Burke & James Cameras

Joenail

Joenail

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Joe
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As a follow up to my recent thread here (asking advice on large format cameras), I'd appreciate it if anyone could tell me a bit about Burke & James cameras & confirm whether or not it's a good idea for a new 5x4/5x7/10x8 user. I've read that a lt of the movements don't lock in very well, back has a tendency to move when film is inserted & swings randomly when focussing. But, because of the price, this hasn't completely put me off.

5x7 camera with a 5x4 reducing would be absolutely ideal for me, but price & availability-wise it's going to be hard to find one.

Would anyone be able to tell me a bit about these cameras (links below) if you can be bothered, or just a simple pointer as to which one would be the best to go for?

This looks good, but it's a bidding thing, which I normally don't do as you end up forgetting what you're actually prepared to pay!

This is perfect & really cheap, but not sure about it for reasons above & whether or not I could get a 5x4 back for it.

This also looks great, but not sure about back as with the one above.

Thanks in advance,

-J
 
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I've not read your previous thread, so forgive me if I'm on the wrong track, but if you want cheap and cheerful why not get Toyo? Plenty on ebay at the moment and in the UK too.
 
Thanks for the reply, but Toyo cameras are mainly monorail (they are on evilbay anyway) & I'm looking for something I can carry about fairly easily but with decent movements. Not sure they do 5x7 either.

-J
 
treeman said:
Yeah you're quite right, my bad, I didn't read you post properly :bonk:

Presume a Wista is out of your price range?
Click to expand...

I've looked at some wistas (45D mainly) & they seem very good. 5x7 back availability & ease of use is putting me off a bit though!

Thanks again

-J
 
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UPDATE: Found this - B&J 10x8 thing with 10x8, 5x7 & 5x4 backs - £500. Seems crazy cheap for that. Too good to be true?

-J
 
My word thats a beauty Joe, looks the bees knees if you ask me.

Andy
 
Andysnap said:
My word thats a beauty Joe, looks the bees knees if you ask me.

Andy
Click to expand...

...Which is why I'm feeling a bit apprehensive about buying it :lol:

It's been up for a while & nobody seems to want to take it.
 
Looks like it weighs a bloomin tonne, do you really need a 10x8 camera to shoot 5x4 or 5x7? seems a bit excessive to me :shrug:
 
I don't need it at all, but I'm going to get 5x7 anyway & I can imagine it won't be long before I crave a bigger contact print! If I can find a cheap 5x7/4 I'll take it over that any day though
 
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