Good 4X5 for first large format camera

[Mablo]

Bought my first 4x5 monorail (Cambo SC) a couple of months ago. I admit, I didn't fully understand I'm not just buying a new larger camera but I need a whole new image processing system. Things I didn't fully take into account are for example:

[ ] a much larger dark bag for film loading and unloading,
[x] some more film holders,
[ ] a new fresnel ground glass (optional),
[ ] a heavy tripod + head,
[x] a normal lens and a lens board or two,
[ ] a dark hood,
[ ] a 3x lupe would be nice to have,
[ ] larger development tanks plus other development paraphernalia,
[ ] a new scanner (ouch!) for 4x5 negatives,
[ ] a more powerful computer to handle those monstrous image files
-etc.

This is a sort of check list you need to go through when you are mulling over the move to larger formats. You can see that in my case I still have a lot of things to buy before I can really get started with my new monorail.

Then you get the idea that if you'd buy a 5x7 instead you'd be able to do contact prints...

 

[maddoc]

Bought my first 4x5 monorail (Cambo SC) a couple of months ago. I admit, I didn't fully understand I'm not just buying a new larger camera but I need a whole new image processing system. Things I didn't fully take into account are for example:

[ ] a much larger dark bag for film loading and unloading,
[x] some more film holders,
[ ] a new fresnel ground glass (optional),
[ ] a heavy tripod + head,
[x] a normal lens and a lens board or two,
[ ] a dark hood,
[ ] a 3x lupe would be nice to have,
[ ] larger development tanks plus other development paraphernalia,
[ ] a new scanner (ouch!) for 4x5 negatives,
[ ] a more powerful computer to handle those monstrous image files
-etc.

This is a sort of check list you need to go through when you are mulling over the move to larger formats. You can see that in my case I still have a lot of things to buy before I can really get started with my new monorail.

Then you get the idea that if you'd buy a 5x7 instead you'd be able to do contact prints...

... or go directly 8 x 10 .... 🙂 A good list, BTW !

 

[pau3]

Bought my first 4x5 monorail (Cambo SC) a couple of months ago. I admit, I didn't fully understand I'm not just buying a new larger camera but I need a whole new image processing system. Things I didn't fully take into account are for example:

[ ] a much larger dark bag for film loading and unloading,
[x] some more film holders,
[ ] a new fresnel ground glass (optional),
[ ] a heavy tripod + head,
[x] a normal lens and a lens board or two,
[ ] a dark hood,
[ ] a 3x lupe would be nice to have,
[ ] larger development tanks plus other development paraphernalia,
[ ] a new scanner (ouch!) for 4x5 negatives,
[ ] a more powerful computer to handle those monstrous image files
-etc.

This is a sort of check list you need to go through when you are mulling over the move to larger formats. You can see that in my case I still have a lot of things to buy before I can really get started with my new monorail.

Then you get the idea that if you'd buy a 5x7 instead you'd be able to do contact prints...

When I did buy mine, I also had to include in the list a 4x5 enlarger...

Pau

 

[unixrevolution]

Bought my first 4x5 monorail (Cambo SC) a couple of months ago. I admit, I didn't fully understand I'm not just buying a new larger camera but I need a whole new image processing system. Things I didn't fully take into account are for example:

[ ] a much larger dark bag for film loading and unloading,
[x] some more film holders,
[ ] a new fresnel ground glass (optional),
[ ] a heavy tripod + head,
[x] a normal lens and a lens board or two,
[ ] a dark hood,
[ ] a 3x lupe would be nice to have,
[ ] larger development tanks plus other development paraphernalia,
[ ] a new scanner (ouch!) for 4x5 negatives,
[ ] a more powerful computer to handle those monstrous image files
-etc.

This is a sort of check list you need to go through when you are mulling over the move to larger formats. You can see that in my case I still have a lot of things to buy before I can really get started with my new monorail.

Then you get the idea that if you'd buy a 5x7 instead you'd be able to do contact prints...

Good checklist! And yes, the scanner and the better computer are part of my shopping now that I've got mine. I'm using the scanner here at the college I work at but I don't want to rely on it.

The image files I'm getting are monstrous. 700mb to 1.0GB for black and white, resolution is an astounding 357MP, or roughly 25,000x18,000 (which varies a little based on exactly how much of the image you choose to scan.)

Computers tremble in fear of my analog might! 😎

 

[Nokton48]

How about a Sinar Norma?

How about a Sinar Norma?

I've been using these for thirty years. My preferred large format (can do 6x6, 6x9, 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10). Not real expensive these days. None finer.

Here's my 5x7 Norma, with Sinar Norma Automatic Shutter, Automated Norma Cables, and 360mm Sinar Schneider Symmar lens:

 

[uhoh7]

What a fantastic thread. You guys have saved me god knows how much time by putting so many pros/cons in a single thread. I'm in same boat as OP. For me portablity is paramount.

now I carry a nex 5 with 5 or six primes (more at home), have a colordial IIIa and Fujica GS645 folder will be my first MF. Maybe by next summer I can work out a practical LF rig.

 

[richardhkirkando]

What a fantastic thread. You guys have saved me god knows how much time by putting so many pros/cons in a single thread. I'm in same boat as OP. For me portablity is paramount.

If portability is most important, its tough to beat a press camera. They're the smallest and lightest 4x5s you'll find, short of the custom polaroid conversion jobs.

Once you try it, there's a good chance your priorities will change. I started out with a Speed Graphic, but got frustrated with the lack of movements. I jumped to the opposite end of the LF spectrum and picked up a Toyo monorail (which are a great value for the features you get, but leave a little to be desired in terms of build quality). Loved working with it, but I wanted something I could carry around outside. Eventually found a great deal on a Technika, and haven't looked back. It has all the movements I need, and I can take it everywhere. Its a little heavy, but I can still put it on a strap around my neck or shoulder.

I would recommend against buying something expensive right away. Go cheap, figure out what you like or what you feel like you're missing, and decide what you really want from there.

 

[uhoh7]

What about a nagaoka?

Another one that seems very light but fully capable is that toho fc45x.

Pricey, but it's been around now and I see kits for 1500. Not your average monorail.

But so many landscapes i see have foregrounds fairly distant. I usually prefer some closer foreground action to balance that big range on the horizon.

I need to study up on the movements....