wj cody wrote:
5x4 is wonderful. there are two cameras i can recomment, as i currently use them. for studio use, the linhof technikardan cannot be beat. a competitor to that is the sinar p, but with micrometer drives on the front and rear standard, they can be a bit slow to use.
for field work, the linhof super technika models 4 and 5 are the go to cameras. with rising, tilting, falling, shifting front standards and with the rear standard using built in bellows for pretty much unlimited movements, they are perfect. but... ah, there's always a caveat, they weigh 10 pounds sans lens and sell for upwards of $1,000.00. so, for field, wisner, zone VI, wista, shen hao wooden field cameras will do 95% of what the linhof will do and weight one half the amount. and also you can find good ones on ebay for less than $1,000.00.
for really inexpensive gear, the redoubtable speed graphic in all its variants. no rear movements, but in the field, these are not often necessary. those, in great condition can be had for well less than $400.00.
good luck, and if you need assistance or have questions, let me know.
cody
fuji, nikon, schneider all make excellent lenses. i would watch out for what is called "schneideritis" in the lenses, particular the schneiders. those are small dots appearing on the edges of the elements when looking full on at the lens. avoid those.
5x4 is wonderful. there are two cameras i can reco... (
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While your choices of LF cameras is reputatable, I will gladly match my Toyo 45a field against yours and I will match my Cambo Legend against your Linhof's. In fact Deardorff's beat us both.