Thanks for the video Dave. You inspired me to purchase a Wista 45D. It's one of the older models but arrived in excellent condition. After a disassemble, cleaning, lubrication and light seals replacement it's in tip top condition. The disassembly gave me a good idea of the design and operation of all the parts. Beautiful camera and built to withstand a few of my falls along trails. Looking for a 90mm lens now. That Nikon SW 90mm f/8 you have has a huge image circle but I think I will settle for a f/5.6 since I only intend to use a 4x5 camera. Thanks for the video. I realize it is three years old but very informative and a great sit back and listen. Think I have watched it ten times so far...lol. Stay safe and positive during these trying times we live through. Cheers from Nova Scotia, Canada...
hi, you don't mention that the detent (45 degrees) is for wide lenses, in particular to get the bed out of the shot, hence the lower detent position- same as the linhofs especially when you go 65 mm focal length and less.
one point dave, the Graflex cameras have a FOCAL PLANE shutter, so 1/1000th sec. max shutter speed, as the leaf shutters can only do 1/500th due to size, and the fact each blade must remain fully open for the exposure time, then close. this is why you can hand hold, as the shutter is fast enough to stop the motion blur of hand_holding; eg: for MF cameras, due to the shallow dof, and the telephoto nature of the lenses you MUST tripod shutter speeds longer than 1/125th as this is the slowest you can go handheld reliably, with sharp shots; with LF these factors are less in your favour, dof is even shallower (hence the need for f45 & f64 to get a large enough dof for shooting sharp shots, even at the expence of speed, you would need several sec. exposures to do this).
cambo and the others call this back tilt style a "micro metric orbix" tilt, this is MAINLY for dslr's and mirror-less cameras, as well as digital backs, which mount onto these 'technical cameras' for digital tilt/shift capability. ( eg. cambo 's actus body and sinars P 2 and other 4 x 5 mono-rail cameras). There is a reason for this type of tilt, these digital sensors, can't take the base tilt on these style of cameras, these move the lens cone way too far outside the cameras sensor field of view and focus,so this method of focus was developed with these "digital backs" in mind, just like a tilt-shift lens on a cannon or Nikon 35 mm camera, tilting to the same limits, but well within what the sensor can see.
andy van "others" is Arca Swiss. And it's only them that call it micro orbix. Others doesn't need it because tilting is in the central axe, so you don't need to refocus. It's not for DSLR or digital back. Micro orbix is for being able to tilt without getting the image completely out of focus. But it doesn't mean you can't live without it. It's just for convenience. This camera was made way before digitalbacks.
@@AndreyPermitin yes, just got corrected by arca on this, technically this is designed around tilt without a huge focus "shift" in the process, necessitating a re-focus, thus taking time, esp. for studio shooters.
that feature is called a "drop-bed" which is designed ; just like in the linhof line of cameras (23,4 x 5, 5 x 7, 8 x 10) to lower the bed of the camera so a 65 mm wide angle lens can be used without seeing the camera bed in shot, due to this lenses field of view, also with any other lens of wider or similar focal length (i think the 65 is assumed for the 5 x 7 format).
@@DaveJSmith yes, and the angles are 15 , 30 and 45 the latter is ONLY in certain models, the Tech 3000 i think is one, where this extreme setting is for the 65mm and less, particularly a 38 or 40mm lens, these are mounted on a bellows focus set, and the 45 degrees accounts for the extremely wide angle of view these lenses have. ( this works as there is a 'body pinion' a special rack, like the main one on the bed, but on top of the 'storage rack' for the standard when the bed is closed, this rack focuses the extreme wide lenses, so only bed drop is required, No special bellows to focus, like on most others, without this feature).
@@DaveJSmith Hi David, I ended up getting a Tomiyama Art 170 roll film back and can confirm it fits on the Wista D, albeit a very tight fit. With a 135mm on and infinity focus the bellow are not extended very far in front of the camera (the depth of the camera itself combined with the recessed film plane to get 170mm width) so movements are quite challenging. Cheers R
I had a Toyo 45A that I used the DaYi 6x17 back on (very similar to the Wista metal cameras)... it was a nightmare. Not because the parts didn't fit the graflok back ... they did and that was fine... what you find out though is your use of lenses with those roll film backs is extremely limited. I could not get the 90mm to focus at all oven with a recessed lens board and my 210 vignetted and essentially limited to 6x14 on the DaYi. The only lens in my arsenal that worked with 6x17 frame lines was my 135mm. basically the instructions list the limitations but no one spoke about it at all when I was researching and it's not explained up front by DaYi. I personally think a 6x12 back would be a better choice and much cheaper to get your hands on.
