Toyo 45 AII vs. Horseman 45HD

[nhp]

I am looking for a field camera for architecture and interior. I am using Horseman View 4X5 LX now, but sometimes this is too

big and heavy. As far as I know, Toyo 45AII has more tilt/shift movement, revolving back, Horseman HD is little bit cheap, light

and compact. I can get the New Toyo 45AII around $1,500.00 as Mamiya Student Program, so I don't care the price at this time. I

want to get just what is good for architecture photography. If you have experience to use these cameras, please give me a your

opinion. Thanks.

[stewart_ethier1]

I have owned a Toyo 45AII, and it is great for landscape and travel,

but not really ideal for architecture. The bellows permits very

little front rise and fall with a 90mm lens, for example. There are

no built-in spirit levels, if I recall correctly. I would recommend

broadening your search, i.e., not limiting yourself to the two

mentioned cam

[nhp]

Thanks for advice. Then Is there any field camera or medium format camera for architecture you want to recommend?

[jean_marie_solichon]

I am currently owning and using a Toyo 45AII. It's a great tool for

landscape photography. Mine has a bellow which does allow complete

use of front rise and fall with a 90mm and standard lens board. But,

actually, rise and fall are limited and, although acceptable for

landscape photography, probably not suitable for architecture.

Another question with rise and fall is that you have check coverage

of your wide angle lens. My Nikkor SW 90mm f8 does not seem to be

able to accept more movements than what the camera allows.

[john_henderson1]

The bellows on my 45A really gets upset when I crank up the rise with

the 90mm to take pictures of lighthouses. I don't know what kind of

rise you'll want for your type of photography. Other than that, it is

a well-built camera. The bellows are not interchangable so there is

no balloon bellows available.

 

<p>

 

I don't know if the Horseman is any better in that respect.

 

<p>

 

I have no personal experience, so can't comment more on them, but you

might want to consider one of the "hybrid" cameras - monorail-type

cameras with a collapsible monorail. I've heard the Canham DLC45

mentioned here many times. Other similar designs are the Linhof

Teknikardan and the Toyo VX125 or VX125R.

[glenn_kroeger]

Although the 45HD and 45AII are fine field cameras, neither is really

great for architecture. Front shift and swing on the Toyo are

awkward, and although rear tilt and swing are nice, there is no rear

shift, so you really don't have good direct shift capabilities, you

would have to use indirect shift. The Horseman has no rear movements

and very limited bellows. Neither have interchangable bellows. You

would be much better off to get a Toyo 45CX and save $1000 or spend

it on lenses and film.

[paul_owen]

Looking for an ideal architecture / interior /landscape camera with

plenty of movement on the front??? Have a look at the Ebony range of

field cameras (does this sound like an advert???). I use the SW which

has plenty of movement, is extremely sturdy and lightweight and will

handle lenses from 35mm to 180mm (or longer with the optional back

extender). No revolving back, but a very bright screen and quality

materials (ebony and titanium). Best of luck!! regards Paul