Do All Flatbed Cameras Fold Up with a Lens Attached?

[Charles Mangano]

1. Are all 4x5 and 6x9 flatbed metal view cameras designed to fold up with a le ns attatched?

2. Does any one brand or model stand out from the others in this respect - more lenes choices that fit inside the camera when closed?

[Charlie Stracl]

I think very few are designed to do this. I would be hard pressed to keep a lens on my Toyo 45A when folding it. I suspect there is plenty of room behind the lensboard, but practically none in front of it.

If you are looking for a camera/lens combination to do this better to check it out a store.

[Robert A. Zeichner]

Charles, I can only speak for my Horseman 45FA. I was able to keep a 135 f4.7 Xenar mounted on this camera. Everything else I tried was just too deep. The press lenses, Optars, the previously mentioned Xenar and a handful of others were designed to be kept on a folded Graphic or similar. Unfortunately, they lacked the coverage I needed and so they were not an option for me. Hope this helps.

[Bob Salomon]

The Linhof Master Technika closes with 100, 120, 135 or 150mm ;lenses

[M.]

I can't answer for all flatbed cameras. While my 4x5 Nagaoka folds nicely with Dagors and Angulons in their small Compur shutters, somewhat larger lenses can be carried by reversing the lens board so that the shutter is carried inside the bellows. Many Symmar and Super Angulons are mounted in recessed Technica boards which can fit many flat bed cameras, but alas not the Nagaoka (I believe it is the smallest and lightest at only 2.5 pounds).

[julian_858]

My 6x9 Graflex Century Graphic folds up nicely with a 100mm Apo- Symmar with a lens cap on, after I made the shutter tensioning lever knob half of its original thickness.

[neil poulsen]

A Deardorff 5x7 (w/4x5 reducing back) will not fold with the lens intact. At least, mine won't.

[Ben Snyder]

The Horseman 6x9 cameras will fold with the 65mm, 75mm, 105 Pro but not Super, and 150mm lenses. Very convenient.

[Chad Jarvis]

I have a Wista 4x5 rosewood field which folds up quite nicely with a Copal #1-mounted lens installed. My Deardorff 8x10 does not allow a lens to be folded within the camera.

[Pat Raymore]

This is a legitimate and important Question. In fact, it can make the difference between carrying one more needed lens. My Wista SP can be folded with my Fuji 125mm, 135mm, and 150mm F5.6 (barely). My 150mm Rodenstock Sironar S and Fuji 180 and 240 A., and Nikkor 200mm M will also fold up into the camera just fine.. My 150mm f5.6 apo Symmar will not fold up in the SP 2nd to its 58mm filter size.

The important thing is that one or two of your routinely used lenses can be carried inside the camera, that way you have the option of carrying an extra lens if need be.