Where to pick up a 5x4 / 4x5 camera in the UK?

[magicmikey]

Can anyone recomend anywhere on the cheap ?

[EdBray]

Okay, you would need to answer a few questions:

My first question would be what do you want to do with it?

What do you expect it to do for you?

Are you aware of the various types? monorail, field, technical, rangefinder etc

Lets start with those and see where we go.

[Lostlabours]

Ed makes good points, I'd suggest meeting up with some LF users near you and seeing how they work & what they use, then decide what you think you need.

I have a few 5x4 cameras some I use hand held others only on a tripod. My first was a studio camera 1976 a De Vere too heavy to take out into the landscape, my second a Wista which is still my main LF camerabought in 1986.

Dimento, a member here has a nice Suyper graphic he selling at a good price, I have a few Graflex cameras, Speed/Crown and Reflex but the Super Graphic is my favourite it became my main camera in Turkey. Great for handheld and tripod use.

Ian

[magicmikey]

I'll be honest. I'm not fussed.

I'm on a really really tight budget so I cant be too picky!

I cant see a for sale thread by Dimento?

[Lostlabours]

Originally Posted by magicmikey

I cant see a for sale thread by Dimento?

He posted it on the Large formnat forum, and then on ebay. However he's since withdrawn it from sale.

Ian

[dave shutter]

Hi,
I have some large format gear for sale.
Cameras lenses, and all the bits and film. I am off traveling on a bike so need to get light gear!
Be warned! I am not giving it away.
Please pm for details
Dave

[magicmikey]

Originally Posted by Lostlabours

He posted it on the Large formnat forum, and then on ebay. However he's since withdrawn it from sale.

Ian

I found him just after I asked. No longer for sale :/

[DaveP]

There's an Arca monorail on here for 200 notes:

http://www.collectablecameras.com/list.htm

[skellum]

Hi, Magicmikey.
When I wanted to get into 5x4 I was lucky enough to have some spare cash, which made the choices easier. A couple of things to remember-
you don't just need the camera, you'll want a lens. Something in the 150 - 180mm range is a good compromise (like a 40-45mm on 135 format). You'll also need film holders- each takes 2 sheets back-to-back, so depending on how prolific a shooter you are you may need a few. Figure about ten pounds each. Also, what are you going to do with the film?? If you have a darkroom tray development is cheap, if not, you might need to source a daylight-safe system (Paterson orbital or combiplan) which you could load in a changing bag.
Last, are you going to wet print or scan/inkjet? If you want to wet print do you already (luckily) have a 5x4 friendly enlarger? If not, and money's tight, expect to do some ebay foraging. Second hand Darkroom Supplies (a sponsor here) have them in stock, but the enlarger could cos more than a cheap camera.
This is not to discourage you. LF shooting is really rewarding, but budget for the whole deal first.
ps- although not a sponsor, www.ffordes.co.uk have a good supply of LF goodies. Their site will give you an idea what things cost.

[TimHolmes]

If you find yourself near Victoria Mr CAD have just relocated from Croydon, they have many 5x4 cameras and lenses and start about £199 ex lens about £400 for a kit and they take pretty much any film camera in part exchange (it seems) which is handy. Good guys for advice and to figure out what you want / can afford, but you can end up in there for hours....