Nice job. I purchased one of these new in 2000 and still use it today. Excellent camera that I highly recommend. Two minor corrections - 1) the standard Toyo G extension rails will NOT just screw into the existing rail system to make it longer. Toyo recommends swapping out the extendable rail for a full G-rail system, but then you lose the ability to collapse the camera into such a small format. So I purchased a G rail and did some modifications to it so that it WILL screw into the existing extendable rail system, and 2) there is a second red button on the extendable rail system that will allow even further extension of the collapsable rail system. You can get a full 320mm extension with the two small end caps you showed in the video. I am using a Nikkor-W 300mm F5.6 lens and it will focus to about 9 feet with the standard extendable rail and end caps and bellows.
one tip Nico, for adding bellows, I take the ground glass and lens off, and grab the metal frame UNDER the top of the bellow, and with finger tips and thumb squeeze it to the format frame, this relieves tension and aligns the parts so the bars go down easy; also it allows ones palm to expand a bag bellows so no folds are in the way 🙂.
nico, the brake on the rotating back is important, this helps keep the joint light tight before you open the darkslide, so any "wobbble" in the joint is removed, and thus pulls everything tight, so no light can enter.
Thank you for the video! I am trying to get into large format over the summer. One thing...did you choose the camera color to correspond to your shirt or vice versa? ;)
Hi Nico and thanks a lot for this video!! For you or others owners...I think that this camera could be amazing...but transportability concerns me...I move in metro and public transport in Paris and I don't drive...normally I use an small roller case with small vanguard divider inside...you guys, what kind of bag or case you use for not in car transportation? How did you carry this camera? (Harder than chamonix r2 I think, my second option) Thanks!
Have been debating getting one of these... although they are pretty pricey. But I really love the original green version. Also: the rotating back is just like the Toyo Field 45A -- you CAN actually use the Toyo (and other low profile/flat back) roll film holders without removing the ground glass. It's kinda sketchy the first few times you do it, but the metal tongs/springs on the ground glass will extend outwards something like 6cm to allow inserting a roll film holder.
Is it possible or practical to attach a medium format lens to a large format front standard? That way if you are shooting with a medium format back you are getting the best image quality?
do you still have this camera? i'm looking at the 45gx with base and center axis tilt. the price difference is considerable. the lighter 45cx looks good as well. thanks for posting (yes hard to come by)
Hola Nico!! excelente video, una pregunta ese "rail" se podrá usar con otra toyo? por ejemplo una 45gx con eso podría hacer mi camara mucho mas portable y llevarla en una mochila. Saludos
The rotation lock is for two reasons: 1. to eliminate any play in the rotating mechanism, and 2. so you don't accidentally rotate it when inserting/removing film holders.
good video, but I think that the rotation lock for the film back is for when you have a roll-film back installed, saves light leaks, which would come through the open corners when you turn the back. especially useful as a reminder to put the dark-slide in the film back BEFORE rotating, esp. with a fresh frame in the aperture!, as when you use 4x5 holders, to turn the back is NO problem, as you do it with the holder out of the camera, OR have a mantra that the slide only comes off seconds before the shot, to save wasting a sheet.
Thanks for the video. I've been considering picking up one of these for a while as my first step into large format, but there is very scant "hands on" information out there for this camera. The design really does seem excellent, blending the best features of both field and monorail cameras. The limitation of 300mm with the standard rail doesn't concern me, as I very much doubt I would ever use anything longer than that for 4x5 or smaller roll formats.
Hi I have this camera. Happy to answer any questions you may have about it. You should also know that it's rail and most parts are interchangeable with all TOYO rails and bellows so it's is infinitely expandable...highly reccomended.
one tip for everyone: a "compendium" is a lens shade, NOT a fixed one, like on dslr's, But a bellows set, on a set of bars or rods, these connect to the top of the front standard, anchoring them in place, the "bellows" is so that no matter where the sun is, the focal length of the lens (angular coverage), there is shade available, Without any vignetting. sometimes these bellows can twist around, as they are more rigid, allowing you to angle the shade, for instance if the sun or flash/ studio strobe is pointing too close to the camera, the shade can be customised to suit the shoot. even things like the movie lighting "barn _doors" can be fitted in front, to modify shade, or adaptors to add square filters/coloured jells in front of the lens for special effects.
great camera, looks similar to the linhof tecnikardan (like the kardan colour, but square ish, the colour has everything rounded off), different to the TECHNO which is the model with the same plastic look, but has the "optical bench" which tilts as well.
