Hi all,
Well, I've been to the well three times now seeking information, but now have the money available to buy, so it's time for the "final info request" from all you experienced laborers in the vineyards of large format photography.
A reminder of my shooting priorities: I specialize in "small scale" landscape work as in Japanese gardens and then also small scale architecture as in both the interior and exterior of tea rooms in those gardens. I use digital for any honest telephoto work and for macro work, so I don't need more bellows extension than for a 210mm. I also shoot environmental portraiture, so I think a 210mm will also be sufficient (if I need a tight head shoot, I'll again use digital). I'm thinking that 80mm (Super-Symmar 80mm/f4.5) to 210mm is my main work range; if I really need a super-wide for interior work, I suspect I'd either rent (since it won't be often) or just use digital again.
OK, with those priorities, and after a very helpful email exchange with Jim at MidWest, my budget has narrowed it down to the Horseman FA or the Ebony 45S. I'll list pluses and minuses and I hope that you all can fill in more either way for either one.
FA pluses: Slightly more rigid especially for use of rollfilm backs (which is a priority), more secure "fold-up-into-compact metal box" portability, more precise feel, cheaper when bought used (and, yes, it is available in excellent shape).
FA minuses: More restrictions on wide-angle use due to narrow front-end opening, back movements less flexible and a pain to use, smaller controls less easy to use with gloves.
45S pluses: More flexible wide-angle use and more flexible rear movements that are comparitvely easy to use, faster set-up with lens already mounted (an SS-80 or any 210 will not fold into the FA), I get to fondle the wood and imagine that it has "soul" because it's so beautiful (and then of course there's the smell of the leather to reinforce the illusion).
45S minuses: Not quite as rigid for mounting rollfilm backs, not quite as rigid and precise overall due to wood construction (however reinforced by that nice titanium), if I'm an idiot and knock it over the damage will likely be worse than an all metal camera, it's noticeably more expensive when bought new (and is rarely available used), letting myself succumb to romanticist illusions is sheer self-indulgence.
Have I missed anything? Any other words of wisdom before I lay down my money? (And, yes, I do remember all the sage advice about "your first LF camera won't be your last," but I would like to start off well.)
Thanks much in advance. And I do want to say how much I appreciate the good spirit of this forum having spent a little too much time on Nikon digital forums.
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