Can I get a 4x5 for under $700?

[gameface]

I want to try my hand at LF photography but I don't know where to find a good quality, new or used 4x5 camera for less than $700. Is it possible? Does anyone have any idea where I can get my hands on one? I've been burned on Ebay before so I don't want to go that route. What brand is good for starting out without being low quality?

[Nick_3536]

You can get just a camera for $100. Then whatever you want to spend on the lens etc.

What are you going to use the camera for? Different uses will lead to different choices.

[Ron Marshall]

I have dealt with both KEH Camera Brokers and Midwet Photo Exchange on numerous occasions. Both have a good selection of used LF cameras and lenses.

The reviews on the front page of this site compare different types of cameras, and point out their strengths and weaknesses:

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/roundup4x5.html

You need a camera, tripod, lens, filmholders, darkcloth, cable release. You can use a 35mm as a lightmeter.

http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/ProductList.aspx

http://www.mpex.com/

[Michael Graves]

I use KEH a lot, so I took a quick jump over there to see what they had. Without spending too much time, I found ten 4x5 camera bodies under $300.00 and 14 lenses in the 135 to 180 range for under $250.00. That leaves you with at least $150.00 for film holders and a used tripod.

[Frank Petronio]

Hellyeah, $700 is luxurious. Your best bet is patiently watching here for some frustrated duffer to unload their entire outfit. Next to that, buying an outfit from an eBayer with excellent feedback.

I've seen Cambo monorails with lenses, case, holders, etc. in the $3-400 range. And Cambos (and old Toyos) are great. Graphics are even cheaper.

[steve simmons]

Since you are new to lf may I suggest some reading

www.viewcamera.com

and then go to the Free Articles section. There are several articles that will be helpful to you.

One of these books

User's Guide to the View Camera by Jim Stone

Using the View Camera that I wrote

or

Large Format Nature Photography by Jack Dykinga

check your local library


Yes, you can get a very serviceable camera for under 700 but it would help us to know what you want to photograph so we can make some suggestions. Read the Getting Started in Large Format and then get back to this forum.

steve simmons

[C. D. Keth]

I'm shooting with a 100 year-old gundlach 5x7 that I got for 150 bucks (that's with a 4x5 and a 5x7 back) and a gorgeous old brass zeiss tessar that cost be 6 bucks. You can do it.

[Christopher Perez]

$700? You're rich!

That much money could buy a camera, holders, and several choice lenses.

[cyrus]

A Calumet 4x5 is a perfectly fine workhorse 4x5 monorail view camera (grey, later black, metal) has all the movements you want plus a rotating back, and goes for about 140 dollars on ebay. You'll need a lens and a lensboard, tripod, filmholder and a loupe.

[Rafael Garcia]

My Gundlach Korona View 5x7 was $300.00 including 180mm Wollensak lens and six filmholders in eBay - close to mint condition. I built a 4x5 back for it easily, using a $30.00 Graphic View I back. My 1903 4x5 (modified) Carl Zeiss Jena Universal Palmos was $75.00 and its 127mm Ektar lens and Graphic shutter another $80.00 also on eBay. You just have to know what you are looking at. I see Graflex press cameras go for under $100.00 all the time, and although limited in movements, they will start you in LF just fine.