NICOS , be safe with the back glass!!- like it's linhof cousins, place the window cover @ 90 deg. there is a ledge on the pin ends that needs to clear the rotatory frame, and allows enough room to compress one pin, it is telescopic, like watch band pins, or toilet roll bobbins; you put the cover 90 Deg. down, and carefully push the cover left or right, releasing the fixed pin from the hinge, then cant slightly, and the whole cover can be removed with little fuss, or damage to the patina of the hinge area of the frame :-)
If you want a new one, this is going to be around 5k USD. Used ones are usually 2k, maybe less if it comes with 45G bellows or a third party one (the unique VX bellows shown in the vid is quite delicate and not many survive to this day)
Nice camera but better find one with all possible accessories and in perfect condition. Sinar's benefit is its components wide availability in the market. Unless mistaken, you often do not mention the weight, max and min extensions which are important specs for a LF camera.
I never mention the weight and specs as this is more of a visual description of what the camera looks like and operates. Brochures are a search away and I would probably make mistakes reading out details.
I have this camera. It's parts are interchangeable with all TOYO rails , lens boards etc . TOYO parts are widely available online. I have even just ordered a part from Sakai Manufacturing Company who are the OEM in Japan for a very very good price brand new! This camera like most view cameras , is no less serviceable than the SINAR. They are both great camera systems. Buy either with confidence.
Toks Abimbola Can you show a link to a front or rear standard for sale on eBay? What about the telescopic rail? I can’t see any now and when there is one, the price is really high.
@@toulcaz31 Hi , see below for link to rear standard...it's sold out unfortunately. With regard to the rail , the camera can use any G series rail. They are plentiful and reasonably priced. I have attached a link below. I haven't seen the telescopic rail. I can ask Mr Azuma at Sakai Manufacturing if you are interested to see if they are able to manufacture for you. They are making the extension caps for me. 2 week turnaround and very very reasonable pricing. These cameras are made to take punishment they are very well built. You are very unlikely to need to replace major items like your standard unless you are really trashing the kit! Standard :www.ebay.com/itm/153707826237 Rails:www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324201438075 Hope this helps
very nice looking camera, however i cant think there is any reason to buy this over arca swiss f-line metric, which is only few hundreds of dollars more expensive on used market and you get much nicer self locking rise & fall and can upgrade to 8x10 and geared tilt later
Hello , I have this camera and it has geared rise and fall on both standards . The Arca is a fantastic camera as well . I am curious to know we're you saw an Arca for similar pricing as I searched long and hard for both camera's before buying the Toyo. I imagine anyone would be very happy with either. Your point regarding 8 X 10 would be a consideration for those who may be thinking about this as well .
@@toksabimbola Agreed. When Arca-Swiss modern F-line cameras rarely appear on the 2nd hand market they tend to be significantly more expensive than the VX125 (sometimes as much as double). I know Nico didn't demonstrate it in the video but I thought the VX rise/fall had locks on both standards?
How much would I suffer if I planned to haul this around the city every weekend? Assuming I win the lotto and can afford to buy it 😂 Edit: fantastic production and set by the way.
Nice job. I purchased one of these new in 2000 and still use it today. Excellent camera that I highly recommend. Two minor corrections - 1) the standard Toyo G extension rails will NOT just screw into the existing rail system to make it longer. Toyo recommends swapping out the extendable rail for a full G-rail system, but then you lose the ability to collapse the camera into such a small format. So I purchased a G rail and did some modifications to it so that it WILL screw into the existing extendable rail system, and 2) there is a second red button on the extendable rail system that will allow even further extension of the collapsable rail system. You can get a full 320mm extension with the two small end caps you showed in the video. I am using a Nikkor-W 300mm F5.6 lens and it will focus to about 9 feet with the standard extendable rail and end caps and bellows.
one tip Nico, for adding bellows, I take the ground glass and lens off, and grab the metal frame UNDER the top of the bellow, and with finger tips and thumb squeeze it to the format frame, this relieves tension and aligns the parts so the bars go down easy; also it allows ones palm to expand a bag bellows so no folds are in the way 🙂.
nico, the brake on the rotating back is important, this helps keep the joint light tight before you open the darkslide, so any "wobbble" in the joint is removed, and thus pulls everything tight, so no light can enter.
