I'm looking for a new 4x5 and I'm not sure which way to go--
the two cameras I am looking most at are the Ebony SV45TE and the K.B. Canham 4x5--there isn't really a model number, its just the only one they have.
they are both in the same price range, and I feel like the titanium gears and all of the ebony are hard to beat...but alas, I need some advice please...
How deep is your pocket?
Both are great cameras, but it is more important to spend your money on great lenses that match your vision.
A camera is a box that keeps the light out until you open the shutter.
Titanium is just a metal.
If at all possible get your hands on the cameras before deciding.
I once made a 125-mile round trip drive just to try a walnut/aluminum 4x5 Canham. Searching the archive of this forum will reveal numerous posts from Canham users who state that they find opening/closing the camera easy and rigidity not to be an issue. My experience during that examination was different. I found it fussy to set up / take down and flexible when locked. While reports are that any deflection resulting from applied pressure is only temporary and that the camera returns to its locked configuration when the pressure is released, my shooting involves very windy conditions where such flexibility is troublesome.
I own two mahogany Ebonys -- an SV57 and an SV Wholeplate. While those cameras are substantially more expensive than Canhams, 4x5 takes cost out of the equation. My strong recommendation is to go with an SV45Ti (there's no need for Ebony wood, so save the $300 and, more importantly, 1.3 lb.) and universal bellows. You'll not be disappointed with the camera's performance or ease of use.
Having owned several iterations of both Ebony and Canham cameras, I'd heed Sal's advice - his experiences and conclusions are identical to mine.
Ebonys are certainly fine cameras, I owned two, the SVTi and the SVTe. Like Sal, I preferred the Ti (mahogony) for the weight savings plus FWIW I liked its looks better. However, if you search here you'll find threads where others have suggested that the mahogony version isn't as solid or firm or whatever as the ebony and also doesn't hold its resale value as well since buyers expect an Ebony camera to be ebony. I just pass this along for your info, I didn't find any difference between the two except for the weight and I traded in the mahogony so I don't know about its resale.
I wouldn't get too carried away with the fact that titanium is used. As Michael Mutmansky has pointed out in another thread, using titanium doesn't serve any real purpose except to keep the weight down (and of course adds substantially to the cost).
Brian Ellis
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you do criticize them you'll be
a mile away and you'll have their shoes.
From Badger's site today:Originally Posted by Brian Ellis
K.B. Canham Wood 4x5 - $2,650, 6 lb.
Ebony SV45Ti w/universal bellows - $2,645, 4.6 lb.
So titanium doesn't add anything to the cost.
To be fair, the Canham is really a 5x7 camera with 4x5 back (the 5x7 Canham is also 6 lb.), so a more appropriate weight comparison would be to an SV57. The SV57 weighs 6.6 lb. In my opinion, titanium's strength-to-weight ratio is its advantage for view camera applications. It's about as strong as steel, not aluminum. The SV57 weight is slightly higher, not a purpose for choosing titanium over aluminum at all.
As to solidity of mahogany and ebony wood versions of 4x5 Ebony cameras, I find it difficult to imagine anything other than Brian's conclusion that they're the same. Mahogany leaves nothing to be desired in my larger Ebonies, and any theoretical advantage of ebony would be even smaller in a 4x5.
I've used a wood Canham 4x5/5x7 for years, and am currently also evaluating a non-folding Ebony 4x5 (quite different from the one you're looking at). I definitely prefer the Ebony for 4x5 (but miss my longer lenses...).
Still, I have to defend the Canham a bit. Canhams are built to provide excellent rigidity for their weight. They are generally quite light, with long bellows and surprising strength. The wood Canham, in my opinion, is a great lightweight 5x7 camera that can be converted to WP, 5x12, and 4x10. I also think it is a too large camera for just 4x5.
The Canham does have some differences from all other cameras in setup and folding. To me, these are differences, not quirks or deficiencies. Use the camera, and within short order they become second nature, and ended up making no difference to me in setup time or cognitive load.
My Ebony camera is smoother to focus than my Canham. They both seem plenty strong and rigid (perhaps the Ebony has an edge, it's hard for me to say).
Tell us where you are located, you may find folks here that live near you who can show one or the other to you. Good luck making your choice!
--clyde
I missed Sal's response while composing mine---I've weighed my Canham wood 5x7 with the 4x5 back, and I get closer to 6.5 pounds (I think the specified 6 pounds is too optimistic for the camera).
Again, for strictly 4x5, I think the Canham is rather big and heavy. It is still an outstanding camera for other formats, though.
Later,
--clyde
Actually there are two Canhams, the wood & aluminum mentioned in prior posts, and the all-metal DLC45. The wood & aluminum model is, as mentioned, really a 5x7 which can be converted with different backs into a 4x5 or a 4x10. The DLC45 (which I have) is a non-convertible 4x5, but it is also lighter (4lbs 11oz) and more compact. While I can't compare the DLC to the Ebony (since I've never owned one) I'm sure you can be quite happy with any of the choices, in the end it will come down to your own sense of ergonomics (how the camera handles) and looks.
"K.B. Canham Wood 4x5 - $2,650, 6 lb.
Ebony SV45Ti w/universal bellows - $2,645, 4.6 lb.
So titanium doesn't add anything to the cost."
?????? How do you know what the Ebony would cost if it used a less expensive metal?
Brian Ellis
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you do criticize them you'll be
a mile away and you'll have their shoes.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks