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Thread: Best affordable 4X5 Field camera

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Oct 2018
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    122

    Best affordable 4X5 Field camera

    I have been in 4x5 for 35 years, but so far, I have been in the studio or in close familiar places using older Calumet monorails. I want a field camera that will handle lenses from 65mm to 300mm. I have a Calumet slide in 120 holder that I use often. Something light weight but sturdy. I'm sure many of you have already figured this out. Thanks!!

  2. #2
    Foamer
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    South Dakota
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    2,430

    Re: Best affordable 4X5 Field camera

    Chamonix or Shen Hao. Can often be found used. I've had both, now have the Chamonix.


    Kent in SD
    In contento ed allegria
    Notte e di vogliam passar!

  3. #3
    bill
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    wisconsin
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    146

    Re: Best affordable 4X5 Field camera

    I have a Crown Graphic that I use and one I have for sale on this forum if you are interested. Its small light and easy to use not to mention inexpensive. Check it out under fs: Crown Graphic also with a 6x9 back

  4. #4
    pendennis's Avatar
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    Jun 2017
    Location
    Southeast Michigan
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    125

    Re: Best affordable 4X5 Field camera

    I use both a Super Graphic and a Sears Tower (Busch) for field work. If I don't need a lot of lens movement, they work fine. I also use a Cambo 6x7 roll film back.

    Right now, a fellow has a Toyo 4x5 AX, that I'm considering. It has quite a bit more movement, and I'd consider it first. I still like the all metal field cameras, even though they're a bit heavier.
    Best,
    Dennis

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Silver Spring, MD
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    135

    Re: Best affordable 4X5 Field camera

    I recommend that you take a look at the Canham DLC.
    Tons of movements, accepts a wide focal range, packs up small (and quickly) and quite sturdy. Great support from Keith Canham, even if bought used.
    You may read that the movements are not the most precise (though I think the model after mine has a ruled scale on the rails) and care must be taken not to move the standards once set up, but I have found mine to work great in the field.
    I bought mine a good many years ago and never wished for anything else for field work.

  6. #6
    Peter De Smidt's Avatar
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    Jan 2001
    Location
    Fond du Lac, WI, USA
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    8,954

    Re: Best affordable 4X5 Field camera

    Toyo AX
    “You often feel tired, not because you've done too much, but because you've done too little of what sparks a light in you.”
    ― Alexander Den Heijer, Nothing You Don't Already Know

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Queensland, Australia
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    473

    Re: Best affordable 4X5 Field camera

    I have a shen Hao, a horseman FA and a Prinzdorff, all are great performers the Shen Hao is a little heavier but its built like a tank

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Wassenaar, NL
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    439

    Re: Best affordable 4X5 Field camera

    I’m surprised that nobody mentioned Intrepid which is by far the cheapest with 250£. Max bellows extension is 320mm which is a bit short for a 300mm. But it is a way to see whether you like 4x5” at least.
    https://intrepidcamera.co.uk/products/intrepid-camera

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Posts
    1,573

    Re: Best affordable 4X5 Field camera

    The Intrepid is a fine entry level 4x5, but I'd be concerned about camera shake with the bellows racked all the way out for a standard 300mm lens. I don't have the 4x5, but I do own the 8x10 and my Fuji C 450mm lens begins to push the boundaries of this camera.

  10. #10
    Jim Jones's Avatar
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    Aug 2006
    Location
    Chillicothe Missouri USA
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    3,065

    Re: Best affordable 4X5 Field camera

    For many years I used a 5x7 flatbed B&J, usually with a 4x5 back. With the bed extension it could easily accommodate a 21.5 inch lens. It cost a fraction of what I eventually gladly paid for a cute little 4x5 Ikeda Anba.

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