Thank you for the video! I am trying to get into large format over the summer. One thing...did you choose the camera color to correspond to your shirt or vice versa? ;)
It depends. Mostly match the camera to my clothes. Thats why I have 10+ cameras 🙃🙃🙃
Really good, I have always wanted to see one in action, thanks so much!
Glad you liked it! Its pretty awesome to say the least!
Hi Nico and thanks a lot for this video!!
For you or others owners...I think that this camera could be amazing...but transportability concerns me...I move in metro and public transport in Paris and I don't drive...normally I use an small roller case with small vanguard divider inside...you guys, what kind of bag or case you use for not in car transportation? How did you carry this camera?
(Harder than chamonix r2 I think, my second option)
Thanks!
Have been debating getting one of these... although they are pretty pricey. But I really love the original green version.
Also: the rotating back is just like the Toyo Field 45A -- you CAN actually use the Toyo (and other low profile/flat back) roll film holders without removing the ground glass. It's kinda sketchy the first few times you do it, but the metal tongs/springs on the ground glass will extend outwards something like 6cm to allow inserting a roll film holder.
Is it possible or practical to attach a medium format lens to a large format front standard? That way if you are shooting with a medium format back you are getting the best image quality?
Hi, does the geared rise auto-lock? It looked like it slightly dropped when you made it rise.
I would have to double check but it probably has some lock, lenses can be heavy and auto lock is not that common.
What are you thoughts on the graflex monorails. I am just starting out
do you still have this camera? i'm looking at the 45gx with base and center axis tilt. the price difference is considerable. the lighter 45cx looks good as well. thanks for posting (yes hard to come by)
I still do. Do you need any extra info?
@@NicosPhotographyShow no found one from japan..thinking about it
Hello Nico,
Do you still have it? I'm searching for one...do you know of any out there?
Gracias
Hola Nico!! excelente video, una pregunta ese "rail" se podrá usar con otra toyo? por ejemplo una 45gx con eso podría hacer mi camara mucho mas portable y llevarla en una mochila. Saludos
Si, todos los railes parecen ser compatibles.
Great video... fantastic camera!
Thanks Toks! It really is!
The rotation lock is for two reasons:
1. to eliminate any play in the rotating mechanism, and
2. so you don't accidentally rotate it when inserting/removing film holders.
interesting👌🏻thanks. nifty rail extension. nice colour blending of the bellows with your T-shirt. no effort is spared. 😎
Nothing is left to chance!
good video, but I think that the rotation lock for the film back is for when you have a roll-film back installed, saves light leaks, which would come through the open corners when you turn the back. especially useful as a reminder to put the dark-slide in the film back BEFORE rotating, esp. with a fresh frame in the aperture!, as when you use 4x5 holders, to turn the back is NO problem, as you do it with the holder out of the camera, OR have a mantra that the slide only comes off seconds before the shot, to save wasting a sheet.
Nico esta camara me gusta mucho!!! Que cabeza de tripode es esa? Saludos
Una Cambo CBH4. Es bestial.
@@NicosPhotographyShow gracias!!!
Thanks for the video. I've been considering picking up one of these for a while as my first step into large format, but there is very scant "hands on" information out there for this camera. The design really does seem excellent, blending the best features of both field and monorail cameras. The limitation of 300mm with the standard rail doesn't concern me, as I very much doubt I would ever use anything longer than that for 4x5 or smaller roll formats.
Hi I have this camera. Happy to answer any questions you may have about it. You should also know that it's rail and most parts are interchangeable with all TOYO rails and bellows so it's is infinitely expandable...highly reccomended.
one tip for everyone: a "compendium" is a lens shade, NOT a fixed one, like on dslr's, But a bellows set, on a set of bars or rods, these connect to the top of the front standard, anchoring them in place, the "bellows" is so that no matter where the sun is, the focal length of the lens (angular coverage), there is shade available, Without any vignetting.
sometimes these bellows can twist around, as they are more rigid, allowing you to angle the shade, for instance if the sun or flash/ studio strobe is pointing too close to the camera, the shade can be customised to suit the shoot. even things like the movie lighting "barn _doors" can be fitted in front, to modify shade, or adaptors to add square filters/coloured jells in front of the lens for special effects.
great camera, looks similar to the linhof tecnikardan (like the kardan colour, but square ish, the colour has everything rounded off), different to the TECHNO which is the model with the same plastic look, but has the "optical bench" which tilts as well.
