Gundlach 4 x 5

<p>Hello!~<br>

I am considering buying a GUNDLACH 4 x 5 as my first LF camera! It seems to be fairly versatile, can handle 125/189/210mm lenses and, has a 4 x 4 lens board. Is there any reason to not invest in this model? It has a certain amount of tilt, etc, too, as you probably know!<br>

I would put my money into the lenses~<br>

Thank you<br>

Ken</p>

<p>That was my first LF camera. Mine had a longer bellows extension and could handle up to 360mm lens or so. Just make certain the bellows are light tight, but you can usually tape the minor leaks. <br>

Jon</p>

<p>The reason not to get it is that most people would eventually get a modern camera. You can save some cash by going directly to a modern version, which should have no light leaks, more movements, available spare parts, a longer bellows, probably brighter viewing and a longer future. If you are an old camera enthusiast, and care more about a deal than the performance, get the Gundlach.</p>

<p> Another advantage of the Gundlach as a starter is that until you start shooting you won't know for sure that LF is for you, how you want to shoot, etc., etc The Gundlach will let you sort all that out ... AND you can always (if you're careful with it) get back what you paid for it ... and then get what you want.</p>

<p> Or, as I found out after 4 years ... I still use my 4x5 bargain camera and have added a whole plate bargain camera and an 8x10 bargain camera ... something I couldn't have afforded to do if I'd spent a bundle on a new 4x5 ... now I'm really having fun!</p>

<p>Well GEE!~ I REALLY appreciate the great input! I have considered these points, on my own. Given that I am unemployed and yet, have a dream of creating a form of "Drip-enomics" ( I coined that word last year! Seemed appropriate, even then!) with LF photography...it's a challenge : Do I build it, with the hope that they will come?! ( Field of Dreams)<br>

I come from a ROLEIFLEX TLR background ( the best camera ever made.....at least to ME!) and the romance of LF is overwhelming, compared to the brilliance of the digital world~<br>

I have looked at a few TOYOs and, the SHEN HAO PTB. The idea of having a sysyem that will not shut down with issues, a week after the box is opened certainly has an appeal!!<br>

Sincerely<br>

Ken<br>

ps..any tips on good beginner books for LF photography!!?</p>

<p>Steve Simmons' Using the View Camera is excellent. I used this book when I started out in large format. It's currently available through amazon.com for a good price</p>

<p>Fred~<br>

Thank you for the great tip! I shall look for it~! <br>

I{'m still without a camera, but find myself drooling....as it were!..over all the options. One person said, on another site to a fellow "New-Be", "Just jump in! Then you'll see which way you want to paddle!~"</p>