Interested in buying a 4x5 camera

[Kevin]

I don't see any forums that specifically discuss 4x5 cameras so I guess this thread goes here.

I was thinking about buying one for making studio portraits but have no experience at all with this format.

Could anyone give me some pointers and recommendations for a suitable camera and lenses?

Btw, what are the 4x5 focal lengths of the equivalent 50mm and 75mm lenses in 135mm format?

Thanks and best regards,
Kevin

 

[Kevin]

Thanks so much for your response, RJ.

I'll post more questions here as my research develops.

Best Regards,
Kevin

 

[Kevin]

"You might try asking the Large Format forum group too"

Do you have the URL for this forum?

 

[raid]

I have a beautiful Linhof 4x5 camera that I do not use. It comes with a [convertible] Schneider lens, offering two focal lengths. If ineterested, Kevin, send me a pm.

 

[Rick Waldroup]

I shot architectural photography for over 25 years and my 4x5 was an old Toyo monorail made back in the 70's. Damn thing was neraly indestructable. I also shot a Wista 8x10 for a couple of years. Also had a Zone VI 4x5 field camera. If you plan on not lugging it around too much, definately get a monorail. You will have much more movements and they are a sturdier. If you decide on a field camera, check out the Toyo's. They make some really nice metal ones. All of my lenses were made by Rodenstock.

 

[eric mac]

Experience the power of the darkslide

Experience the power of the darkslide

Try these sites to experience the darkslide.

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/

and Apug.org

More than enough stuff at both sites to keep you busy.

Eric

 

[Kevin]

Thanks Eric! This does sound daunting indeed!!

For the most part I will be photographing standing, sitting and crouching individuals in front of a standard 275cm backdrop in a room not longer than 420cm.

80% of the shots will be in the vertical format. The rest in landscape.

Perhaps these requirements can somehow guide me?

In the meantime I will read the tutorials and seek out an old-school LF photographer in the area.

Best Regards,
Kevin

 

[Kevin]

I shot architectural photography for over 25 years and my 4x5 was an old Toyo monorail made back in the 70's. Damn thing was neraly indestructable. I also shot a Wista 8x10 for a couple of years. Also had a Zone VI 4x5 field camera. If you plan on not lugging it around too much, definately get a monorail. You will have much more movements and they are a sturdier. If you decide on a field camera, check out the Toyo's. They make some really nice metal ones. All of my lenses were made by Rodenstock.

Do you know if I can use my Schneider enlarger lenses on a LF camera? They don't have shutters in them of course.

Best,
Kevin

 

[sf]

Do you know if I can use my Schneider enlarger lenses on a LF camera? They don't have shutters in them of course.

Best,
Kevin

focal lengths are pretty short, aren't they? I mean, they wouldn't be good for much in terms of long distance work.

 

[trittium]

You can't use an enlarging lens for large format because there is no shutter. The old LF without shutters had f-stops of like 256 so that a shutter was not needed, but obviously a lot of time was a tripod was. It takes time to remove the darkslide, and it is an ineffective way to expose a photo. You will gett a lot of camera shake.

BTW: I have a Calumet 4x5 monorail. It is very nice and fairly modern. They don't sell for too much, but are quality. You might be interested in looking into one of these. If you are looking to developing your own b&w I suggest the Jobo 2521 tank and reel. It takes 6 sheets of 4x5, is easier to manage than the box tanks and hangers, and costs a lot less than the nikkor metal circular reel. Also I suggest fidelity elite film holders. Graflex ones are horrible, and riteways are ok.

calumet
caltar 150mm lens
ilford delta 100
developed in diafine
epson 4180 scanner

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Robert White sells a good range of 4x5's and is very helpful. I like the Ebony range.

 

[wdenies]

For field work, think about a second hand Linhof Technika (very robust!)
New: Tachihara ( 700 USD) - accepts Linhof lens boards - less weight than a DSLR.

Lenses without a shutter:
I adapted my Cambo monorail with a Sinmar central shutter.
Advantage : for all lenses the same shutter speed tolerance
Disadvantage: if you can not find it on the second hand market, very expensive!

Wim

 

[Kevin]

My head is spinning from all this new terminology ....

 

[wdenies]

Kevin,

This just a start!
Wait until we start discussing camera movements (shift,tilt), selective focussing, etc.

Anyway welcome in the large format world and... good luck

Wim

 

[Kevin]

Thanks, my better half will have a [mild] fit when she finds out!