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Thread: Large Format on a budget

  1. #1

    Large Format on a budget

    I have been looking at getting into large format photography. I plan to use it f or landscape photography primarily. I have been looking at the Speed, Crown, Gra phics as a first camera. It seems to be had for a reasonable amount of $$ (less than $400.00) and I was told that if I wanted down the road I can get modern len ses for it. Is this true? What are the pitfalls that I should be looking for in evaulating one of these cameras? Is it expensive to get the shutter recalibrated ? (i.e. slower speeds) I live in the Boston area, anyone know of any place to ta ke a camera for a CLA?

    Thanks,

    Joe Widner

  2. #2
    Kevin Kolosky
    Join Date
    Jun 1999
    Posts
    791

    Large Format on a budget

    Joe

    It is certainly true that a speed or crown graphic camera can be used for landscape photography. Many years ago I used one (crown) for just about every kind of photography. But, when people say they are "getting into" something in photography it is wise to consider that the "getting into" might turn out to be a "passion for", which invariably leads to wanting different equipment. IN the case of landscape photography, you will be quite limited with the crown or speed. the lenses are good, but if you want to use the rangefinders you need to have cams for each lens if I remember correctly. And they don't have real convienient movements, and their bellows are rather short if you want to use longer lenses or shoot close ups. I would highly suggest a good use B & J 4 x 5 with either a 180 or 210 lens as a begining outfit. Might be a bit more than $400 (you will need a decent tripod, film holders, case, dark cloth, and light meter as well. But you will have alot more flexibility with the B & J. Lastly, I would make sure that no matter where I bought the camera, and especially the lens, that you buy it on approval. If the seller is worth his salt he won't be trying to sell you junk. That means that he should stand behind his/her merchandise. That means that you should be able to take it out and try it to see if it is going to work for you. If it does, then keep it. If not, take it back and get your money back. don't be in a hurry. take your time to assemble your kit. don't overpay, but don't try and get everyting for free either. pay a fair price for fair goods and you will be happy. kevin

  3. #3

    Large Format on a budget

    I think that an Omega 45E is a great choice for a starter. They can be found for $300-400 quite easily, they have plenty of movement, bellows length, cheap lens boards, still repaired by Toyo. The only down side is they are bigger and heavier than the fancy new Arca Swiss or something like that. I bought one several years ago and have yet to move on past it. If you buy one watch for cracked blocks on the rail mounts, this is a common problem caused by overtightening the clamps. This malady can be repaired by replaceing with new Toyo parts but that gets costly.

  4. #4

    Large Format on a budget

    The beauty of large format is that you are never locked entirely into 1 system. The lenses are what really count, and these are easilly interchangeable.

    A $400.00 Crown Graphic that needs shutter work and other maintenance can easilly become a $800.00 Crown Graphic. It's still a 40 year old camera, with limited movements and older optics.

    For my money, I would buy new at Calumet. You can get decent new View Camera and lens right now for about $1000.00. I think this would prove nearly as cheap in the long run. This is just my opinion, and I hope you make the right decision for you. Large Format is great, and it really can add to your capabilities.

  5. #5

    Large Format on a budget

    The Calumet Cadet's are a good starting point. Another option is the Toyo CX. Street price is around $650. Although the Toyo has much plastic in it, and perhaps not as strong as you'd like, it is a system camera. It takes graflok backs, has interchangeable bellows, the mono-rail works with their other cameras.

    If you can find a Toyo AR or A, these are decent little workhorses. I bought mine new in the mid 80's for $550. The current incarnation is $2000.

    A nice thing about LF, if you take care of your camera, you can always resell it, and get a decent amount for it.

    Another option, is the lower price wood field cameras. Some swear by them. Some swear at them. They are close to your price range, I think.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Feb 1999
    Posts
    76

    Large Format on a budget

    You should decide what is more important portability or movements. if you need portability a monorail (like omega,calumet,cambo) may present problems.if go for a graphic get a super speed its the only one that can shoot vertical and it has front swing.as for monorails i have cambo that i got for $250 its bulky but very flexible and easy to use (just hard to carry).i shoot in the city so i drive alot walk a little and the cambo works fine. if you hike or walk alot or take public trans you should get something smaller (super speed).peace out- J

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Jun 1999
    Posts
    133

    Large Format on a budget

    All of the above is good advice. The fact that a lens is old doesn't really doesn't mean that it will need a CLA, though it's a nice thought. A CLA will probably run $50-$80.

    You probably can get into LF landscape for $400, have plenty of fun, and get some nice images. I started with a $250 Busch Pressman with a 127mm Ektar and have a couple of 16X20 prints from this camera that are very nice. I soon found myself with a set-up more in the $1000+ range. The press cameras have their quirks and limitations if you intend to use them much. I will offer some general advice. Research some of the other LF cameras in your price range including a monorail. The large format home page is a great resource and will help. I think you can almost get a camera and lens that will allow movements if you're willing to sacrifice some other conveniences. In my book, movements are one of the main reasons to use a LF camera.

    If you buy an older camera, go through a reputed dealer such as Midwest Camera. I would ask about shutter speeds and bellows light leaks as some basic questions. EBay has been hit and miss for me regarding older cameras. I'm probably 50/50 in getting older cameras from eBay that have more problems than I expected. Even if you have an inspection option, some interesting problems may turn up later as you get familiar with format.

  8. #8

    Large Format on a budget

    "A $400.00 Crown Graphic that needs shutter work and other maintenance can easilly become a $800.00 Crown Graphic. It's still a 40 year old camera, with limited movements and older optics. "

    There is no shutter on a Crown Graphic. Don't get it confused with the Speed Graphic - (which has a built in focal plane shutter).

    ?..and older optics??

    As mentioned above, the beauty of LF is that you can make your lens decision independent of your camera selection (up to a point). Find a good lens, and it won't necessarily need a CLA.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Aug 2000
    Posts
    182

    Large Format on a budget

    Joe,

    I totally agree with Kevin's post on this topic. If you are shooting lanscapes primarily, forget a monorail - it will be more trouble than it's worth. People who shoot studio/interiors primarily, will tell you that they are good for any type shooting. DON'T believe it. If you want to shoot landscapes and outdoor scenics, get an old field. For <$500 I'd suggest an old Ansco or Burke and James for starters (~$250 for one in good shape) and buy the best 210-240 you can afford (Schneider, Nikon, Ektar are fine). Get one in a good Copal shutter.

    You won't need all the movements of a studio camera, and the ruggedness of the old wooden cameras is a real positive.

  10. #10

    Large Format on a budget

    For the most frugal approach to LF buy an 8x10 film holder, some film, and make a cheap pinhole camera. This means no lens, no enlarger, and no camera, but it will give you a feel for loading film, shooting limited numbers of carefully chosen shots, and carrying equipment. You will also experience the delights of tray processing sheet film and using large amounts of developer!

    If you decide that you really want to move up to LF, choices about cameras and lenses depend alot on what kind of photography you do. Your post says landscape, but will you apply LF to studio work etc.? The best thing to do is get out all your negatives and categorize what you shoot and, if possible, what type of 35mm/medium format lenses you have used in the past. If you find that wide-angle landscapes dominate your photos then get a wide angle lens and a wood or metal field camera.

    Remember that there is no such thing as large format on a budget, at least a small budget! You can get a Crown Graphic with an Optar for about $250, but you will eventually need an 4x5 enlarger. New 4x5's run over $2,000 if you include a lens. Even a used enlarger will likely cost more than your initial outlay for the camera. Thus, if long term cost is an issue, you may lean towards a larger LF camera (8x10).

    ........................................

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