Looking for a light weight LF camera

katcons

katcons

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Is there a "light weight" large format camera, preferably 8-10kg including the lens, holders, and tripod? :)

I'd like to explore some options, as I hope to travel a lot in 2010 for work and hopefully insert some R&R time in between. During these trips, I prefer not to be chauffered around/accompanied when possible (I don't want to impose on the local representatives who will do the escorting, and I will be occupying their weekends, the only time they can really rest), and discover nice spots on my own when I can.

However, I hope to do some portraits with it as well, but I guess this will depend on the lens already. Understandably, with the weight considerations, I'll be exploring the 4x5 or 5x7s first.

Something light and all-around. Is this possible? :) I've been walking around my province more and realizing the need to go large already.

Been reading up on Shenhao cameras here:

http://www.kgcphoto.com/Reviews_&_Tutorials/shen-hao_and_lf_lenses.htm

And Speed/Crown Graphic:

http://graflex.org/speed-graphic/which-model.html

Still, I'd like to ask your opinion and recommendations. Many thanks, and Happy New Year!
 
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With a 4x5 field camera and a medium grade carbon-fiber tripod you can put together a kit under 10kg but you need to watch the ounces. The Shen Hao is not particularly light; I would consider something really light, like a Nagoaka or Toho, and then it will not need as heavy a tripod to support it.
 
Get a "near mint top rangefinder 4x5 Graflex Pacemaker Crown Graphic with a cammed 135mm f/4.7 Schneider Xenar in a Synchro-Compur shutter with the narrow chrome speed adjustment dial" for between $275-$350 USD on eBay. Don't settle for less, this was the best version of the Crown Graphic. If the rangefinder or shutter need service, Fred Lustig or "the Camera Wiz" provide excellent service.

Get a Harrison Pup-Tent changing tent, ten Fidelity or Lisco plastic film holders, a Toyo Hood Loupe. And a #2 or 3-series Gitzo tripod or a Leitz Tiltall or other medium sized quality tripod.

And just shoot a lot of film.
 
If 4x5 is big enough for you, my lightest outfit is hard to beat: Toho (1.1 kg/2.4 lb), old MPP wooden tripod (1.1 kg/2.4 lb with head), 120/6.8 Angulon c. 300g/10 oz in panel, Grafmatic holders (6 shots) about 450g/1 lb each. Carry six, that's 36 shots, 2.7 kg/6 lb. Camera, lens, tripod, holders, under 6 kg/13 lb the lot. Of course you then need/want meter, hood, filters, bag, dark cloth, focusing loupe...

Shenhaos are heavy and fairly crude; Graphics, very limited.

Cheers,

R.
 
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If you are looking for a lightweight camera don't consider a Speed Graphic unless you are prepared to do the surgery to remove the focal plane shutter. Consider only the Crown Graphics.

A nice wooden field cameras will have noticeably more movements than a press camera and some are lighter. Back in the '70s and '80s there were models from Ikeda (rare) and Nagaoka (more common) that were extremely light.

I had an Ikeda for some 20 years and it served well. I had one of the last Schneider 90 Angulons (very modern shutter and good modern coatings) that complimented the like Ikeda well. Angulons have slightly less coverage (~5 degrees less) than the more modern Super Angulon but weigh only a fraction as much, hardly more than an empty shutter, and have more even illumination across the field. Paired with my Nikkor-W 180mm f/5.6 I made a nice kit that would fit in a rather large waist bag with room for meter, focusing cloth, magnifier, and 6 film holders or so.
 
I've traveled internationally with a Anniversary Graphic and a Super Graphic (one or the other, never both at the same time). Both are a tad heavier than a Crown but it really isn't a problem... unless one is a real weakling.
 
You should consider: Horseman HD - full front movements, no rear movements. Lightweight at 3.75 lbs. & compact. Folds into a box with lenses such as Rodenstock 135N attached.

The FA also has rear movements but is slightly heavier (2 kg.)

I have just returned from a trip to Colorado with a Busch Pressman and three lenses, and a Graphmatic. Worked fine. I put the camera body in the checked bag and carried the lenses in my carry-on bag.

The Horseman would have saved me about 1 lb.
 
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They don't come much lighter than the Toho which has excellent movements.

However, I prefer a press type camera for speed of setup and the fact that it folds into it's own "box."
 
Dwig said:
Angulons have slightly less coverage (~5 degrees less) than the more modern Super Angulon but weigh only a fraction as much, hardly more than an empty shutter, and have more even illumination across the field.
Click to expand...