Hi Jakob Glad that you enjoyed the video I don't recall what I paid for mine, but I sold it recently for a lot more, partly because mine was virtually the only one for sale in the eu, partly because it is in such pristine condition. If you don't mind bringing one from Japan and paying the huge duties you should find a mint version for around 700-800 gbp, about half what they were new and honestly definitely worth the money Hope that helps Dave
Hi Tory Actually I am not sure that I would. The 45 D is very very old now so finding one in mint-ish condition will be harder. I also think that this model does not come with front swing and in terms of LF shooting that is a bit of a deal breaker for me since the major advantage of shooting in LF is the ability to tune your plane (or even point) of sharp focus using movements such as this. The metal bodied clam shell Wistas have been out of production for some decades now, so it gets harder to find one in good shape. I would personally go for the SP or the VX - the SP is interesting because not only does it have back swing but it also has micro adjust back swing machanism for super fine tuning of the point of focus. When I buy these vintage LF cameras I am usually looking to find one in the best possible condition (ideally mint) because they do hold their value and I prefer to just get on with shooting than have to refurb the camera first! You do pay more of course, but for me it is well worth it in the end. I hope that helps Dave
Hi Dave, I've just picked up a Wista VX myself now, and it has arrived, however the back looks like a 6x9. I was wondering if: A) Wista cameras are specific to a certain format (ie. 6x9, 4x5)? Or are they interchangeable? B) Can I change just the glass itself, or do I need to change the entire back for 4x5? Many thanks!
@@ToryHo No they aren't, one of the great aspects is that they have the Graflex back so they can take a wide range of backs, it would have come originally with a 5x4 graflex back which you culd then change out for any of the roll film backs ranging from 6x4.5 through to 6x12 from Graflex, Wista, Linhof and Horseman to name a few. However, it is possible that you bought a dedicated 6x9 camera, in which case I don't think it would be 45VX. The ground glass 4x5 back shouldnt be too difficult to find nd are quite cheap Dave
Dave Smith Photography thanks Dave! Can I email you privately? I think I’ve found the issue with the camera, but I’d just like to confirm my suspicions with someone who’s familiar with the system. Thanks!
@@DaveJSmith Yes I traded a Fujifilm xpro2 for it. I have loaded film and hoping to shoot This weekend. I've never shot Large format before! any tips? Thanks, Mr Dominique Pierre-Nina Phone: +61410471365 Email: pierreninaphotography@gmail.com Website: www.pierreninaphotography.com Instagram: @pierreninaphotography
@@dominiquepierre-nina4581 I am sure that you are going to have a much better experience than with digital. Take your time, double check everything, film is expensive (though I use X-Ray film) and enjoy it. Have you seen my stand developing videos? Dave
Hi Shawn Yes, sold this camera a long time ago, though I am missing the 6x12 format that I used with this camera and will be replacing it soon, probably with a Horseman Dave
Hi George, It is made specifically to mount to any camera with the so-called universal (or graflok) back. It will fit most current cameras and I wanted to make sure that the camera I bought would indeed take this back. There are some chinese backs that you can use as well, though they are expensive and I think that this Horesman (used) is rahter better made. I hope that that helps ... let me know if you need more detail, once I have used the film I will make a detailed video on the back Dave
Hi George You are very welcome. You can see an image made from this combination on my latest blog post here, wp.me/p6NvLh-kQ This image is actually the start of a series that I have in mind. Dave
Hi Kary Firstly, many thanks fo rtaking the time it is always much appreciated. I use a Chamonix 5x4 and 10x8 wet plate holders (5x4 version for this camera of course!), they are costly but very good. You could always adapt a Fidelity holder, but I think a purpose made one is much better Dave
Awesome thanks I have a Chamonix plate holder for the 5x4, I don’t like the antique starter camera I bought, so I’m looking at options. Would you say this is a good camera for a beginner with large format?
@@oldschoolcollodion It is certainly a great camera, but they are quite expensive for a mint version and very heavy. A good beginner camera are the plywood cameras that are very cheap such as the Intrepid cameras (probably only useful in 5x4). There used to be another maker in Europe for plywood cameras but I can't find a link now. These won't be as good as more robust versions but will get you started without breaking the bank and if it doesn't suit you then nothing lost, if you really enjoy it then the lens will go with you as you upgrade I hope that this helps Dave
Dave Smith Photography thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I spoke with a friend experienced in wet plate not far from me this afternoon, and he has offered to let me use his camera while helping me learn. Once I’ve become familiar I can choose the right camera afterwards. I will keep an eye on these the future.
