4x5-Field vs. Monorail

[venchka]

OK, slightly off topic. Moderators: Move if required.

What I think I really want is a field camera. However, I have an opportunity to buy from an individual with inspection before purchase. Here is the brief description:

The 4x5 is a Toyo View on a rail, with a Rodenstock 210mm 1:5.6 len, a ton of film holders, dark cloth, big ol' case and I might part with the tripod as well. Let me know what you would pay for it.

How hard is it to pack a monorail camera as opposed to a field camera way back in the woods? I assume the Rodenstock lens is very acceptable. What would a fair price be for the camera & lens? I'll add to that for whatever I think the accesories are worth.

Thanks for your help!

 

[kaiyen]

You get a lot more movements, but you have to carry around the actual rail with you, plus mounting the whole thing together when you move.

Wait for a field camera, IMO.

allan

 

[bmattock]

A box for a monorail 4x5 camera looks like you could put Jimmy Hoffa in it. Mushed up a bit, but still.

A field camera can be small enough to put in a backpack - even a pocket, if you're Andre the Giant.

Field cameras and monorails both have infinity focus - great for outdoor shots. Monorails have lots and lots of funky movements - great for product shots, studio this and that, and architecture shots.

I have purchased not one but two Speed Graphics - disassembled both with the best of intentions, and reduced them to a box o' parts. Will start again at some point. They're great cameras.

 

[BSchall]

To packback the monorail, you would have to basically disassemble the standards from the rail. I'm not sure how easy this is. Add to that the weight, probably around 8 lbs just for the camera. My Tachihara takes about 2 minutes to set up and weighs 3.5 lbs.

I first got into 4x5 with a Calumet 400 monorail. Almost impossible to use at more than 100 yards from your car. Next tried a Busch Pressman. Nice camera but limited in using a wide angle lens. Now have the Tachihara. Probably could be better but it would cost 2-3X the price to find out. So far I haven't had any problems.

 

[Jerevan]

I have been known to haul monorails into the woods and it works well, I think. YMMV, but here is one account: http://www.largeformatphotography.info/mono-field.html.

I have used a Horseman LE (with a short rail, 150 mm, I think it was) and once on the tripod it worked a charm. I have also used a smaller Arca-Swiss (older model) and that worked well, too. What you may gain is an easier setup with a field camera. But note, not all field cameras are capable of having a lens attached when folded, and thus some of the setup ease goes away. With a little perseverance and some structured thinking about how you put stuff into the bag or backpack you'll get a long way from home...

 

[Ash]

You don't necessarily need to disassemble the whole monorail.

I fitted the Calumet monorail that I'm selling near-complete into a laptop backpack. I simply removed the front standard and the rail, and placed them in other pockets in the bag.

Other than the rail it's hardly any larger** than the wooden 4x5's and it has near-unlimited movements.



The weight is the biggest issue, metal is obviously heavier than wood. It's all down to your chosen subject matter.

Edit: ** silly me!

 

[BillBingham2]

A lot depends upon how much teaking do you want to do when you take the picture. Do you need/want the ability of ultimate swings and tilts and stuff for close-ups for every shot? Or can live with the limited but still usefull movements you find in say a Crown Graphic (like a speed, but using between the lens shutter rather than a focal plain shutter)?

I love my old monorail, built like a tank. It does great things for product, still life and portaits. But I would much rather pack my Crown Graphic and a few lenses. It has enough adjustments for me and its a rangefinder!

B2 (;->

 

[kmack]

O<snip>way back in the woods</snip>

Going way back in the woods... find the lightest field camera you can find... Remember you will also be lugging a sturdy tripod, film holders, dark cloth, meter, loupe and a lens or so. The weight of all that stuff adds up.

I have taken my monorail for short hikes on the C&O canal but the canal is flat and level and I have never wanted to hike more than a mile or two.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

a wood field camera is more romantic, a monorail more utilitarian, either will work fine.

