[LargeFormat] Backpackable 4x5

[Jim Brick]

I use a Linhof Technikardan 45S. The 45S folds-up and packs away in my 
backpack, in the exact same slot that my old Technika field camera used to. 
To me, this is the best 4x5 camera I've ever owned or used. It packs-up 
small for field carrying and use and unfolds into a monorail that will 
easily take both my 55 Apo-Grandagon and my 75mm Grandagon-N lenses 
(unusable on most field cameras) as well as my Nikkor 720mm Telephoto (also 
unusable on field cameras.) Front & back swings and tilts up the gazoo. All 
view camera movements.

The Technikardan unfolds and set-up very quickly as well as folding-up and 
packing away just as quickly. I've read reports of folks who couldn't 
master the unfolding and folding technique. All I can say is... well, I 
won't say it! It is simply dirt simple and very quick.

Here's a review with pictures:

http://www.butzi.net/reviews/linhoftk45s.htm

My $.02 worth...

Jim




At 03:40 PM 6/8/2003 -0700, Benno Jones wrote:
>I'm sure this must have come up before, but a quick perusal of the list
>archives did not turn up any promising message titles, so.....
>
>I currently own an older Calumet monorail and a Crown Graphic, but need
>something good for field work with as many movements as possible.  Rear
>swing is a must for my personal photographic style, but I could probably
>live without rear rise and fall or rear shift (although I'd rather it was
>one or the other, not both).  I'm thinking probably more of a monorail
>camera that can come apart and lie flat than a field camera, but I'd
>consider a field camera if it had all the movements I need.  Long bellows
>extension is also in the wish list as I do a lot of macro-type photography
>as well.
>
>Suggestion?  Recommendations?
>
>Thanks, folks!
>
>Benno Jones