Just out of curiosity: why do you need a rotating back? All my cameras except one have backs that come off and remount to change orientation and I've never had a problem. In fact, I like them more than the rotating back, which is a bit clunky.
Best,
Doremus
It does not. A drawback if you want the most flexibility. For instance, if you want to use a roll film holder you need to us one that can fit in the back like a film holder. It does give you more options for front tilt than a Speed Graphic, however.
A rotating back is overrated. You need a Graflok back and one that can be switched from landscape to portrait orientation.
I think most 4x5 (and LF cameras in general) have rotating backs; either they rotate in place or the back is a square that you can pop off and rotate 90 degrees to switch between portrait and landscape.
The Speed/Crown Graphic press cameras are probably the most common models that don't have a rotating back, but it's pretty uncommon to find a field camera or monorail where you can't rotate the back.
Hey hi, Linhof Technika and Wista 45DX these offer standard rotating backs like the Graflex Superspeed,
The Wista 45DX is a wooden camera. Wista wooden cameras do not have revolving backs. They have reversible backs. On the other hand, Wista metal cameras have revolving backs.
Kumar
The Kodak Master View 4x5 with a revolving back weighs a pound more than my early Graphic View with a reversing back, and is slightly taller, even though the Graphic includes a tilting and panning base. Perhaps the Kodak Master would be preferable in a studio, but not on a hike.
not all 4x5 have a rotating back. Its more or less depending entirely on the maker of the camera, and the actual model. Its confusing but you need to get interested in a camera body, and then research the camera body. SOME companies sold the rotating back as a standard item on ALL cameras, others ONLY on specific models. Others sold it as an optional attachment feature for specific models.
Its also POSSIBLE that you can find a tripod that has a tilt/flip feature that lets you rotate the camera 90* to one side. but that is gonna make a god awfully unbalanced and side heavy setup that i would not try outside the studio setting.
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