Right now I'm using a B&J 5x7 fitted with a 4x5 back. It gets the job done. But it's big, and bulky. And I feel like I'm carrying my Eastman No.2D. Which doesn't really work when I'm hiking or backpacking. I decided I would spend a little money for a nice compact field camera. I did my share of research, but before I made any final choices I thought it would be wise to come to those that know best. I've narrowed it down to three cameras. First is the Toyo 45CF. It's the cheapest, but is also the most limiting. Second is a Tachihara Cherrywood 4x5 (I couldn't find a model number, do they only make one 4x5?). It seems pretty similar to the Toyo, with a few more movements. Finally, I found the Horseman 45 Woodman. Seems to be the most solidly constructed, with a pretty decent set of movements.
Now we get to the rest... the lens I've been using is a Schneider SA 90 XL. The B&J is tight on movements with the flat lens board I made. I found the Toyo's minimum bellows extension with a flat board is 80mm. The Tachihara's minimum is 65mm, and the Horseman's minimum is 45mm. In that sense, the Horseman seems to take the cake. The Toyo has the bulkiest dimensions and it's the heaviest (by a few ounces), the Tachihara and Horseman are close in size.
And the financial breakdown (I'm going to do some more shopping around):
Horseman: $898
Tachihara: $779
Toyo (through the MAC-on-Campus program): $626
I'm favoring the Horseman, but want to get some more opinions. My guess is the Horseman would be the sturdiest body. Does anyone have experience with the cameras or any words of advice? I'd definitely appreciate it. I'm going to continue my research, and see if I can make some treks to retailers where I can look at them in person first. Thanks again for the help folks. It's always appreciated!
Links to each:
Toyo - http://www.adorama.com/TY45CF.html
Tachihara - http://www.adorama.com/VW45FC.html
Horseman - http://www.adorama.com/HMW45.html
Bookmarks