ed_candland1 Posted March 1, 2002 Share Posted March 1, 2002 I know this has been asked some time ago, but I thought I'd see if there's any updates. I'm planing on buying a Toyo 45AX/AII, but I have been looking at the Walker cameras. They look like they have great specs. for this type of camera. I just have a hard time getting past the "plastic" construction. I know it's not cheap lightweight plastic, but still it's plastic.;-) I just wanted to hear from those that have one. In particular is it rigid and smooth in operation. Also they don't seem very popular. I wonder why.Thanks, Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom_perkins Posted March 1, 2002 Share Posted March 1, 2002 This is a rugged, functional camera. I accidently fell down and smacked it on a rock shortly after I got it and it did not suffer. When using it I do not think about the plastic construction; it's just the way its made, and it has its advantages. You can read a review on the Walker website. It does not lose its focus between exposures, and returns to where you set it when you handle it. The rear standard can be adjusted forward about an inch, which is handy. It is as smooth as any basic field camera, although I am sure that cameras with geared tilts are smoother. The current Walkers have spirit levels and oversized knobs. You can talk to the View Camera Store in Arizona or contact Mike Walker directly for more information. I have not seen a Toyo AX but I am sure it is also a fine camera. I couldn't say much about the popularity of the Walker, but I doubt there is a dissatisfied customer out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmin-99 Posted March 2, 2002 Share Posted March 2, 2002 Can't speak as to why they're not more popular (snobbery, distribution?), but it's a great camera made by a great guy (unfortunately it's not a 5x7). Various makes all have their own peculiarities, strengths and weaknesses. As far a being "plastic" goes... well so are nightsticks and bowling balls, haven't heard of those items being particularly fragile either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_deimel Posted March 2, 2002 Share Posted March 2, 2002 I had a Toyo and I have a friend near me who has a Walker, so I have had the opportunity to examine it and I have borrowed it nd used it. Either camera is excellent, and I would not rate the plastic as better or worse than the Toyo's metal, just different. (My first LF camera was a Super Graphic, which is plastic, and after 35-40 years is still a camera in excellent, almost like-new shape.)The Toyo is a little lighter than the Walker, about 6 lbs. to the Walker's 7-7.5 lbs. The Walker has a brighter fresnel. But the Toyo has a built-in collapsible GG shade (which is sometimes helpful, but sometimes annoying too). The Walker does have geared front tilt in addition to axis tilt (the Toyo has only axis tilt). The Walker has more movements. Mostly the Walker has a lot more bellows draw, about 18", as opposed to the Toyo's about 12". This might be important to you. I liked the Toyo; it's a very precise camera, very well made. I did find the limited bellows draw to be a disadvantage. I don't like the additional weight of the Walker, but it's also very impressively made, and the additional features are nice. I don't know about price; I believe the Walker is less, but the Toyo is frequently sold with light meter deals that bring the price down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ed_candland1 Posted March 2, 2002 Author Share Posted March 2, 2002 Thanks everyone for the helpful info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emile_de_leon9 Posted March 2, 2002 Share Posted March 2, 2002 Walker co. is coming out with a wide angle 5x7 camera later this year. Impressivly made! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonathan_bundick Posted March 2, 2002 Share Posted March 2, 2002 Dick, <p> I have a Super Graphic, and mine is metal, not plastic. Did they make a plastic Super? I can't find any info on the Graphic's web site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cxc Posted March 3, 2002 Share Posted March 3, 2002 Emile, I am a 5x7 guy and also a wide-angle guy, so I am quite interested in a WA57. Is there a website with more info? I found nothing at www.walkercameras.com. <p> TIA, CXC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emile_de_leon9 Posted March 3, 2002 Share Posted March 3, 2002 Cristopher, You can email Mike and ask him for more info on the 5x7. His email is mike@walkercameras.com I too like the Walker cameras and look forward to seeing the 5x7. He said it would be ready for Photokina in Europe. Regards, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_kish Posted March 5, 2002 Share Posted March 5, 2002 Add me to the list of happy Walker users. Unlike (I imagine) most folks considering this camera, I was attracted to it BECAUSE of the ABS plastic. I use many oddball materials in my work (mostly metals- titanium, hastaloy, etc) and my experience with ABS has been very positive as far as durability, weight, etc go. It's a natural for field cameras. <p> And I can vouch for Tom's testament...I've seen his Walker and it is no worse for its trailside adventure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cxc Posted March 6, 2002 Share Posted March 6, 2002 Following up the 57WA line, I heard from Walker, they say the new camera should be ready in 2 or 3 months, and to keep checking back at www.walkercameras.com <p> CXC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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