Toyo 45 AII vs. Horseman 45HD

[NHP]

I am looking for a field camera for architecture and interior. I am using Horsem an View 4X5 LX now, but sometimes this is too big and heavy. As far as I know, Toyo 45AII has more tilt/shift mo vement, revolving back, Horseman HD is little bit cheap, light and compact. I can get the New Toyo 45AII around $1,500.00 as Mami ya Student Program, so I don't care the price at this time. I want to get just what is good for architecture photography. If you have experience to use these cameras, please give me a your opinion. Thanks.

[Stewart Ethier]

I have owned a Toyo 45AII, and it is great for landscape and travel, but not really ideal for architecture. The bellows permits very little front rise and fall with a 90mm lens, for example. There are no built-in spirit levels, if I recall correctly. I would recommend broadening your search, i.e., not limiting yourself to the two mentioned cam

[NHP]

Thanks for advice. Then Is there any field camera or medium format camera for ar chitecture you want to recommend?

[Jean-Marie Solichon]

I am currently owning and using a Toyo 45AII. It's a great tool for landscape photography. Mine has a bellow which does allow complete use of front rise and fall with a 90mm and standard lens board. But, actually, rise and fall are limited and, although acceptable for landscape photography, probably not suitable for architecture. Another question with rise and fall is that you have check coverage of your wide angle lens. My Nikkor SW 90mm f8 does not seem to be able to accept more movements than what the camera allows.

[John H. Henderson]

The bellows on my 45A really gets upset when I crank up the rise with the 90mm to take pictures of lighthouses. I don't know what kind of rise you'll want for your type of photography. Other than that, it is a well-built camera. The bellows are not interchangable so there is no balloon bellows available.

I don't know if the Horseman is any better in that respect.

I have no personal experience, so can't comment more on them, but you might want to consider one of the "hybrid" cameras - monorail-type cameras with a collapsible monorail. I've heard the Canham DLC45 mentioned here many times. Other similar designs are the Linhof Teknikardan and the Toyo VX125 or VX125R.

[Glenn Kroeger]

Although the 45HD and 45AII are fine field cameras, neither is really great for architecture. Front shift and swing on the Toyo are awkward, and although rear tilt and swing are nice, there is no rear shift, so you really don't have good direct shift capabilities, you would have to use indirect shift. The Horseman has no rear movements and very limited bellows. Neither have interchangable bellows. You would be much better off to get a Toyo 45CX and save $1000 or spend it on lenses and film.

[paul owen]

Looking for an ideal architecture / interior /landscape camera with plenty of movement on the front??? Have a look at the Ebony range of field cameras (does this sound like an advert???). I use the SW which has plenty of movement, is extremely sturdy and lightweight and will handle lenses from 35mm to 180mm (or longer with the optional back extender). No revolving back, but a very bright screen and quality materials (ebony and titanium). Best of luck!! regards Paul