best low-cost field 4x5 for LF newbie?

[Mike Anderson]

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I get zero results when searching "Chamonix 4x5" on eBay.
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http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=...onix&_osacat=0

Just search for "Chamonix" in the camera section. But I'd wait until you can see the buy/sell forum here before buying from ebay.

[Leigh]

I get zero results when searching "Chamonix 4x5" on eBay.

Just search for Chamonix (no quotes). I got 19 hits.

If you're really determined to throw your money away, this is a good way to do it.

You could get some nice lenses for that amount of $$$.

- Leigh

[Frank Petronio]

Yeah obviously you should buy Leigh's camera instead!

[Leigh]

Yeah obviously you should buy Leigh's camera instead!

Only if it's the right camera for the application. I'd be losing money on that package, so I hope he doesn't buy it.

My point is that wasting money on overpriced nameplates will not in any way improve the OP's photography.
Buying a basic monorail or folder and putting the extra money into additional/better lenses will make much more of a difference.

It's a question of whether he wants to brag to friends in the pub about how much he spent on a camera,
or if he wants to go out and take good pictures.

The light can't read the name on the front of the camera body.

- Leigh

[Frank Petronio]

Your Plaubel would make a great first or last camera....

[ImSoNegative]

I bought a shen hao ptb45 a few years ago and love it, not sure what they cost now, but i paid i think 649 for mine then, through badger graphic. they weigh just under 3 pounds, the movements are a bit weird until you get used to it, depending on what you are used to. but it folds really nice and easy to backpack with.

[Ivan J. Eberle]

The problem I'd have in recommending a field camera as a first LF camera is that these only allow ground glass focusing off a tripod once the camera has been set up, unfolded, zero'd out, etc. It's not a particularly intuitive process, as many cameras particularly the wood folders don't all zero out with precision.
A metal folder has the flexibility of being able to be used similarly, but since most have infinity stops and will zero out simply by unfolding and setting them up, it may also be used as on a tripod and ready to shoot in 30 seconds, or even hand-held and ready to shoot in mere moments (if a rangefinder is mounted).
A Super Graphic could be a fine choice for a first camera, but because it doesn't have rack focusing for wide angle lenses, I like the Meridian 45B better myself. Used, either camera can be found for perhaps $250-400 on eBay.

[Leigh]

I agree that metal folders (Graphic press cameras et al) can be set up faster in most cases.
I've used press cameras, wooden folders, and monorails. I think press are the fastest to set up, monorails the slowest.

However, press are basically designed for a single lens. The infinity stops are only valid for a single focal length.
Some cameras have stops that fold down, so you can install more than one set, but then you must remember which to use.

Couple that with the fact that press-camera movements are limited, with typically none at all at the rear,
and your functionality is greatly diminished compared with other "real" LF cameras.

- Leigh

[Richard Wasserman]

Sinar Normas seem to be going for $300-400 on ebay. A lot of very capable camera for not a lot of money.

[kevwil]

If you're really determined to throw your money away, this is a good way to do it.

A Linhof Technikardan 45s is well north of $6K but the Chamonix is $900. How am I throwing my money away chasing overpriced nameplates? Your point is well taken, but your tone is not. Show me a better deal, don't insult me.