folding 4x5 options

[jwanerman]

Sinar Norma

Sinar Norma

My Sinar Norma comes in at 7+ lbs. That having been said, it is extremely easy to deconstruct and backpack. I can set up or take it down in under 3 minutes. The quality, versatility , and price cannot be beat.

 

[tsiklonaut]

My Sinar Norma comes in at 7+ lbs. That having been said, it is extremely easy to deconstruct and backpack. I can set up or take it down in under 3 minutes. The quality, versatility , and price cannot be beat.

What lens are you running on it?

I've been tempted to get Norma as well for landscape work. Always though those rail-systems are way too bulky to pack into backpacks and the wallet-type view cameras would fair better for longer hikings (ie. Toyo 45A). Would be interesting to know how you pack your Norma railer?

 

[mdarnton]

The problem is probably solved, but just for historical interest, I have a wooden Burke & James 5x7 that has huge bellows draw, folds up nicely, has infinite swings and tilts, is reasonably stiff, and has a folding cover over the gg. It's also available in 4x5. It was given to me, and I was a bit scornful and some of the cheesy home made aspects of it (similar to Omega enlargers, I guess), but I'm coming to appreciate it.

Mine is the big version of this: http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/8481850 but someone has replaced this one's back with a graflok, which isn't a bad idea, either, and easy enough. I see that they sell on Ebay for as little as $100, sometimes! I made a sunken board for mine and it handles a 90mm/5.6 Super Angulon that will cover 5x7, with really minimal movements.

 

[kuzano]

I'm not consistent on 4x5

I'm not consistent on 4x5

I play with 4x5 but my experience is far from consistent on a one system solution.

My friend however seems to shoot what you are looking to shoot.

He uses and aged Tachihara, near 3 decades old. 3 lenses (the only time I have seen him buy a new lens is to get a nicer one of the three he uses which have always been near mint anyway), the same tripod and all his work on Fuji Velvia.

That said, what has he been able to do with a three + pound Tachihara, with the system, and film in a backpack, out in nature.

See here:

http://www.brucejackson.com/

The man is singleminded in his work ethic and style. Same equipment for years I would vnture that every image on this site was visited many times each, different days, different times of the day, different lighting conditions.

Very purposeful and close to 30 years on the same Tachi as I recall.

I've had three Tachiharas. They're light and a bit fiddly but dependable. They have all the movements one needs for outdoor work. I've owned two Shen Hao;s. Real tanki folding camera... more like 6 plus pounds w/GG cover. Real overkill on movements for what you seem to want.

I think the Chamonix is very much like the Shen Hao, but a bit more refinement on the focus system... same weight.

I've thoroughly enjoyed my relationship with three Toyo 45CF's (Carbon Fiber) light and requires care when locking down. Gorilla hands can hurt the lock down bosses.

If you want to know Bruce's lens selection, ask me, and I will find out.

 

[Nokton48]

My Sinar Norma comes in at 7+ lbs. That having been said, it is extremely easy to deconstruct and backpack. I can set up or take it down in under 3 minutes. The quality, versatility , and price cannot be beat.

Yes Indeed. Well said. Once I am where I want to be, I'm always glad I have the precision and sturdiness of the Norma with me.

My Normas work with my lenses which range from 47mm to 800mm.