x5 one are useful handheld for portraits. 190-200mm is going to be the shortest lens choice.
the Cambo maxiportrait is a great handheld camera for head-and-shoulders portraits. Fixed focus, 240mm focal length, but cheap(ish), well built, super fast to use, and a nice single-purpose device.
Arca Reflex SLR: Very versatile, but rare and expensive. Lighter and more flexible than the Graflex Super D, really an elegant camera. But out of your budget probably.
4x5 TLR: I haven't used a Gowland but his stuff is generally nice if a bit industrial/simple as far as build usually. The Cambo TWR 4x5 TLR is a great camera, usable hand-held. 150mm to 270mm focal lengths generally (maybe longer if using a 360 Tele or whatever). Excellent for portraits and other types of shots, nothing wider than 150mm though.
hope that helps
-Ed
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