alexander_illich Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 For some time now I've been interested in the purchase of a feild or view camera and I'm not really sure where to begin. I deal almost exclusively with fine art photography and in many situations transport of equipment is an issue, but so is studio use, etc. So feild cameras are (obviously) the winner for transportation but how much do they limit the user as compared to a view/monorail camera, these are big issues I've recently been dealing with because I would want to use whatever camera I buy in both the feild and in the studio/controlled enviornment. I wouldn't say I'm the msot docile person, I enjoy long distance (and would probably throw either a field/ view camera into a panier) and bike a couple thousand kilometers with it, etc. Additionally 'Price' is a very large issue, this is my first LF camera and why I would love to have something inexpensive I don't want a peice I will say.. NEED to replace in a year for something more flexible. Any suggestions dear shooters? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ralph_jensen Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 "I deal almost exclusively with fine art photography and in many situations transport of equipment is an issue but so is studio use, etc. . . .I enjoy long distance (and would probably throw either a field/ view camera into a panier and bike a couple thousand kilometers with it. Additionally 'Price' is a very large issue." Could you tell us more precisely what you like to take pictures of, and what kind of (non-field/view) camera you have been using before? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucecahn Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 Do not worry, there are accurate and well made field cameras available. In the lower price range look at an Osaka or Tachihara. You might also consider a used Deardorff--they stopped making them in 1988. Any of these will last for years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexander_illich Posted January 3, 2008 Author Share Posted January 3, 2008 Ralph, in many situations, elaboratly set up scenes involving multiple models, lights, etc generally dealing with social situations/views. The cameras I use regularily is #1 my hasselblad and #2 my 5d, I've used a Sinar a few times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank_menesdorfer Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 Douglas, Bob, where are you? Should we spread the name of the Linhof once again? :-) Bike? You are my type of guy! I use a Linhof Color ST Kardan. Why? Because I can jump on it nothing really happens I can drow the bellows to almost 400 mm which is good. It's performs with any wide angle lenses which make it even better it's made out of dural aluminium which is tuff and it's give me all I want. There is one little minor problem do his not speaks which makes you feel alone somethimes. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barry schmetter Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 I just went through this process with basically the same considerations and ended up getting a Chamonix 45N-1. It's a brand new field camera made in China with excellent movements, great build and engineering quality and weighing in at close to three pounds. I've only had mine for a short time, but I'm extremely happy with it. I'm very mobile when I'm shooting, and the 45N-1 is very light and compact, yet very rigid. The main drawback is that they're made in a small workshop/factory and there's a wait--maybe six months.<div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank_menesdorfer Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 Barry, can you publish a pick when it's folded? That's the problem with Argentum too. long waiting list. http://www.argentumcamera.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barry schmetter Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 Frank--sure no problem, I shots some folded pics too and will upload when I get home. I lucked out and got in on the last batch so I only had to wait a couple of weeks and maybe they'll move the production up, but they spend a lot of time making ultra large format cameras. The construction is black walnut (or white maple) with aluminum and carbon fiber. The bed is made of carbon fiber. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bosse de nage Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 Have you considered a Wehman? Perhaps not the prettiest camera, but for someone on the move, they are light and nearly bulletproof. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barry schmetter Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 Here's a shot of the Chamonix folded up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justinblack Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 I have to give my plug for the Canham DLC metal field camera. It rugged, solid, lightweight, and can handle all kinds of different types of work without additional accessories. There are numerous discussions of it on this site. Keith Canham is a great guy who provides exceptional support for his cameras: http://www.canhamcameras.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald_moravec1 Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 Just get one with long enough bellows as there is no work around for a short bellows. There are work arounds for most anything else. I like my Zone VI, but do consider the Camham DLC. To do over, probably would get the DLC as Calumet seems to have bailed on LF equipment. It is still a nice camera with 20" bellows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barry schmetter Posted January 3, 2008 Share Posted January 3, 2008 Forgot to mention--the Chamonix 45N-1 is about $700. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
w_t1 Posted January 4, 2008 Share Posted January 4, 2008 Good luck with cycling and large format. I've bicycled across the US, Canada, and down Pacific Coast and the thought of carrying a lf camera never crossed my mind. I did run into a screwball in northern california that was carrying a guitar on the front rack (and biking shirtless in 55 deg weather), but 35mm and two small lenses, film and polarizer was enough for me. For all else, I am happy with my Horseman FA or Tachihara field cams. Dont forget there is a lot more to pack than just the cam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ranong Posted January 6, 2008 Share Posted January 6, 2008 yup! i got a chamonix also. perfect choice. get on the list for the next production run. eddie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gallarotti Posted January 6, 2008 Share Posted January 6, 2008 Newbie here in search of info... Once you do get a camera like the Chamonix, say, how much more money you have to budget to be fully operational for both portraits and landscape? Can anyone break it down for me assuming nothing (everything must be purchased from scratch, including the tripod)? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barry schmetter Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 A lot of the additional costs depends on your own preferences, because there's no limit to what you can spend, but if you're careful and purchase used you can get up and running for a fairly small amount. You'll need-- Filmholders--run about $8-$10 in excellent condition. Maybe start with 10. Normal lens 135mm-210mm -- Lots of bargains for modern lenses. $200- $225 can get you a top quality lens (like Caltar/Rodenstock) + lens board. Loupe/magnifier -- $10-$40. Tripod-- $100-$150 buys a decent used Bogen and head. Darkcloth -- use a black t-shirt, make one, or go fancy for $50. Film -- $50 buys 50-100 sheets. Misc-- step up/down rings for filters, lens hood, cable release etc -- $30 Processing -- You can do tray processing or get a tank/drum. Lot's of free/cheap darkroom stuff out there. So maybe another $500-$600 to get up and going. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
35mmdelux Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 The famous Robert Adams shoots with Tachihara 4x5. Perhaps not the most solid but solid enough and light to carry. I have a Linhof Classic 45 but in the field such as I travel (Central America) perhaps not the best choices because of the rain. In that environ wood field might prove better. Many choices. Best - Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrian21664882414 Posted August 1, 2008 Share Posted August 1, 2008 Here's <a href="http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/showthread.php?t=178">a link</a> to a personal opinion on the Chamonix camera and some shots, if there are others interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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