...and Angulons need to be used at f/11 or less, preferably f/16 or less -- f/6.8 is for focusing only -- while Super Angulons can be used at full aperture. I have both, and have had other examples of both. I find the 120 Angulon vastly more useful than the 90. Again, I have both.

(I'm not arguing with you, just pointing out that there are other good reasons besides coverage why Angulons are smaller and cheaper).

Cheers,

R.
 
In the quest for lightweight, small, compact, sharp enough to make you bleed lenses...

Fuji 125mm/5.6 in a Copal #0 shutter
Kodak 127mm Ektar in a Kodak shutter
Kodak 203mm Ektar in a Kodak shutter

Shop carefully and you can buy 2 of the three for less than $400. A lot less if you pick both Kodak lenses. The Fuji offers a bit more image circle.

Good luck! Like Frank said, shoot a ton of film.
 
I love my Canham 810. The Crown Graphic is super light as Frank says. I used one with the RF removed and a ground glass for years.
 
It's not the lightest weight, but the Toyo 45A is very compact, a field design with enough movements for everything but exacting architectural work. It is also pretty much bullet proof in terms of durability. It's just over 6lbs, so would cut down on the rest of the kit, but the sturdiness and rigidity.

I own a Zone VI (wooden) tripod which is way too heavy, so I am considering something much lighter. I'm going to have a look at the new Vanguard tripods as well as the usual suspects.

There are lots of good lens suggestions. Fujinons are also good choices. I have the 90 & 150, but am very interested in the 340, which is very small and light by LF lens standards. It would likely become my choice for one-lens travel, but the 150 is not huge or heavy.

Edit: There's also the Toyo 45CF, a carbon fibre model that has more movements and is not expensive as many other 4X5s bought new.
 
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katcons said:
Is there a "light weight" large format camera, preferably 8-10kg including the lens, holders, and tripod? :)

I'd like to explore some options, as I hope to travel a lot in 2010 for work and hopefully insert some R&R time in between. During these trips, I prefer not to be chauffered around/accompanied when possible (I don't want to impose on the local representatives who will do the escorting, and I will be occupying their weekends, the only time they can really rest), and discover nice spots on my own when I can.

However, I hope to do some portraits with it as well, but I guess this will depend on the lens already. Understandably, with the weight considerations, I'll be exploring the 4x5 or 5x7s first.

Something light and all-around. Is this possible? :) I've been walking around my province more and realizing the need to go large already.

Been reading up on Shenhao cameras here:

http://www.kgcphoto.com/Reviews_&_Tutorials/shen-hao_and_lf_lenses.htm

And Speed/Crown Graphic:

http://graflex.org/speed-graphic/which-model.html

Still, I'd like to ask your opinion and recommendations. Many thanks, and Happy New Year!
Click to expand...

I used to use a Wista 45DX with a Fujinon 180mm f/9 (APO) lens. The lens is very compact and it and the camera made a great combination. The lens has enough coverage for the camera movements and can focus 1:1 if you are into macro things (in addition to which it is corrected for close distances).

Didn't weigh it at the time, but it would have to be one of the lighter combinations you could find if 4x5 is big enough.
 
Got this one my self, light, enough moments and was lucky to get it 2nd hand for a fair price, 1.4 kg ain´t bad either

http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/45.html

But if price is more important get a Graflex and spend the rest of the money on a good 150/180mm or 135mm if you prefer more wide angle.
Have my chamonix, 180 nikkor with board, lightmeter and a loupe in a Lowepro Omni sport, just add a tripod and some filmholders and your ready to go :)

vha
 
Thank you so much, everyone, for your responses. :) I'll look into each of those options.

However, has anyone used this:

Three_new_Razzles_2.jpg


Three_new_Razzles_3.jpg



Razzle Dog
 
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Those are quite different than a true view camera. Depends on what your needs are, what you want to do.
 
If you want the smallest, most portable 4x5 system, wouldn't a modified Polaroid Land Camera fit the bill (assuming you don't want movements)?
 
Thanks, Trius and Morca007. I saw that there were no knobs for movement, so I may just go for the view camera in the meantime, and if weight will still be an issue, I might get these or the Polaroid Land.
 
Yet another vote for Crown Graphic. Do some research and I think you will find it's a rocking Rangefinder and fine field view camera. Best part is that it's priced really reasonably compared to some of the alternatives. The Kodak glass is most excellent, though you can find some better but at a much higher price point.

B2 (;->
 
I saw one being sold at the marketplace for $700. I wonder why it hasn't sold yet.

Thanks, everyone! Keep em coming!
 
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