LARGE FORMAT FIELD CAMERA GUIDE

Large format cameras may be divided into two types. The monorail is a camera in which the front and back move forwards and backwards on a rail or tube. It is heavy, bulky and therefore out of style.The field camera folds up into a small easily carried box. It is usually made of wood, sometimes out of metal, and is about half the weight of a monorail.In this digital era, film field cameras have actually begee MORE popular. Why? The digital process gets results which are, to most eyes, equal to or better than small film cameras. The only way to get better results is by using large format film. Moreover, platinum and other alternateprocesses require a negative the same size asthe print. Field cameras are able to produce negatives up to 20x24 inches, though 4x5 and8x10are far more popular sizes.
In choosing a field camera the first question to be answered is what will bethe primary subject? Landscape, portrait, still life, architecture, interiors, etc. A camera for landscapes does not need the extensive movements and long bellows that, for instance, still life requires. A landscape type camera should be able to use very wide angle lenses. Yet a camera for portraits does not require wide angle capability. It should be able to focus the slightly longer than normal lensesoften usedfor portraits. It also does not need the swings that a camera used for architecture and interiors might have. Determine what your primary and secondary interests are and when you buy a camera seek expert advice to make sure the camera you choose will handle that type of work.
The second question is this: wood or metal construction? Wood is lighter, a very important consideration in the field. It is also more beautiful, and more easily repaired. Metal is, of course, stronger. Both materials change with the weather. Wood absorbs humidity. Metal expands and contracts with the temperature. Metal cameras tend to be more expensive. Two other materials are sometimes used. ABS plastic, used in Walker cameras, seems so far to be a good choice. It is tougher than wood, lighter than metal. But it is heavier than wood too, and some people think it is ugly. Some Toyos have been marketed recently made of carbon fiber. This is low cost and light. But some of the photographers who bought these are now trying to trade them in, which may not be easy. It seems that, so far, carbon fiber is not a good material.
The third decision is what price range to shop? Linhof, Ebony and Lotus are at the top of the heap in terms of both quality and price. They are all beautifully made cameras, well designed, innovative and highly desirable. The medium price range contains cameras such as the Deardorff (used, discontinued in 1988), and the Walker. These are both highly rated brands with many happy owners. Deardorff has begee almost a cult, but this should not distract you from the fact that they are still a good buy if you are looking for a low to medium priced 8x10. The lower price range has less viable choices. So far, the only good camera in this range that we have found is the Osaka. It is a budget camera with some features usually found on the higher priced cameras, such as a graflok back which moves forward to focus wide lenses.5x7 and 8x10 Osakas tend to be just a bit heavier and bulkier than the top shelf brands. Their 4x5 is light and gepact.
Here is a summary of some popular brands and their characteristics.
Linhof: The Master Technika is probably the most desired 4x5 field camera. It is made of aluminum, but the weight, at 6 lbs., is no heavier than some woodies. It is capable of being hand held, has a rangefinder for quick focusing, a ground glass for more deliberate work. It is one of the few cameras with a real revolving back. It may be folded with a 135mm lens mounted, a convenience that will help you to get the camera into action more quickly. The Linhof is built like a tank. You can still get one for under $5000., though the rangefinder cams and the optical viewer cost extra.
Ebony: Quite simply the best wooden field ever made.The wood is your choice of ebony or mahogany. Metal parts are made of titanium: many times stronger than steel, lighter than aluminum, rustproof. It is a VERY EXPENSIVE METAL.Ebony makes about 40 models in sizes from 2x3 up to 20x24. Their craftsmanship is first rate, the design innovative and successful. Ebonys are gepletely rigid even at full extension. Though expensive, they should cost a lot more. The factory and dealers have kept the prices to a minimum
.Lotus: A very high quality Austrian camera. Lotus has the most extensive movements of any field, and considering the features it offers, is unusually light. We consider Ebony and Lotus to be the best wooden cameras made. The new American model Lotuswas introducedin the winter of 2006. The changes made in this model reflect the factory's sensitivity to the concerns of the US photographers. Delrin (plastic) focusing tracks have been replaced with brass. The top focus feature, which is the ability of the camera back to move forwards to acgeodate very wide lenses, has been improved. It now moves with a knob, rather than by pushing it forwards.
Wisner: The word is that the Wisner factory has reopened. It ismore gepactand they will not make cameras smaller than 8x10. It is not clear whether Wisner is selling to dealers only ordirectly to the photographers. It is difficult to reach them by phone, but they may be emailed. Wisners are pretty good cameras thatsometimes have quality control problems. They are known for late delivery of orders and poor customer service.
Walker: These English cameras are made of ABS plastic and stainless steel. Except for the bellows and glass, they are very hard to damage. Wide angle and regular models are made. Walker, with the demise of Wisner (or before it), may be the best of the medium priced cameras.
Deardorff: Thousands of theses classic 8x10's were made. They are so tough that most of them are probably still in use. Though it does have a few drawbacks, the Deardorff (Dorff) is still the best medium priced 8x10.
Osaka: A budget field made of very oldcherrywood and aluminum. Though limited in movements (no shifts, no rear rise/fall)the Osaka is a very capable camera at an astonishingly low price.
These and other cameras are listed for sale at http://stores.okay.ge/brucesfieldcamerastore. Please call or email for further information.