Looking to buy a 4x5

SoulfulRecover · Dec 7, 2015

Got a raise at work and to celebrate, I would like to purchase a 4x5. I have looked at the press 4x5s like the Graflex and I like them because of their size but how limited are their movements? Ideally I would like to be able to emulate Polly Chandlers (met her a couple times. Super awesome soul: Polly Chandler Photography: Nashville, TN ) style. I can see the images in my head, just not sure what the right tools are.

480sparky · Dec 7, 2015

It looks like she's using a lot of tilt movements, with some occasional swing, to create the blurring in the images. If you want to duplicate that effect, you'll need more than a press camera as those usually don't have much in terms of movement.

A field camera would probably work best, as a monorail is usually too bulky and heavy for much field work (unless you're a glutton for punishment).

SoulfulRecover · Dec 7, 2015

use to take the schools field camera hiking all the time haha

Designer · Dec 7, 2015

The front lens board will do rises and some tilting, but the back doesn't move.

SoulfulRecover · Dec 7, 2015

If I go with a monorail, what would you recommend? Not looking to spend too much, maybe in the 500 range?

dxqcanada · Dec 7, 2015

Hmm, its been a while since I used one, it was a Cambo. Had to lug it around for school, and it was heavy.

... I have aways liked the Horseman 450, I think only because of the L.

480sparky · Dec 7, 2015

500 clams is pretty thin for a complete kit. You'll need the camera, a couple film holders, a lens & board, focus loupe etc. Then it's off to buy film, and where do you get it processed? Are you going to shoot color, or b&w. If color, your best bet is to send it to a lab. Color can be done at home, but it's awfully persnickity in terms of time and temperature. B&w is far more forgiving, and can be souped at home without breaking the bank.

You might get by with a used Cambo monorail and a basic 150mm lens. But monorails aren't the handiest to lug around in the field.

Derrel · Dec 8, 2015

The old Linhof Color is a good,sturdy monorail for field use, and it can be fitted with a pretty short rail for the 150 or 240mm lenses. It's a very unusual monorail, different in design than others. It can be compressed very tightly and made very compact for backpacking. I own one, it's in storage right now. Not the Color Kardan, which is massive and expensive, but the old, Lihof Color would be the lower-cost, portable monorail 4x5 I'd recommend, based on experience and ownership of one. I think old Kodak-made view cameras (mononrails) are even lower in price. Many student-oriented Cambos were low-cost.

SoulfulRecover · Dec 8, 2015

Thanks for the continued info!

Ive seen Cambos and Toyos going for 150-200 on ebay or locally. The plan is to shoot B&W, E6, color and set it up for New 55's instant film. There are a couple shops here in town that process anything you bring them.
500 wasn't for everything, just the body and lens. I have an 8x10 lens and nice ground glass waiting for a body of some sort as well.

480sparky · Dec 8, 2015

SoulfulRecover said:
......There are a couple shops here in town that process anything you bring them...........

Dayum! Not one, but TWO?!?!?! How lucky can you get?

SoulfulRecover · Dec 8, 2015

480sparky said:
SoulfulRecover said:

......There are a couple shops here in town that process anything you bring them...........

Click to expand...

Dayum! Not one, but TWO?!?!?! How lucky can you get?

I think one might send the other some stuff to process but Im not sure. I just go to the closest place which is 3 blocks from my office.

There is Precision Camera and Holland Photo Imaging.

Designer · Dec 8, 2015

The one I had was SpeedGraphic, which was the press version. I think the crown graphic was in higher demand, but I never actually saw one in person. Both those cameras can get you started in 4x5 with a moderate investment, but as you have already presumed, they are lacking in features for the view camera genre. I practically gave mine away several years ago at my garage sale. Along with all the film stuff to go with it. I also had a 120 roll-film back.

Have you checked this site?

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