Re: 4x5 camera suggestions

[Roger Hein <rogein@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>Matt Henley wrote:
>>
>> I noticed the recent thread about viability of different 4x5 cameras
>> for use with Kodak Infrared film.  The question that comes to my mind
>> is:
>> For someone who does not own one, what 4x5 camera would you suggest for
>> someone looking to use it specifically for infrared photography?  What
>> camera has the most 'bang for the buck'... for this service?
>.................
>Look at it this way.  What is the purpose of a view camera?  It holds
>the lens at one end and the film holder at the other.  That's the most
>important thing.  Some cameras offer the ability to move the lens and
>film planes so that you can do different things.  The most important is
>the ability to make the lower part of your picture at a closer focal
>length than the upper part so that you can get a greater depth of field
>with the majority of your needs.  All these things are available in a
>Speed Graphic that may be 40+ years old and can be found for under
>$300.  It's amazing how good an image can be had from even a cheap
>lens.  Spend more money and you can get a better quality lens.

I'd second this.  View cameras are probably the best buy around because
they don't really go out of date.  From my recent search into 'IR-safe'
bellows for my own setup, it seems that generally bellows made of the
'plasticized' materials are better for IR use while the leather materials
are not.  I will add that I think the 'most bang for the buck' cameras are
the 'rail types' like the old Calumet/Graphic/Kodak/Orbit views, etc.  I
often see these locally at 'swap meets' selling for $40-$60 CDN.  Add a
lens and a couple of holders and you could walk away for about $200 CDN.
There seems to be a 'premium' (at least up here) on the Speed Graphics
probably because of their popularity and portability over the monorails.
Of course the 'pinhole' 4x5 must be THE cheapest way to start and it's
easily constructed.  Ok, so the exposures do end up becoming 'coffee
breaks'.  Still, it can be a wonderful form of expression.

Cheers,
Roger...



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