Milan Simon , Jan 07, 2012; 05:52 p.m.
I am a serious amatour photographer. I use canon 10d dslr w manual nikkors. I would like to move to large format in this summer to make fine prints and scans (of course with time). I dont really like to change what i am using at least in a ten years period thats why I would like to buy the best equipment for the first time. The price should be reasonable so I am willing to buy used.
The cam should be able to take nice portraits and landscapes in field also, so I think I will choose the Toyo but if someone knows better i am ready to reconsider. The budget is under 1500usd (If its significant better -2000)
Lenses:
Cooke Portrait PS 945 229mm f4.5 (worth that money?)
Schneider 72mm f5.6 Super Angulon XL (better for wide landscapes?)
I would like to have something in the 150mm focal lenght. Suggestion?
Thank you very much for the help!
Simon Milan
Kent Staubus , Jan 07, 2012; 08:02 p.m.
The "best" camera? Why that's likely the Ebony models. Those cost $2,200 to $5,000. I guess that's out of your budget---OOPS! Be careful when saying you just want the "best." Of course, there rarely is such a thing as "best" anyway. What you do is figure out what you want the camera gear to do, know what you want to pay, and then select the closest matches. The kind of photography you said you want to do is not very demanding of camera or lenses so the limited budget you have will work. You just won't be buying any Ebony cameras. For a camera, I'd suggest a field camera. Two that come to mind are the Shen Hao and the Chamonix. I've owned both and think both are good. I really love the Chamonix though. Buy a used one, on eBay. Do not buy new as there's plenty of selection of great used ones. As for lenses, only you know what length you shoot. Don't be surprised if you find you shoot in a different way using different focal lengths with 4x5 than you do with DSLR. The "best" lenses? Again, depends on what you want to do, what kind of look you are after, what you want to pay. I've been shooting landscapes with an original landscape lens--an 1855 E.G. Woods 10 inch pillbox lens. Lens has no shutter at all (I use my hand,) and only two apertures/f-stops (shaped like metal disks that you insert.) Yes, it's the BEST! I love the look. For portaits I use my Voigtlander Petzval, made in 1865. Again, no shutter, no apertures. I love the look, so it's the BEST!
My suggestion is for you to begin by thinking of camera gear as a SYSTEM, not pieces. And, start with a firm idea of exactly what kinds of images you want to make. You then select "pieces" of the system that will work together to do what you want. Really, just about any field camera is going to work for you. Just about any lens will work for landscapes. For portraits I think a standard length is about 210mm. I'd suggest you buy something like a used Shen Hao and one lens plus maybe five holders, all used. You'll also need a focus loupe, dark cloth (black t-shirt from Walmart,) a meter, something to carry camera and lens in so they don't get all banged up. Play with the stuff for a few months, then you will have a better idea. Just asking people on the internet probably won't result in your buying that mythical "best" lens. (Go CHEAP on the camera, put more $$ into lens.)
Kent in SD
Leigh B. 
, Jan 07, 2012; 09:44 p.m.
By far the largest selection of used LF equipment, both bodies and lenses, is at KEH in Atlanta http://www.keh.com
Click on Large Format on the left, then on Large Format again, then select the product (bodies, lenses, etc).
KEH is a great company to deal with. If you don't like something you can return it for a refund within 14 days.
Even if you don't buy from them, the site will give you a good overview of available products and prices.
- Leigh
Richard Sperry 
, Jan 07, 2012; 11:27 p.m.
I would like a mint/unused 8x10 Deardorff myself.
With 10 perfect light tight holders.
I would be fine with 3 perfect lenses for it, a wide, normal, and long. And a really nice wood and brass tripod.
That would be my best field camera choice. That's all I need.
That, and this remote control.
Sheldon Nalos , Jan 08, 2012; 02:01 a.m.
+1 to the recommendation for the Chamonix 4x5 as an excellent field camera and good value.
I wouldn't buy either of the lenses you listed. There are many 4x5 lenses that are so good that you won't miss any nuanced differences that those specialty lenses offer. Extra wide lenses such as the 72mm are difficult to use on 4x5 too. I'd look at modern multicoated lenses from any of the big 4 (Schneider, Rodenstock, Fuji, Nikon) in the 90mm f/8, 150mm f/5.6, and 210mm f/5.6 ranges. You could build a 3 lens kit plus the camera for under $2k easily, and be giving nothing up in final image quality.
Kent has some good advice there about the system and needed pieces too.
jens g.r. benthien , Jan 08, 2012; 03:56 a.m.
The Shan Hao is a very versatile camera with a reasonable price tag. Don't let you fool by the low price.
You might check this document (it's for 5x7 cameras, but lists all web sites and contacts for the manufacturers):
http://www.viewcamera.com/pdf/VC91-Thalmann-web.pdf
The 'best' cameras are IMHO the Linhof Technika (http://linhof.de/master_technika_3000_e.html) and the Ebony SV45TE (http://www.ebonycamera.com/cam.html), but they are way out of reach for any budget.
Michael Briggs 
, Jan 08, 2012; 12:28 p.m.
Most LF photographers end up switching from their first camera as they figure out what they really want in an LF camera. I suggest not worrying too much about getting the best, or the camera that will be "the one". One advantage of LF is that there isn't as much "lock in" as smaller formats -- the lenses don't have proprietary mounts. You can easily keep your lenses and get a different body. You might need to mount your lenses on different lenses boards, depending on whether the two cameras use the same board type, but at least changing camera brand doesn't implying simultaneously replacing all of your lenses. Maybe this gives less pressure to making the perfect decision.
Friedemann Pistorius , Jan 08, 2012; 02:54 p.m.
If you choose one of the brands mentioned you can buy a new camera and still have enough money left to buy 3 good used lenses.
To me, the "best camera" is solid, reliable and has the extension and movements I need. Toyo, Shen-Hao and Chamonix cameras are solid, reliable and offer more movements you'll ever need in landscape and portrait photography.
If not mistreated, the camera will serve you 10 years+ with ease.
Both lenses you mentioned are overkill IMHO - for landscape/portrait you don't need much movements i.e. no big image circle. Consider weight too, if you want to hike a bit and carry your gear around.
90 - 150 - 240 or 75 - 135 - 210 lenses would make for a nice lens kit. I have an 80-150-270 kit which does everything I want in landscape photography.
