Anyone seen a complete 4x5 for 500+/-?

[dmora]

or am i smoking dope thinking i'll get a fair one at that price.

I'm loving my studio class, where all we use is 4x5. There's 2 for sale at my local Precision Camera but they're waaay out of my price range at 1500-2000.

I was hoping to find something useful as an intro kit with the bellows, lens, glass, and tripod for 500ish or less.

[zebulus]

Ive seen them on here for that price, a used one.

[venchka]

Camera, lens, film holders, loupe, dark cloth, light meter, tripod, tripod head, trays for developing. $500. Maybe. What type of camera? Monorail? Field? Press? What kind of lens? Latest or serviceable post-war vintage? Tripod and head: $100 or less used for a New Jersey made Tiltall. There is one at the Large Format Forum for $85 right now.
My experience: Speed Graphic, 127mm Kodak Ekatar lens, both from 1953. 5 holders. Extra lens. $100. Everything works fine. The Kodak lens is one of my best. Small image circle so limited movements.
Jobo 3010 drum for developing, BTZS dark cloth, Harrison Changing Tent, 20 more holders, Gossen meter, filters, etc. brought the total close to $500. Maybe a bit more.
Fujinon-W 125mm lens: $250.
Fujinon-W 250mm lens: $200.
Don't ask about the Zone VI camera, Nikkor lens, Zone VI tripod, etc. I had a weak moment and the stuff was in my hands and the check written before I knew what happened.
Houston Camera Co-op has a Calumet green (aluminum) C-1 8x10 with a Rodenstock 300mm lens for $629.
Old B&J, Orbit, Kodak, Calumet, etc. monorails are practially free. They may or may not be worth their selling price.
It's like the lottery. "Do you feel lucky?" You may find something.

[venchka]

From the Large Format forum For Sale listings. An example of a very useful starter lens. And a lens you could use forever.

Join the forum. In 30 days you can shop there.

ps: You don't usually see complete rigs for sale. Folks know that the parts are easier to sell than the whole kit. So, you look around for affordable parts. Pretty soon you have the whole kit. There are exceptions. I saw 4x5 gear listed on the Dallas craigslist recently. Be advised: folks sellin on craigslist usually have a wildly inflated idea of market value for the stuff they are selling. Do your homework. Educate the seller about real, current market prices, you may get lucky.

[timbertoes]

And you will soon decide that a Jobo tank setup gives better results, easier than a tray or dunk tank, so add another 150 or so. You have to get really lucky to get one used before someone esle gets it.

Craigslist can be good for a Tripod. needs to be rated at a minimum of 25lbs.

By the time you are really "Done" it will be a grand. Although my 1st one, a Rail Omega 45 with a Lens was $250. The Omega rail cameras are real low price, but if the bellows are shot...waste of money. the fix can be worse by causing the bellows to sag into the light path.

What camera are you using in Class ?

[timbertoes]

Then there is the Epson scanner...and heck throw in an Enlarger setup!!

hey you only live once, live it to the max!

[timbertoes]

there is a rail camera for 250 on your CL

[dmora]

Originally Posted by timbertoes

And you will soon decide that a Jobo tank setup gives better results, easier than a tray or dunk tank, so add another 150 or so. You have to get really lucky to get one used before someone esle gets it.

Craigslist can be good for a Tripod. needs to be rated at a minimum of 25lbs.

By the time you are really "Done" it will be a grand. Although my 1st one, a Rail Omega 45 with a Lens was $250. The Omega rail cameras are real low price, but if the bellows are shot...waste of money. the fix can be worse by causing the bellows to sag into the light path.

What camera are you using in Class ?

Sinar in class.

[dmora]

obviously i have no clue what all i need in terms of parts since i'll have to shop for stuff by piece meal. :(

I need to hire someone to build a rig for me and then pay a flat price... blah. Maybe next year.

[timbertoes]

its not that hard really.
break down Venchka's list.
some things you are just going to find seperatly for the most part.

I will put it this way...if you see a great deal on a required piece, grab it.

[dmora]

Originally Posted by timbertoes

its not that hard really.
break down Venchka's list.
some things you are just going to find seperatly for the most part.

I will put it this way...if you see a great deal on a required piece, grab it.

between, my 12 hours at class, 40 hours at work, a girl that demands i call her every day , and working on my Fulbright research grant proposal... i dont have much time or budget to invest in this... esp considering im hugely invested in digital atm.

Im on the large format forums.... just waiting for the 30 days spam filter. We'll see how things go.

[timbertoes]

WOW. Yes you are busy. Best wishes in all your endeavors!

[timbertoes]

Maybe in the near future, I send you, and let you use my Omega rail camera and I have simple but effective light meter. Luna Gossen Pro.
Dont have an extra lens though.

[KJ Smith]

KEH

[timbertoes]

Have not seen Venchka all day! maybe he is in the field with film ?