![The Wista Field 45 Large Format Camera [ A Walkthrough its Functions ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/C8N_FJ9tr7M/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for the video Dave. You inspired me to purchase a Wista 45D. It's one of the older models but arrived in excellent condition. After a disassemble, cleaning, lubrication and light seals replacement it's in tip top condition. The disassembly gave me a good idea of the design and operation of all the parts. Beautiful camera and built to withstand a few of my falls along trails. Looking for a 90mm lens now. That Nikon SW 90mm f/8 you have has a huge image circle but I think I will settle for a f/5.6 since I only intend to use a 4x5 camera. Thanks for the video. I realize it is three years old but very informative and a great sit back and listen. Think I have watched it ten times so far...lol. Stay safe and positive during these trying times we live through. Cheers from Nova Scotia, Canada...
Hi Wayne,
Many thanks for taking the time, it is much appreciated
Dave
hi, you don't mention that the detent (45 degrees) is for wide lenses, in particular to get the bed out of the shot, hence the lower detent position- same as the linhofs especially when you go 65 mm focal length and less.
one point dave, the Graflex cameras have a FOCAL PLANE shutter, so 1/1000th sec. max shutter speed, as the leaf shutters can only do 1/500th due to size, and the fact each blade must remain fully open for the exposure time, then close. this is why you can hand hold, as the shutter is fast enough to stop the motion blur of hand_holding; eg: for MF cameras, due to the shallow dof, and the telephoto nature of the lenses you MUST tripod shutter speeds longer than 1/125th as this is the slowest you can go handheld reliably, with sharp shots; with LF these factors are less in your favour, dof is even shallower (hence the need for f45 & f64 to get a large enough dof for shooting sharp shots, even at the expence of speed, you would need several sec. exposures to do this).
Thanks for that Andy, though I think hand holding at 1/125th for this beast is likely to be a bit optimistic!
Dave
cambo and the others call this back tilt style a "micro metric orbix" tilt, this is MAINLY for dslr's and mirror-less cameras, as well as digital backs, which mount onto these 'technical cameras' for digital tilt/shift capability.
( eg. cambo 's actus body and sinars P 2 and other 4 x 5 mono-rail cameras).
There is a reason for this type of tilt, these digital sensors, can't take the base tilt on these style of cameras, these move the lens cone way too far outside the cameras sensor field of view and focus,so this method of focus was developed with these "digital backs" in mind, just like a tilt-shift lens on a cannon or Nikon 35 mm camera, tilting to the same limits, but well within what the sensor can see.
andy van "others" is Arca Swiss. And it's only them that call it micro orbix. Others doesn't need it because tilting is in the central axe, so you don't need to refocus. It's not for DSLR or digital back. Micro orbix is for being able to tilt without getting the image completely out of focus. But it doesn't mean you can't live without it. It's just for convenience. This camera was made way before digitalbacks.
@@AndreyPermitin yes, just got corrected by arca on this, technically this is designed around tilt without a huge focus "shift" in the process, necessitating a re-focus, thus taking time, esp. for studio shooters.
that feature is called a "drop-bed" which is designed ; just like in the linhof line of cameras (23,4 x 5, 5 x 7, 8 x 10) to lower the bed of the camera so a 65 mm wide angle lens can be used without seeing the camera bed in shot, due to this lenses field of view, also with any other lens of wider or similar focal length (i think the 65 is assumed for the 5 x 7 format).
Hi Andy,
Many thanks for your contribution, exactly right!
Dave
@@DaveJSmith yes, and the angles are 15 , 30 and 45 the latter is ONLY in certain models, the Tech 3000 i think is one, where this extreme setting is for the 65mm and less, particularly a 38 or 40mm lens, these are mounted on a bellows focus set, and the 45 degrees accounts for the extremely wide angle of view these lenses have.
( this works as there is a 'body pinion' a special rack, like the main one on the bed, but on top of the 'storage rack' for the standard when the bed is closed, this rack focuses the extreme wide lenses, so only bed drop is required, No special bellows to focus, like on most others, without this feature).
thanks Dave, I will consider one of those
Hi Phil,
Many thanks for taking the time, I can certainly recommend this camera, it is amazing!
Dave
Does the rear tilt forward and backward?
