| Photography Forum: Large Format Photography Forum: |
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Q. trying to move into large format... TOYO 45CF, any experiences?
Asked by Ricardo Villagran
(K=1901) on 11/14/2003
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Hi guys, I use Mamiya medium format but now I am tempted to get into LF. I want to start with an entry kit, basically to do some product shots, portraits and outdoor work. I don't do architectural stuff so I guess I don't need the full movements of a view camera...
I would like to ask your opinions regarding the Toyo 45CF... I haven't found much info regarding this one but seems like a good deal. I it possible to attached viewfinders to this kind of camera like on the Linhoof Master technika?
Any suggestions will be really appreciate! Ricardo Villagran
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Peter Witkop
(K=3189) - Comment Date 11/14/2003
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I have had a chance to play with one briefly when the mamiya rep was giving a talk (mamiya america is the us distributor). My impresions after using for about an hour or so was that it's a descent camera as long as you know what to expect from it. It's a light weight field camera, and I'd say it's mostly plastic despite the "carbon fiber" in the name. It isn't going to take too much abuse, but that's the price for the light wieght. Some of the reviews I've read were very posative, some very negative. The primary negative was the sturdyness issue. From the sound of things your primarily talking about working in the studio? In which case I'd go with a monorail. The only downside to a monorail is with outdoor work, they are difficult to hike with. I did it once with my cambo monorail, and promptly bought a field camera (as promptly as funds alowed anyway). If for your outdoor work you're likely to be working out of your car (which I still will use my cambo for), I'd definetly look into a monorail. Also before buying a cheap new camera, particularly in LF, I'd look into a used system. For the same money you're more likely to get a better setup that you'll be more happy with, and you'll be able to get your money back out of used easier than new.
I'm not absolutly posative about puting a viewfinder on the 45cf, but I do believe it's possible. It does have an accesory shoe. But the differance between a linhof is that a linhof finder is camed (or at least can be) to the lens, meaning you can use it to focus, were a finder that could go onto the toyo would be strictly for viewing.
Hope all that rambling helps  )
Peter
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al shaikh
(K=15790) - Comment Date 11/15/2003
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You might want to go to a store and play, because all the cameras have their own personality and it is hard to reccomend one with that diverse a wish list.
A rule of thumb is view cameras tend to be used for still lifes where as fields are more easily used for landscapes. For architecture you'd want a view due to expanded movements. Portraits can be done with either.
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Ricardo Villagran
(K=1901) - Comment Date 11/18/2003
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Thanks for your comments, I think I am going to do some research prior to take a decision... My only concern is that I have a client who wants me to do a job with LF, not MF, so I need to make a decision a little faster that I want. Thanks again! Ricardo
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Bill Gregg
(K=15) - Comment Date 8/23/2004
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the Toyo CF is a good beginers "field camera", but with any experience you will want a better camera. I suggest you look for a used ZoneVI, Wisner, they have better camera controls than the Toyo. Do some research before you buy, LF is not for everyone, but it is addicting to almost all that try it. I have a Toyo CF, but use it mostly for portraits, I have a KB Canham Wooden 4X5 for use in the field, it is a much better camera but a bit pricey.
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