I am considering buying a used toyo 45A. I'm curious what sacrifices I'll be making by not buying the more expensive 45AII. I'll be using it almost exclusively for landscape work. Thanks Johnny
I am considering buying a used toyo 45A. I'm curious what sacrifices I'll be making by not buying the more expensive 45AII. I'll be using it almost exclusively for landscape work. Thanks Johnny
Almost nothing (though I may miss a couple of things).
The older 45A is similar to the 45AX in that it has a regular back not a rotating one - which I find I rarely need - and saves on weight.
Other than that the other main difference I think is the AII has rubberized knobs...
I think that's about it.
I bought an older 45A close to 10 years ago because it was cheaper and it's probably my most used 4x5
You'd be amazed how small the demand is for pictures of trees... - Fred Astaire to Audrey Hepburn
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I have a 20+ year old 45A and agree with Tim. Everything that really matters is the same. The only significant difference is the rotating back. Since I've never had one, I'm not at all sure why one would need one. It takes <5 seconds to change the back. Rubberized knobs might be nice but my plastic ones work just fine. Clearly one must look at what the price difference is, I might do it for $50, I'm not sure I'd be willing to spend more than that, but it's up to you.
You also get (should) a folding focusing hood as part of the original package. Some don't like it anyways, but it works fine for me. The rest is basically cosmetic and that's a stretch too.
Witold
simplest solutions are usually the most difficult ...
I have used many 4x5's over the years, some with rotating backs and some without. For the past several years the Toyo AX has been my primary field camera. As Tim noted a rotating back adds weight and also cost. With a little experience, changing orientation of the back takes about ten seconds. The Toyo field cameras are very sturdy and a good choice unless you plan to use long lenses and need something in excess of 13" or so of bellow.
I use the rotating back all the time, so it is useful if you have it. I believe the AII has an enhanced fresnel as well.
I used an AX quite a bit. Just to second what everybody else above has said, manually switching the back from horizontal to vertical is no big deal at all. Also, I bought the folding focusing hood and found it to be near impossible to actually focus with it; Toyo's claims of being able to do away with the darkcloth are very optimistic. It does protect the ground glass pretty well though...
Anyhow, my two cents says the AII isn't worth the extra dough.
I have a Toyo 45A complete with some accessories that I am currently taking offers to sell it. It is in excellent condition. I live in Ontario, Canada
One big plus for me in favor of the AII is the ruberized knobs. They make it dead easy to focus in very cold weather while wearling mittens (also present on the AX). If you don't do that then the only other difference worth mentioning is the Toyo Super Screen fresnel. It is a very bight view. I have used many field cameras and the Toyo's are among the fastest to setup and get focused. Alos tough. Mine etakes a beating all th time and aside from a lot of paint scrapes keeps on going.
Did you get to sell you 45S?
Just looking for something portable and old for a new 229mm lens. I dont mind non-rotating back if the camera is lighter however, the 45AII is interesting as well!
Asher Kelman
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