Toyo 45 CF

I am in the market for a portable field camera and wonder if anyone owns, or has used the Toyo 45 CF?

 

I'd like to get opinions of durability, ease of use, and fit and function.

 

Thanks!

 

George Goodroe

St Petersburg, Florida

<p>George, I looked carefully at the 45CF. I own a number of view cameras, including a 45F. But I didn't feel the investment was worth it to me, given that my Crown Graphic just keeps working and working, and is built like a tank. I do like the lightness of the Toyo folding camera. It works very smoothly and is well built in my opinion.</p>

<p>I actually was moving toward a Wista SP, until I was told they were being discontinued. I didn't actually use one, but the system looked nice. So my next move will only be to a Linhof Master folding camera, once I can justify funds. I've always been a big fan of Toyo given the quality and price point.</p>

<p>Hi Michael,<br>

Thanks for the response...The Toyo cameras I've seen have all been very good...it didn't help though when I spoke to one of their dealers who when asked about the CF responded..."it's a plastic camera...I didn't think much about it". That response didn't help garner a feeling of confidence. Before diving in to order one I'd rather be able to hold one in my hands...so I'll likely plan a trip...<br>

Thanks again!<br>

George Goodroe<br>

St. Petersburg, FL USA</p>

<p>Hi George, Yes, it <em>is</em> a plastic camera. If you backpack with it, I'm sure that will be a plus.<g> But I think it is well enough made it isn't going to fall apart. If you dropped it, that's another matter.</p>

<p>My Sinar-X camera is built like a tank compared to my Toyo 45F, but it doesn't really take away from the Toyo's usability. I think the same analogy is true when comparing a Linhof Master against the Toyo CF. You're going to see a significant difference in build quality, but that doesn't take away from the Toyo's usability, and at half the price, used, and a quarter the price new, of a Linhof, it helps ease the pain. It is also worth considering that the Toyo parts are easy to find, the accessories are inexpensive, etc. In the USA, Mamiya (MAC Group) distributes Toyo, and I can't say enough good things about the support they've given me.</p>

I've had good support from Mac as well..they've gone out of their way to be helpful.

 

George

<p>George: You might take a look at the 4x5 Tachihara; I have used on for several years and love it--for weight, price, convenience and looks. Also the Shen-hao---it similar, a bit heavier.I have never actually held one. <br>

But for portability, I have used a 4x5 press camera for many years---mine is the Super Graphic. A good <strong>used</strong> one does cost about like a <strong>new</strong> Tachihara or Shen hao. I can't say anything about he the Toyo CF. But it's not plastic like a Holga!--It's that stuff they make football helmets from. For portabiity ruggedness---It's a tremendous advantage to have a clamshell camera that folds up over the lens! So, as other have suggested, it's hard to be one of the Graflex cameras---and the are widely available. You could probably score a good one for $300. </p>

<p>George. I have the Toyo 45 A11 When I went to choose a camera I asked about the CF but was slightly put off by the "salesman". The A11 seems very sturdy and is easy to operate, also I have never run out of movements.<br>

I have wanted an ebony for some time but I wonder if the wood is as tough as the A11 and of course they are a very different price.</p>

<p>I've had a Toyo 45A since 1988 and really like it. A few years ago I got a 45CF in addition to the 45A. It just wasn't the same, the 45CF is mostly plastic and not as rigid as the metal 45A. I found it harder to use and set up, YMMV. It was certainly capable in its own right, and wonderfully lightweight, but it didn't measure up. I sold it and haven't missed it since. BTW, Mac was very helpful and efficient in replacing the 45A bellows about two years ago. </p>

<p>I own a toyo 45CF and is the best camera I have for the projects I do. (so it really depends on your peojcts)<br>

is superlight like any other 4x5, easy to fold, and manage.<br>

I use a brembo CF super light with a gitzo tripod ball head, and i never had a blur on my slides shooting at 1/30<br>

my equipment is freaking lightweight compared to anything else I have (nikon d700, hassy, mamiya etc)<br>

people think is plastic so is not good: whatever..<br>

people are too much concerned about the lack of this or that...who care..yes it get scratched pretyt easily, but who care about cosmetic condition, just shoot some good picture for christ sake! <br>

the front raise of "only" 30mm is enough to move the ground away form you composistion with a 150mm<br>

Initally I was concerned about the fornt-raise of 30 compared to 40mm of other brand but i never use more that 20mm front-raise, never, and i do architecture ph.<br>

it doesnt have lots of movement, yes, so this is not a camera for studio work neither for extreme architecture ph. and I'd never suggest it to a newbie in 4x5 because you cant really learn form it<br>

but for urban and nature landscape this camera is an amazing product (also considering the good price)<br>

durability: again is not a camera that can last 20yrs, but I'd rather buy a new one every year until I wear it out...becuause again of his extreme light weight<br>

also: the GG is not great, you have to replace it with a Yanke chinese one or any other fresnel to get it brighter<br>

i also bought a hood on ebay for few bucks to improve the image, so <strong>I never need the black cloth</strong>.<br>

in the end if you are indecise go fo a toyo 45A unless the lightweight is our main goal</p>