Which 4x5 Camera for Landscape Work?

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If you were not too concerned about money, which 4x5 camera would you buy for landscape work? Also, what two lenses would you own?

-- Allen Broyles (broyles206@yahoo.com), February 05, 2001

Answers

Any 4x5 field camera. Any modern lens. They are all really great and create decent images. The leading cause of failure shooting landscape is the operator. James

-- lumberjack (james_mickelson@hotmail.com), February 05, 2001.

Depends on how your work. Within 100 ft. of the car is different from backpacking. In the cold, or just fair weather or better?

For compact work, I'd choose 2 lenses that take the same size filter, since doubling up on filters increases space and permits more fumbling.

The traditional choice of 120 & 210 mm is easy to work with.

What I own for 4x5: Toyo 45-AR & Toyo 45-CX cameras. Interchangeable lens boards and backs.

210/5.6 Fujinon 210 Osaka 90/6.8 Angulon 125/8 Fujinon. I got the Osaka after the Fujinon, and plan to get a 135 Sironar or Caltar. 90/135/210 (Angulon, Sironar, Osaka) all with the same filter size. These 3 will weigh less and take up less space than the 2 Fujinons. (Maybe even less than the 125 Fujinon alone.)The 40.5 mm filter size means I have to get filters mail order, but saves space. My Pentax digital meter even takes the same filter size.

In the end, James is right.

-- Charlie Strack (charlie_strack@sti.com), February 05, 2001.


A used Toyo 45A is a great place to start. It may or may not not be your ultimate choice, but it will let you find out what you like and don't like in camera design. If later you decide to go another way, they are easy to sell.

-- Glenn Kroeger (gkroeger@trinity.edu), February 05, 2001.

The type of camera you choose is a personal one, every one will swear by the one they use. If money were no consideration I would opt for an Ebony (the SW45 is ideal for landscape work) and combined with the 110XL and the 180 Apo Symmar. If I could I'd also stretch to either a 75mm or the 80XL and a 6x12 roll film back.........heaven!! Regards Paul

-- paul owen (paulowen_2000@yahoo.com), February 05, 2001.

I'd stick with an Arca-Swiss FC or the more compact Canham DLC. Lenses? A 210mm (I use the ƒ/5.6 W-Nikkor , but they are all abut the same,) and the 110mm ƒ/5.6 XL Super Symmar.

If money was no great concern and selling images wasn't either I 'd go with an 8x10. Of course I'd also own my own processing line, an Imacon scanner , a very high end glicee printer and hire the best operators I could find.

But back in the real world, I'd stick with an Arca-Swiss FC or the more compact Canham DLC. Lenses? A 210mm (I use the ƒ/5.6 W-Nikkor , but they are all abut the same,) and the 110mm ƒ/5.6 XL Super Symmar.

-- Ellis Vener (evphoto@insync.net), February 05, 2001.



for me in the perfect world of a higher tax brax, I'd want the camo version of the walker titan. The one with the black hardware and the waterproof bellows. A 90, 120, 240 all of the lightest design and a nice carbon-fiber gitzo.

-- trib (linhof6@hotmail.com), February 06, 2001.

sheesh, you can tell I carry a technica huh? the les paul of field cams!

-- trib (linhof6@hotmail.com), February 06, 2001.

Each photographer prefers his camera. I use a Wisner 4x5, both a technical field and a pocket expedition(not simultaneously!). I find them rugged, capable of making the easiest and the most difficult shots. My lenses include 72mmXL, 110mmXL, 135mm, 210mm, 300mm, 450mm.The camera works well with all. In inclement weather the camera is easy to use. In dusty weather it can be disassembled, cleaned and reassembled in a matter of minutes. So that's me vote. bob

-- bob moulton (bobmargaretm@home.com), February 06, 2001.

Ebony, Gitzo, Schneider, Rodenstock, Schneider, Rodenstock, Schneider.

-- Raven (mtand13@netreach.net), February 06, 2001.

Trib, you name dropper! Lumber Jack

-- lumberjack (james_mickelson@hotmail.com), February 06, 2001.


Although I own a Sinar f2 and am very pleased with it, I'd take a look at David Muench and buy a Zone VI with a 75mm and a 500mm lens. Take a look at Muench's Plateau Light or Primal Forces and see what he's done with it. You certainly don't have to copy Muench but the equipment is excellent.

-- Tom Castelberg (castelbergthomas@hotmail.com), February 07, 2001.

I'm not an expert, but that's my experience. Three years ago I start LF with a Canham that I bought in NY. At this time, I will choose between a Linhof technika (master technika?) camera or an Arca-swiss/Canham type camera. I think the Linhof could be faster and more useful in adverse conditions. Although it's so different, the DLC45 would be again my choice (lighter, wider possibilities of use, cheaper...) My first lens was an Apo-Sironar 210/5.6, I'm so glad with it, but I would choose now a SS110/5.6XL first, and then a Grandagon 75/4.5 with a 300/350mm. Let us know your election... Good luck.

-- jose angel (acquatek@teleline.es), February 07, 2001.

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