Low Cost View Camera Package

FWIW: For those on a budget Calumet is now offering a package

including: a used 400-Series 4x5 camera,case, new 150mm Caltar II-E

lens, focusing cloth and four film holders for US$399.00. I still own

several of the 400 series purchased in the 1960's when starting my

career as a freelancer and can attest to their durability. By no

means fancy but surely an economical approach to large format. Just a

thought for those contemplating spending thousands on their first

exposure. Get hooked and you may well spend thousands later.

I agree wholeheartedly with Merg: Many newcomers to LF seem to think they have to have expensive equipment to make good photographs. This is nonsense. Its the photographer that makes good photographs, not the equipment. I have been using one of the Calumet 400 types since I bought it new as a student in 1972. I have made hundreds of memorable photos with it and I used it professionally in the 80's. I am now getting it out for more landscapes and portraits and it works as good as new. My 10 inch Caltar, purchased when I got the camera, is a very sharp lens as well, apparently the same design as a commercial Ektar (Tessar design), and can be picked up very inexpensively these days.