Seeking Advice for 4x5 Handheld Camera

[fuegocito]

On top of all the previously mentioned, another option would be Polaroid converted 4x5's, it operates kind of like a fixed lens over size rangefinder camera. Do a quick search online and you should find most of the options. I have had used three, Dean Jone's Razzle (who have sadly passed away), Chamonix Sabre (not currently in production) and lastly a conversion by Alpenhause (can be found on ebay). If you are handy with tools, this could be a DIY project.

If you can live with shooting fixed wide angle lens set at hyperfocal distance, there are several options like Cambo, Gaoersi...

[Pere Casals]

I guess that Louis Mendes should be mentioned.

He has been crafting a top notch street work with the Speed Graphic...

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/ph...t-photographer

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Mendes

[Bob Salomon]

On top of all the previously mentioned, another option would be Polaroid converted 4x5's, it operates kind of like a fixed lens over size rangefinder camera. Do a quick search online and you should find most of the options. I have had used three, Dean Jone's Razzle (who have sadly passed away), Chamonix Sabre (not currently in production) and lastly a conversion by Alpenhause (can be found on ebay). If you are handy with tools, this could be a DIY project.

If you can live with shooting fixed wide angle lens set at hyperfocal distance, there are several options like Cambo, Gaoersi...

There are other choices like the Linhof Technar that took lenses from 65mm to 135mm on lens cones all with focusing mounts. But these types of cameras have no rangefinder and most have no movements.

[Daniel Unkefer]

LX3L7053 by Andrei Badoiu, on Flickr

Seeing this camera on the internet inspired me to build my own.

Sinar Handy with Strap and Cable Extension by Nokton48, on Flickr

I drilled and tapped the Norma Auxiliary Frame, and installed Pentax 6x7 strap lugs, and a Domke Gripper strap. The camera goes on one shoulder, a Swiss Medical Bag holds 6-8 holders, meter, and personal stuff.

The grip is Graflex XL (Sinar Norma used this, just changed the badge out). Bought the grip from Glenn Evans.

[Tin Can]

Some of us have still working Travelwides.

Mine still works fine, but I am very gentle with it and shoot by distance. Which does work if calibrated by user.

I don't think the company makes them anymore and as they are fragile, try something else or not.

It's so light I usually add weight with a heavy QR Plate. Fun with flash bulbs!

https://wanderlustcameras.com/

[Jac@stafford.net]

Super lightweight

[Larry Gebhardt]

In addition to the Speed Graphic, you might also consider the Crown Graphic. It doesn't have the focal plane shutter, but that comes with the advantage of less weight.

Other options I can think of and have tried are the Hobo, but those are fixed focus, and the Travelwide. Both use wide angle lenses, but the Travelwide at least has a helical for the 90mm option, though the 65mm option is fixed focus.

[Tin Can]

Like!

Super lightweight

[Peter De Smidt]

That's some good work, Daniel and Jac.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Thanks, Peter. It was fun to fabricate and even more fun to take out and use