4x5 Camera suggestions for LF newbie

[craigmagee]

Hi everyone, new to the forums and 5x4, so please be gentle.
Sorry if this has been asked before, searches were fruitless...

Basically, I recently bought an Imacon scanner, worked on one about 10 years ago and thought it was ace, with the intention of getting back into shooting film.
Originally was going to go for a MF camera but as the beast will scan 5x4 I've decided to just go the whole hog and get a LF camera

So I'm after suggestions on what would be a good camera for me.
I want it for architectural/landscape work as that's my main focus at the moment.
I have a 5dmk2 for everything else!!

I've always preferred to use quite wide lenses so whatever you suggest has to be able to easily use something like say a 75mm!?!
I'd like it to be fairly portable and easy to setup.
Needs to be well made, I've had cheap products in the past and just get frustrated with them! I'll want to use them for paying jobs so it has to be dependable.
Oh and don't want to spend more than say £1200-1500 really, for camera and lens, so obviously looking for used.

I've done some research on whats out there, and looked on fleebay, and I have a few i like the look of -
Linhof Master Technika - seen one on fleebay with 3 lenses at a good price so far!
Ebony RSW - would probably have to wait a while to pick one up but i like the simplicity
Walker Titan XL - interesting camera made locally and a reasonable sounding price
Chamonix 45n-1 - interesting looking lightweight camera.

Would be great though if I can get your personal opinions on a what you use.

Cheers

Craig

[gari]

Hi Craig, I have a linhof Technikarden I am looking to sell that is well within your budget. I have a 75mm lens that I rarely use though it may have limited movements for architectural work, I do have a Super Angulon 90mm that will easily cover with movements also. It is very portable and reasonably light at about 3kg, packs down to fit into a bag or rucksac very well. It is in very good condition.
I can send some images if you PM me your email address.

I was looking for around £800 with one of the lenses.

Gari

[hmvmanuk]

Hi Craig,

Peter Walnes in Somerset has an Ebony RSW on his list at the moment for £880. http://www.peterwalnes.com/component/op ... /Itemid,1/

Good luck,

Gavin

[Paul Mitchell]

Welcome to the forum Craig.

I don't think you can go far wrong with Gari's Technikarden, if I had the spare cash I definitely would be after it! I would still keep my Chamonix 45N-1 though as it's so lightweight.

Paul

[Bogdan_B]

Hi Craig,

I have an Ebony RW45 for sale, is listed in the classified section. PM me for more details if you are interested.

Bogdan

[craigmagee]

Thanks for the replies so far guys.
I looked at the Technikardan on Linhofs site, but have to admit it seems like a bit of a beast to carry.
I'll give it some thought.

Paul, how do you find your Chamonix? is it solid? what sort of lenses do you use with it? any things that annoy you about it?

I'm not in a major rush to get anything so want to have a good think about what to get and all the feedback I can get would be greatly appreciated.

[Bogdan_B]

I am a Chamonix 045N-1 user myself. I use a range of lenses from 65 to 300mm all of them on flat panels without any issues. The only annoying thing that comes to mind is the position of the focusing knob especially if you are using a Blackjacket with the bag attached. I would advise you to pay the extra few dollars and get the universal bellows.You should also be aware of the problem the 045N-1 has with the Fresnel lens. More info about this matter can be found here: http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/

Bogdan

[Paul Mitchell]

Craig, currently I use 90, 150, 180 & 240 lenses on mine without any problems, the universal bellows would be a welcome addition though especially when using the 90mm. I use the BTZS focussing tube and never have any problems with the back focussing knob. My only niggle would be the visibility of the markings on the focussing rail, OK in daylight but a pain at twilight. Overall though very pleased.

Have had no problems with the reported focussing issue mainly because I hardly ever stop down lower than f16

Paul

[craigmagee]

Cheers guys,
how did you find Chamonix to deal with? i'm guessing you bought direct as I cant find a dealer in the UK!. What was the cost of the camera with the bellows, shipping and import?

What lenses are you all using? Schneider? Rodenstock? Fuji? Nikon?

I've seen a Nikon 75mm f4 on fleebay for about £500, worth picking up?

[Paul Mitchell]

Craig, I was fortunate enough to piggyback someone else's order but I believe you just email Hugo http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/contact.html place an order, pay and await delivery.

All my lenses are Schneider but they're all pretty much the same, just be careful with people's descriptions... I bought a 90mm that needed the shutter servicing... when it arrived there were actually no shutter blades in it!

Paul

[Bogdan_B]

I wasn't that fortunate with mine, i had to wait about 4 months for it (Chinese New Year was one of the reasons). You can try your luck here: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT
I'm not sure if they can provide it with the universal bellows.

My lenses are 65mm Schneider, 90mm Nikon, 150mm Schneider(used a Nikon previously), 210mm Nikon, 300mm Nikon. The throat is not very big, especially with the universal bellows, you might have a problem if you get a lens like the 90/5.6 Super Angulon XL.
I can even tell that my copy performed quite well in a crash test on the slopes of Table Mountain,near Crickhowell while i was reaching for a lens in my backpack. After the crash test i also discovered the bed is made from wood in the middle and 2 thin sheets of carbon fiber, like a sandwich, and not full carbon fiber as many people think.

[hmvmanuk]

Craig,

I e-mailed Hugo at Chamonix last Friday to enquire about availability and pricing. Here's his reply:-

Hi Gavin,

We have 45n-1 cameras in teak and maple wood with gray and black metal finish at our factory ready to ship. The price for a 45n-1 with standard bellows is $778 and with universal bellows is $828. The EMS shipping charge to UK is $78. There is a 4% Paypal fees added to the total since you are outside US and will likely to use Paypal.

No, we don't have an outlet in UK and your camera will be shipped directly from our factory.

Please let me know your shipping address with phone number and your choice of wood and metal finish when you are ready to order.

Thanks.
Hugo


So I guess you could order with confidence at the moment.

Gavin

[craigmagee]

Cheers for the info folks.

Thats interesting about the construction of the bed. I thought it was a solid carbon filled plastic, but reading the website it sounds more akin to snowboard construction with the high pressure bonding of composite over a wood core.

Well the price is definitely making it tempting. My only worry is how much parcelforce would want to rape me for, for passing it from one office to the other!
I got some RC car stuff from Japan once and they charged me £15 just for handling, the parts didnt qualify for import duty just vat at about £3!!

I know it wont be as much as buying an Ebony, but at least there is no worries about shipping and warranty issues would be easier to deal with.

[dave_whatever]

If you're considering the lightweight models like ebony RSW or 45SW (i.e. bellows limited to ~180mm ish) then you could also look at the equivalent shen hao, good value relatively speaking:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SHEN-HAO-TFC45A-N ... 3efa60a6f2

[jennym]

Hi Craig,

You would probably find it helpful to have a look at a few different cameras before you buy if you can. They do have different personalities and capabilites, size, weight, movements etc, and what suits one person may not suit another. I'm sure that many members on the forum would be more than happy to show you their cameras if it would help. Also, although you have a leaning towards wider lenses, they can be more difficult to focus and generally have a smaller image circle. So you may find it easier to start with something like a 90mm or 135mm. And you can usually buy used equipment in excellent condition if you look around.

Good luck with whatever you decide, and enjoy!

Jenny