What are they called?

[macandal]

So, a LF camera that can be carried around, a "portable," if you will, is called what? A field camera? I'm asking because I've seen some cameras sold as "field" cameras that don't seem to be portable at all. In any case, what are they called? Thanks.

[E. von Hoegh]

A press camera.

[macandal]

A press camera.

Thanks. That clears the air. Some people call them "field" cameras. So, second question, what would you recommend? I'm in the market for one. Thanks.

[E. von Hoegh]

What are your requirements? A press camera has very limited movements as compared to a field camera. The press camera is meant to be used handheld, primarily for the large negative. They will have some front rise, maybe some front swing, and not much else for movements. A field camera will have front rise, tilt and swing and usually rear tilt and swing.

[Graybeard]

What are your requirements? A press camera has very limited movements as compared to a field camera. The press camera is meant to be used handheld, primarily for the large negative. They will have some front rise, maybe some front swing, and not much else for movements. A field camera will have front rise, tilt and swing and usually rear tilt and swing.

The press camera also has groundglass focussing and some bellows extension. Our in-house laboratory photographer used these features quite a bit (with a tripod) for close ups.

[E. von Hoegh]

The press camera also has groundglass focussing and some bellows. Our in-house laboratory photographer used these features quite a bit (with a tripod) for close ups.

Yes, however for it's intended use the GG was not used. Some of the RF fitted models didn't even have the GG back. The bellows are commonly on the short side.

None of this is to say that a press camera cannot be used in the field - it can, and very effectively. But it's important to be aware of the limitations.

[Malouk]

The "speed graphic" camera is the most famous press camera because she has a rangefinder,a shutter (like a 35mm reflex) and it is possible to use old Lens (like Hermagis) or other Lens like the aéro ektar.
The Bush pressman is also a good press camera but she hasn't shutter.


PS:Be careful a lot of press camera is in very bad condition et there are a lot of smaller format.

[Bob Salomon]

Some are technical cameras - Linhof Technikas and Wista RF are examples
Some are press cameras - Crown Graphic or Speed Graphic, for example
Some are field cameras - Wista cherry wood, rose wood or quince wood and Linhof TechniKardan are examples.

Technical cameras have front and back view camera movements and can be hand held thaks to a rangefinder and view finders.
Press cameras have no back movements and may have front movements and can be hand held thanks to a rangefinder and view finder
Field cameras have front and back movements but no view finder or rangefinder and are not designed to be hand held.

All of the above fold in one shape or another. The TK has a collapsing rail and folds. The others have beds that fold. All are highly portable. Press cameras are more limited in lens capability then the others. Some can go extreme wide, others have very little wide capability. Many have short bellows which limit how long a lens can be used or how close you can focus.

So the choice is largely dependent on what you want to shoot and how you want to shoot.

Cameras West in Walnut Creek have all of these types, and more, in stock. Bear Images in Palo Alto also has many of these in stock. You might want to visit them and see what the differences actually are for yourself. And they have people in their stores that can show you how they work and what their differences are.