Todd

 

[colyn]

A field 4x5 camera will usually fold up into a small package and can be carried in a small bag/case whereas the monorail has to have a case designed for monorail models to be safely carried. The case will be much larger than a case for the field camera.

 

[kmack]

a wood field camera is more romantic, a monorail more utilitarian, either will work fine.

Todd

Very pretty camera Todd, what is that, a Tachihara with a graflok back?

 

[venchka]

Thanks!

Thanks!

Thanks one and all!

Maybe if I define what it is I want to do with a 4x5 camera it will help me to narrow my criteria for a camera.

Product photography: Fuhgettaboutit. I am the self-avowed World's worst when it comes to Product pictures. I'm not a whole lot better at still life either.

Portraits, Architecture: Not really planning on this either.

Landscape: This is why I want a 4x5 camera. Minerals, vegtables & clouds. That is my main purpose for a large format camera.

Movements: Foreign to me at the moment. Any camera movements will confuse me at first. Probably best to keep it simple.

If it sounds like I am talking myself into a bare bones folding 4x5 camera, you're probably right. On the other hand I may go look at the view camera for educational purposes.

Keep the information flowing.

 

[venchka]

Todd is the MAN!

Todd is the MAN!

a wood field camera is more romantic, a monorail more utilitarian, either will work fine.

Todd

You rascal! I didn't know you had one of those. We need to talk. Some weekend when I'm in Houston and you are free.

I could wag home a wood & brass camera and set it up amongst the antiques and my Decorator would go for it. 😀

 

[f/stopblues]

I have a Cambo 4x5 monorail and have adopted the philosophy of, "If its more than 100 yards from the car, it's not photogenic." (someone's sig on apug) I love the negatives but my big, black, probably bulletproof case is a beast to lug around if you're not on pavement (it has wheels and a telescopic handle!)

It was my first view camera and I haven't gotten close to the capabilities of the movements yet. Looking back, I wish I had bought a field camera because my needs don't suit this camera. In fact, I'd like to sell it at some point but I haven't wanted to go through the trouble of listing, shipping, etc yet.

 

[venchka]

I just heard from the seller. The camera is a Toyo G model.

There's one on craigslist right now. Go figure.

I am inclined to pass.

 

[kmack]

I have a Cambo 4x5 monorail and have adopted the philosophy of, "If its more than 100 yards from the car, it's not photogenic." (someone's sig on apug) I love the negatives but my big, black, probably bulletproof case is a beast to lug around if you're not on pavement (it has wheels and a telescopic handle!) .

"If its more than 100 yards from the car, it's not photogenic.", lol love that...

Take it out of the box, screw it down tight to the tripod and sling it over your shoulder. Thats how I do it with my Calumet Green Monster.

venchka
If you are primarily interested in landscapes then you really don't need a lot of
extreme movements. A good quick one page intro into movements is available at the Toyo site (BTW the Toyo 45CF Field Camera is on my short list if I ever win the lottery).

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Very pretty camera Todd, what is that, a Tachihara with a graflok back?

thanks, it's an Osaka, which is a re-branded Tachihara (same company), the back is just a Polaroid 545i holder

V., let me know when you're in town and you can check it out.

Todd

 

[venchka]

Todd,

Thanks. Will do. You may check out my Konica lens collection.

 

[nikon_sam]

I have a Zone VI View camera and it fits nicely in a Tamrac bag that converts to a backpack...it holds most of what I need and I also carry another older Tamrac with the rest of the stuff...then there's the Tripod...it all adds up in the end...
If the "Price is Right", I would really think about it...
If you really want to get the shot you'll carry that thing anywhere...

 

[Ariya]

I went the monorail route, though admittedly I really enjoy LF portraits and macro shots as well as landscapes. I do take the monorail out and don't have many problems - just move both standards to one end, throw the stap over my shoulder and the other end sticks out away from me. If you only want to do landscapes, go for the field camera. If you want more versatility, go for the monorail. It may not be pretty to carry, but the monorail has been portable enough for me.