NICOS , be safe with the back glass!!- like it's linhof cousins, place the window cover @ 90 deg. there is a ledge on the pin ends that needs to clear the rotatory frame, and allows enough room to compress one pin, it is telescopic, like watch band pins, or toilet roll bobbins; you put the cover 90 Deg. down, and carefully push the cover left or right, releasing the fixed pin from the hinge, then cant slightly, and the whole cover can be removed with little fuss, or damage to the patina of the hinge area of the frame :-)
Your channel and work is awesome keep it up
Thanks a ton!
Beautiful!
It really is!
Hi nico great video! Can you also make a video for Sinar P2? Thanks!
Hello! How much does it cost to buy one now?
If you want a new one, this is going to be around 5k USD. Used ones are usually 2k, maybe less if it comes with 45G bellows or a third party one (the unique VX bellows shown in the vid is quite delicate and not many survive to this day)
Nice camera but better find one with all possible accessories and in perfect condition. Sinar's benefit is its components wide availability in the market. Unless mistaken, you often do not mention the weight, max and min extensions which are important specs for a LF camera.
I never mention the weight and specs as this is more of a visual description of what the camera looks like and operates. Brochures are a search away and I would probably make mistakes reading out details.
I have this camera. It's parts are interchangeable with all TOYO rails , lens boards etc . TOYO parts are widely available online. I have even just ordered a part from Sakai Manufacturing Company who are the OEM in Japan for a very very good price brand new! This camera like most view cameras , is no less serviceable than the SINAR. They are both great camera systems. Buy either with confidence.
Toks Abimbola Can you show a link to a front or rear standard for sale on eBay? What about the telescopic rail? I can’t see any now and when there is one, the price is really high.
@@toulcaz31 Hi , see below for link to rear standard...it's sold out unfortunately. With regard to the rail , the camera can use any G series rail. They are plentiful and reasonably priced. I have attached a link below. I haven't seen the telescopic rail. I can ask Mr Azuma at Sakai Manufacturing if you are interested to see if they are able to manufacture for you. They are making the extension caps for me. 2 week turnaround and very very reasonable pricing. These cameras are made to take punishment they are very well built. You are very unlikely to need to replace major items like your standard unless you are really trashing the kit!
Standard :www.ebay.com/itm/153707826237
Rails:www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324201438075
Hope this helps
They’re incredible cameras. Much smaller than my sinar f2
very nice looking camera, however i cant think there is any reason to buy this over arca swiss f-line metric, which is only few hundreds of dollars more expensive on used market and you get much nicer self locking rise & fall and can upgrade to 8x10 and geared tilt later
Hello , I have this camera and it has geared rise and fall on both standards . The Arca is a fantastic camera as well . I am curious to know we're you saw an Arca for similar pricing as I searched long and hard for both camera's before buying the Toyo. I imagine anyone would be very happy with either. Your point regarding 8 X 10 would be a consideration for those who may be thinking about this as well .
@@toksabimbola Agreed. When Arca-Swiss modern F-line cameras rarely appear on the 2nd hand market they tend to be significantly more expensive than the VX125 (sometimes as much as double). I know Nico didn't demonstrate it in the video but I thought the VX rise/fall had locks on both standards?
@@puppetyr Hi , yes it does have locks on both standards for rise , fall and tilt.
@@toksabimbola OK thanks Toks for confirming.
No locks on the shift???
I’m saving for a used one
Its an awesome camera. Hope you get jt soon and enjoy it.
I’m going to get one
Its a pretty sweet camera! Good luck
How much would I suffer if I planned to haul this around the city every weekend? Assuming I win the lotto and can afford to buy it 😂
Edit: fantastic production and set by the way.
I have this camera. It's weighs just 2.8kg with rail extensions on. It's an absolute joy to use.
Its actually not that bad to carry, packs small and pretty lightweight all things considered.
It has to be awesome in the field!
Toks Abimbola dont tempt me 😂
Woah!! Don't raise it when the bellows are squashed.
This thing is like $3,000 USD.
It was my partner’s in the studio, super cool camera.
Dude.... cheap.... I like it but, it’s very expensive 1.500$ or more. I would buy one right now but, I have to find something else
Yeah, the price we paid for this unit is obviously not that and I had the idea it was"cheaper".