Large Format 4x5 Cameras?

[smoke665]

Oh, right. Large format. I was thinking of medium format

No you were right. For about the price of a nice new car you can get one of these in an 8x10 LargeSense Large Format Digital Backs and Cameras

 

[tirediron]

Have you considered a digital? .........

Who makes a 4x5 digital back?

Better Light was one of the big names IIRC, 'though I don't know that they're even still around.

 

[480sparky39 38]

Oh, right. Large format. I was thinking of medium format

No you were right. For about the price of a nice new car you can get one of these in an 8x10 LargeSense Large Format Digital Backs and Cameras

That's not a digital BACK. It's an ENTIRE CAMERA SYSTEM.

 

[tirediron]

Oh, right. Large format. I was thinking of medium format

No you were right. For about the price of a nice new car you can get one of these in an 8x10 LargeSense Large Format Digital Backs and Cameras

That's not a digital BACK. It's an ENTIRE CAMERA SYSTEM.

And one with a not insubstantial price tag!

 

[480sparky39 38]

And one with a not insubstantial price tag!

And it's "Expected USA price". Who know how much it'll really be if/when they actually become available?

 

[smoke665]

And one with a not insubstantial price tag!

Will be in TN next week. I plan on buying a Lottery ticket, so I should have enough to cover it. LOL

 

[gryffinwings]

Well guys, I caved, I found a pretty good deal I think on a Graflex Crown Special with no lens for 80 dollars, only issue it has is the what I find is called the Body Release on the side of the camera is gummed up pretty bad, I've heard this is pretty common issue, I don't think this will be detrimental to operating the camera as the shutter is in the lens to begin with.

 

[compur]

Good choice. These "Crown Special" models original came with a Schneider 135mm lens.

You probably won't need the body release.

 

[gryffinwings]

Good choice. These "Crown Special" models original came with a 4-element Schneider 135mm lens.

You probably won't need the body release.

Thank you, it was more luck than anything that I found this particular camera for sale at this price, I think I did rather well, now I am going to slowly gather what I need.

In regards to the Schneider 135mm lens, I'm not sure how I would identify that particular lens as there were quite a few different ones, can you show the specific lens you mean?

 

[Tim Tucker 2]

In regards to the Schneider 135mm lens, I'm not sure how I would identify that particular lens as there were quite a few different ones, can you show the specific lens you mean?

It was typically a Schnieder Xenar 135/4.7 - this is a small and light press lens though allows little movement as the image circle only just covers 5"x4". For press photography and with a lack of movements wider is preferred because of the DOF advantages. The smaller and cheaper lenses generally only have adequate coverage, to produce a wider image circle they generally get bigger and heavier.

Others to consider on a budget are the Kodak Ektar 127/4.7 (or 203/7.7), and the (Schnieder) Symmar 150/5.6 convertible.

A good budget 150mm is the Caltar II 150/5.6 but being more modern your camera may not close with it mounted, also worth noting is the Caltar II 135.

Some useful links:

A large format photography home page

135 - 240mm

 

[petrochemist115 140]

Have you considered a digital? .........

Who makes a 4x5 digital back?

There are several (scanning backs) all exceedingly expensive. I've also seen instructions for making your own from a scanner - but I think it goes beyond my DIY skills!

Of course there's the option of fitting a DSLR/mirrorless to the rear & stitching multiple shots for each frame. I may try that one day.

 

[Dave Colangelo]

I would not worry about the body release. In the 5 years I have had my speed graphic i have never used it. Pretty much all lenses you will encounter have a threaded port for a cable release and that is the way to go (they can be had for <$5 used). The body release shakes the camera way to much IMO but it was decent for press use when holding the camera in both hands.

Lenses are plentiful just look around and make sure you are buying a proper 4x5 lens and not one for a 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 as that may not have enough field coverage.

 

[gryffinwings]

I would not worry about the body release. In the 5 years I have had my speed graphic i have never used it. Pretty much all lenses you will encounter have a threaded port for a cable release and that is the way to go (they can be had for <$5 used). The body release shakes the camera way to much IMO but it was decent for press use when holding the camera in both hands.

Lenses are plentiful just look around and make sure you are buying a proper 4x5 lens and not one for a 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 as that may not have enough field coverage.

I'm not so much worried about as it would be a nice to have it fully functional, I'm fully aware that it's not needed. In regards to lens, I'm thinking a 127mm or 135mm Ektar or Optar.

 

[Dave Colangelo]

Ive got the Optar 135 on my SpeedGraphic. Its a nice lens and i quite like it but I cant say I have a ton to go off of. My only comparison is the 155 on my cambo which is also an entry level lens.

You really can put any lens on the cameras provided you can get or fabricate a lens board that will fit however some may not allow you to close the camera. Depending on how you use it that may or may not practically matter.

If you are going to do anything on the 4x5 front, learn how to grind glass as you are bound to shatter a few panels along the way. At $10-20 a piece they add up. I have tried all the methods out there and like the aluminum oxide slurry method the best. The stuff is cheap and you only need a half a teaspoon to do a panel. The glass for windows at your local hardware store has served me well.

To really get the most out of film (B&W especially) you will need to process at home. Its fairly straight forward and generally cost effective but always worth it.

 

[IanG]

What is an MPP camera? Micro Precision Products? Not sure what to look for with those cameras.

Well the MicroTechnical cameras are essentially Linhof Technika clones based on the model built around the end of WWII, aprt of war reparations. I have 2 MkIII's and a MkVII all the same features as a Technika but not the same lens board. The MkVI and VII's are the best, the MkVII's are ok but I much prefer the MkVII and that seems to be a consensus view.

The MPP MicroPress is essentially a Graflex Speed Graphic with a few MPP parts to get around draconian Import restrictions here in the UK after WWII, you had to apply for a special licence to import some goods and that included cameras and lenses. MPP made the MicroCord which was essentially a Rolleicord III but with a far superior Ross Xpres lens. The Xpres on my MicroCord II is the best (and sharpest) of all my TLR lenses.

Ian