Quickest 5x4

[ian2]

I need a 5x4 for field trips that needs to be light and quick

to use, are the Ebony non folding about the most suitable for

my needs?

[eugene_singer]

Ian, if you want light weight, look at Tachihara or Wista. They both

fold compact for field use, and only take a few seconds longer to set

up than the non- folding type. Use the money you saved to buy a good

lens.

[michael_alpert1]

I use a non-folding Ebony 45SU and like it very much. It is not light

compared to other Ebony models or other brands, but it is quick,

intuitive in use, and steady. I feel that your first consideration

should be which lenses you plan to use. Buy a camera that will

accommodate your lens-choices both in its bellows length (minimum and

maximum) and in its movements. Also you will need a camera that will

hold itself rigid in the field. If you were going to use the camera in

a studio for still-life work, you might need greater movements than in

landscape work. Also, it might be good at this point to decide whether

you want an inexpensive camera to try out and then upgrade, or one you

plan to keep for life. The folding/non-folding choice is partially an

aesthetic consideration (I like the simplicity of the non-folding

camera). Best wishes.

[lars ake vinberg]

The non-folders (Ebony, Shen-Hao, Walker?) are hard to beat in terms

of setup ease and speed. But you still have to go through the regular

tasks of composition, focusing, metering, etc. In the perspective,

setup time might be a relatively small part.

 

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That said, an SW45 or similar with a Cambo angle viewer is a very

convenient combination. Check out Nick Rains review at his site. /Åke

[brian_c._miller]

Have you thought about an older press camera? Some of them have good

range finders. I can set up my Speed Graphic as fast as my Pentax

6x7.

[tedharris]

The Horseman FA & HD are lighter than most otehr field

cameras, probably the most compact when folded, are rigid and

sturdy and set up very rapidly. Not cheap though .... you will

spend a lot less on a Wista DX but you will get about the same

weight and less sturdiness and a bigger package.

[fred_de_van1]

There is nothing quicker than Granview! 6x12, 4x5, 8x10

http://www.granview.com

[john_kasaian2]

In addition to the ol' speed graphic and grandview, you might take a

look at the Gowland aerial. It is pretty much a pop in the DCFH, pull

the darkslide, point and shoot affair---fixed focus at infinity

unless you want to pop for the focusable version. Good luck!

[paul_owen]

The SW45 or RSW45 from Ebony.

[armin_seeholzer]

Hi Ian

 

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I vote also for the Horseman FA with the Apo Siranon N 135mm it

collapses and you can shoot also handheld with it.

It takes me 1 minute for to put out of my backpacking till the first

shoot if I`m in a hurry!

Very precise and stable and lightweight!

 

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Good luck

[gnps]

I've only been "LF"ing for about a month but I find that my Ebony

RSW45 with Schneider 90/8 SA on a Benbo tripod with a Manfrotto QR

plate is very quick. The camera will compress fully with the lens

attached. The cable release remains permanently attached to the lens.

Camera, lens, 5xDDS, lightmeter all fit comfortably in to a 35 litre

day-sack carrying the tripod in hand. Fine for walks a mile or so

from the car. For full day expeditions I will use a larger rucksack

with tripod attached and extra walking gear.

For info:- I have bought a Lowepro Omni Sport which serves as a very

fine "ever-ready" case for the Ebony RSW+lens combination. It keeps

it nicely protected in the rucksack and is small enough to give me

various packing options. I still need something for the bits -

DDSs,filters,lightmeter, etc.

[dick roadnight cotswolds]

Is there anything lighter and quicker than a Sinar p for 47, 90, 150,

240, 360, 480 and 600 lenses?

 

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The lenses wiegh about 10Kg anyway - how do I get it all into a

rucksack?

[bob_salomon]

"47, 90, 150, 240, 360, 480 and 600 lenses"

 

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Just out of curiosity on 4x5" a 480mm covers 14.5° and a

600mm covers 11.5°. That is the difference between using a

179mm or a 143mm lens on 35mm. Considering the size and

weight and the slight coverage difference couldn't you just use

one or the other rather then carry both?

[edela_rothman]

I have the non-folding Toyo VX, which I love, and recently acquired a

non-folding Ebony 23s for travel purposes, which was the closest

match to the Toyo VX in the 6x9 format size. Both cameras are very

quick to setup, and for that matter pack up! That is why I prefer a

non-folding camera design over a folding one.

 

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The disadvantage of the non-folding camera design, in general, is the

limited bellows extension, something you should be aware of. If you

plan on doing close-up work or use lenses longer than 300mm, you

should perhaps look at the Canham DLC 45, Linhof Master Technika,

Arca Swiss 45, or the non-folding Ebony cameras.

 

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The Toyo VX has the following advantages over the Ebony design:

geared and yaw-free movements, interchangeable monorails for infinite

extention, and interchangeable bellows (I prefer a bag bellows when

working with wide angle lenses). Its collapsing monorail is quite

unique and one of the nicest features of the camera. And I love its

geared movements - rise, fall and shift - identical for both the

front and rear standards.

 

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Metal may also have an advantage in bad weather.

 

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The Ebony is absolutely beautiful - a work of art. Its main advantage

is in the design of the back - it offers a very simple, straight-

forward solution to using rollfilm backs - something that eluded me

with the Toyo VX. The Ebony is very rigid for a wood camera. In fact,

I am willing to bet that it is just as rigid as the Toyo VX and many

other metal cameras on the market.

 

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The Toyo VX weighs about six pounds, the Ebony 2x3 about four. Check

Robert White and Badger Graphics for pricing.

 

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Both cameras fit rather nicely in a top-loading, Trim Trekker

backpack, which allows for quick access to the camera. The bag also

has a separate lower compartment or drawer that slides out, and can

hold three to four lenses. It comes with a backpack harness and a

shoulder strap, so you can decide how you want to carry your gear.

 

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Another note: for quick photography you will need to ditch the

focusing cloth. The cloth gets in the way of the knobs and can often

jar the rear standard. It can make or break getting the shot off in

fast-changing light situations. Get a bellows-type folding hood (both

Toyo and Ebony make one), monocular or reflex viewer.

[steve_clark1]

Armin,

I`m using the same setup, how come it takes you so long?

Just kidding! Steve

[matt_docis]

I have a Horseman HD and 135 Caltar (Rodenstock) N that folds into

the camera, and infinity stops for this lens. I believe if you were

just taking "general aim", and metered quickly, you could get a shot

off in less than thirty seconds rather easily. In fact, it would

probably take longer to set up a tripod. Whether you "should" is

another story, I guess. This camera is also very compact and rigid.

The 249mm bellows draw is probably the main drawback to the HD & FA.

No real long lenses.