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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> anyone wanna get rid of a 4x5 camera?
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Showing posts 1 - 10 of 10, (reverse)
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07/21/2005 09:29:54 PM · #1
i dont wanna shoot landscapes with the limits of 6 mp anymore and i dont like the square shape of my medium format for landscapes (love it for other things). I know I can look on ebay, keh etc, but I just thought I would see if anyone had a 4x5 they wanted to get rid of. I don't care what kind really as long as it works, and its not super heavy. Also if you have lenses too let me know. Just curious - thanks.
07/21/2005 10:22:02 PM · #2
About 15 years too late to get my Sinar P "expert kit" (in a big carry case with extension rails, bellows, focusing hoods etc) with Schneider 70, 90, 135, 210 lenses. I shudder to think how much it's worth now, sigh.

Robt.
07/21/2005 10:54:29 PM · #3
Whats a 4x5?

Sorry, I have no idea what that is.

07/21/2005 11:29:02 PM · #4
haha i woulda gladly taken that off your hands but somehow i dont think i could afford that. Im just lookin for a cheap body for now, ill put more $ into the lenses.

a 4x5 is a large format camera, it shoots on film thats 4x5 inches. It's a lot of work and most are real old. its mostly only used for like fine art stuff now cuz its so slow and blah blah. but i wanna learn to use one well.
07/21/2005 11:54:19 PM · #5
The old Speed Graphic and Crown Graphics are wonderful, (they are the old press cameras you see in the movies.) There are 4x5 and 3x4 models available for a good price on E-Bay. Around $200 for them with most accessories. They have front tilt but limited swing. Check out //www.graflex.org for more info on them. It's a less expensive way to start in larger format film than others, and the quality is quite high.
I have the 3x4, which I inherited from my Grandfather almost 20 years ago. I like it because it uses 120 roll film rather than sheet film. (easier to get and easier to process, IMHO.) Also not the square format you mentioned. I used it in Vail this past weekend as a matter of fact.
Hope this helps.
07/22/2005 12:37:35 AM · #6
Originally posted by petrakka:

haha i woulda gladly taken that off your hands but somehow i dont think i could afford that. Im just lookin for a cheap body for now, ill put more $ into the lenses.

a 4x5 is a large format camera, it shoots on film thats 4x5 inches. It's a lot of work and most are real old. its mostly only used for like fine art stuff now cuz its so slow and blah blah. but i wanna learn to use one well.


There is an active market in new 4x5 cameras, numerous manufacturers, and used examples can easily be had. They are NOT "mostly only used for fine art stuff"; they are still a staple of any commercial/product photography studio, and are indispensible for architectural photography (which is what I did).

Robt.
07/22/2005 12:52:24 AM · #7
I got rid of most my equipment too. I have one beauty left. It is a 5x7 and I made a 4x5 back for it. However, what you want are one of the new ones. They are nice and compact.

07/22/2005 12:53:41 AM · #8
Originally posted by graphicfunk:

I got rid of most my equipment too. I have one beauty left. It is a 5x7 and I made a 4x5 back for it. However, what you want are one of the new ones. They are nice and compact.


That's a SWEET camera, Daniel. I'm jealous...

Robt.
07/22/2005 02:02:55 AM · #9
I sold mine too a couple of years ago. I had a Sinar P2 with 210, 150 and 90 mm lenses. It was just a shame to see such a fine tool sitting in its case and never being used anymore.
07/22/2005 02:09:04 PM · #10
Check out the Shen-Hao HZX 4X5-IIA Camera. By far the best value for the $$. Can be had in the states (from a dealer such as badger) for about $600, but I bought mine off e-bay (new) directly from the orient. I love the Black hardware on light wood finish. Really stands out from most field cameras bright brass.

Also as mentioned in an earlier post (rlinn3), to really save $$ go with a crown graphic or if you want/need to shoot with barrel lenses a speed (focal plane shutter) graphic. I like to strip them down to the wood and make field cameras out of them. They are quite attractive confirured this way. A little dremeling and reversing the front standard supports will give you much more movements than a stock unit. You will be limited on the wide end unless you make your own bag bellows (no big deal Bender photo has a kit for less than $50 if you can sew).

Good luck & post some images when you get going.
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