Most travel-friendly 4x5 setup?

[Willie]

Technikas are not all that light but they are compact. Fold up into a bombproof clamshell.

You won't go wrong with one of them.

[oscartbeer]

3 options come to mind based on your spec list of 90mm, front rise, and travel friendly

1. Technical option like Cambo Wide, Alvandi Panoral, Arca Swiss RL3di,etc. Sturdy, simple, and accurate.

2. Wood non folding option like Ebony Wide, Ebons RSW45, Chamonix 45HS-1, etc. A few more movements and lighter weight but a little less sturdy and precise.

3. Folder like Linhof/Graflex/etc. Packs into it's own box and the lens folds inside to save space and keep that safe. Heavier option, but if you use it handheld with an RF you can ditch the tripod entirely which will save you more weight and space than any camera ever could.

Personally I've ended up using my Linhof handheld a surprising amount of times due to unforeseen tripod restrictions. It feels like any famous landmark is tripod-free these days.

[esearing]

Nagaoka, Ikeda Anba, or Shen Hao - wood folder with a convertible 135mm/235mm schneider lens. 2 grafmatic holders for 12 sheets. Meter, cable release, filters, dark cloth. Fits in a soft lunchbox or shaving travel kit (pelican case if you are fancy). Travel tripod from FLM.
The Chamonix N2 is slightly larger but would be a good contender for a small kit.

[CreationBear]

I would throw the Horseman “technical” cameras in the mix (FA/HD) with a Rodenstock 135/5.6 that will fold inside the body. I’d also take a hard look at a 6x12 RFB, especially since I think 120 hits he sweet spot in terms of image quality and convenience.

[angusparker]

The Chamonix upright 45H1 or a variant thereof would make a good choice. Can be kept with a lens on, fast to set up, shorter bellows than the F versions. Upside is the option of a 4x10 back with bellows.

[darr]

Ebony RSW

[Vaughn]

A fun and very usable 4x5 for travel.

About a kilo with a 150/5.6 lens/shutter on it. If one can carry a tripod all day, one can carry the pod with the camera on it all day -- film and meter in a small shoulder bag. Nothing needs to be put on the ground except the tripod feet. The 12" rail breaks into two and I usually just keep the 6" section on the camera. I've been using it for about 40 years...international travel, bicycle tours, backpacking, road trips, and everyday use.

[tgtaylor]

https://toyoview.com/content/45CF_instructions.pdf

Folds up with a 150mm apo-sironar installed. Generous rise and fall, swing, shift and tile on front standard and enough bellows for a 400mm lens. Back tilt of15°. Can use a 90mm lens on a flat lensboard without having to drop the bed. 75mm or wider lens requires the bed drop.

[jnantz]

Couldn't agree more!
Toyo's modern CF cameras are great, I have their view camera version the "CX" and couldn't be happier with it..

I hate to ask this s_c if my comment is too late and you already found something
and you only used 1 lens what lens was it ? im thinking of making a "travels flat" box camera where people just supply their lens ...
I mean as long as you know your lens and what you are pointing to, point and shoot on a leveled tripod works great..

Jak

[Drew Wiley]

My lightweight 4x5 is an Ebony RW45. It will handle up to 360mm standard lenses, but isn't ideal for wide angle work shorter than 90mm. Ebony was the finest quality wooden line ever, with the best hardware (machined titanium). I chose the lighter weight pattern-grade mahogany version (versus heavier actual ebony wood). It's plenty compact.

In terms of what is still in production, I'd look at one of the Chamonix models.

There was a time when hikers and backpackers mostly either went for lightweight little Wista woodies (or something similar), or, on the other hand, distinctly heavier but more durable Linhof Technikas. My brother was a Technika guy, but never carried it very far from the car, while I did many long strenuous backpacks with an even heavier, more versatile Sinar monorail system. The little Ebony folder was a wise pre old age investment.