Hi Dave, great video. Have you tried with a 617 roll film back or any thoughts if that might work? eg. DaYi or ShenHao. Thanks Rob
Hi Rob
I haven't tried that, but my sense is that it would work, but may need an adaptor plate
If you try it let us know
Dave
@@DaveJSmith Hi David, I ended up getting a Tomiyama Art 170 roll film back and can confirm it fits on the Wista D, albeit a very tight fit. With a 135mm on and infinity focus the bellow are not extended very far in front of the camera (the depth of the camera itself combined with the recessed film plane to get 170mm width) so movements are quite challenging. Cheers R
I had a Toyo 45A that I used the DaYi 6x17 back on (very similar to the Wista metal cameras)... it was a nightmare. Not because the parts didn't fit the graflok back ... they did and that was fine... what you find out though is your use of lenses with those roll film backs is extremely limited. I could not get the 90mm to focus at all oven with a recessed lens board and my 210 vignetted and essentially limited to 6x14 on the DaYi. The only lens in my arsenal that worked with 6x17 frame lines was my 135mm. basically the instructions list the limitations but no one spoke about it at all when I was researching and it's not explained up front by DaYi. I personally think a 6x12 back would be a better choice and much cheaper to get your hands on.
Hi Dave. Very interesting episode! What would be the good price/ price range for the Wista in that shape that you own?
Hi Jakob
Glad that you enjoyed the video
I don't recall what I paid for mine, but I sold it recently for a lot more, partly because mine was virtually the only one for sale in the eu, partly because it is in such pristine condition.
If you don't mind bringing one from Japan and paying the huge duties you should find a mint version for around 700-800 gbp, about half what they were new and honestly definitely worth the money
Hope that helps
Dave
Hi Dave, thanks for making this video. Would you recommend getting a Wista 45D?
Hi Tory
Actually I am not sure that I would. The 45 D is very very old now so finding one in mint-ish condition will be harder. I also think that this model does not come with front swing and in terms of LF shooting that is a bit of a deal breaker for me since the major advantage of shooting in LF is the ability to tune your plane (or even point) of sharp focus using movements such as this. The metal bodied clam shell Wistas have been out of production for some decades now, so it gets harder to find one in good shape. I would personally go for the SP or the VX - the SP is interesting because not only does it have back swing but it also has micro adjust back swing machanism for super fine tuning of the point of focus. When I buy these vintage LF cameras I am usually looking to find one in the best possible condition (ideally mint) because they do hold their value and I prefer to just get on with shooting than have to refurb the camera first! You do pay more of course, but for me it is well worth it in the end.
I hope that helps
Dave
Cheers Dave! That helps a lot :)
Hi Dave,
I've just picked up a Wista VX myself now, and it has arrived, however the back looks like a 6x9.
I was wondering if:
A) Wista cameras are specific to a certain format (ie. 6x9, 4x5)? Or are they interchangeable?
B) Can I change just the glass itself, or do I need to change the entire back for 4x5?
Many thanks!
@@ToryHo No they aren't, one of the great aspects is that they have the Graflex back so they can take a wide range of backs, it would have come originally with a 5x4 graflex back which you culd then change out for any of the roll film backs ranging from 6x4.5 through to 6x12 from Graflex, Wista, Linhof and Horseman to name a few. However, it is possible that you bought a dedicated 6x9 camera, in which case I don't think it would be 45VX. The ground glass 4x5 back shouldnt be too difficult to find nd are quite cheap
Dave
Dave Smith Photography thanks Dave! Can I email you privately? I think I’ve found the issue with the camera, but I’d just like to confirm my suspicions with someone who’s familiar with the system. Thanks!
Hi I just bought a Wista 45N .
They are great cameras eh?
Dave
@@DaveJSmith Yes I traded a Fujifilm xpro2 for it. I have loaded film and hoping to shoot This weekend. I've never shot Large format before!
any tips?
Thanks,
Mr Dominique Pierre-Nina
Phone: +61410471365
Email: pierreninaphotography@gmail.com
Website: www.pierreninaphotography.com
Instagram: @pierreninaphotography
@@dominiquepierre-nina4581 I am sure that you are going to have a much better experience than with digital. Take your time, double check everything, film is expensive (though I use X-Ray film) and enjoy it.
Have you seen my stand developing videos?
Dave
Farout Dave. Is the body sold and a
Revolvable ground glass
Hi Shawn
Yes, sold this camera a long time ago, though I am missing the 6x12 format that I used with this camera and will be replacing it soon, probably with a Horseman
Dave
Thanks Dave! Great info. I just picked up a 45VX on ebay.
You are very welcome. Good luck witho your new camera. What lenses will you use with it?
Dave! I really enjoy your videos!
Hey, does this have a rotating back?
Dave, Is that 6x12 film back made specifically for mounting on technical cameras or is it a home made mod?
Hi George,
It is made specifically to mount to any camera with the so-called universal (or graflok) back. It will fit most current cameras and I wanted to make sure that the camera I bought would indeed take this back. There are some chinese backs that you can use as well, though they are expensive and I think that this Horesman (used) is rahter better made. I hope that that helps ... let me know if you need more detail, once I have used the film I will make a detailed video on the back
Dave
Dave, thanks for that bit of information. Looking forward to the results from your shoots with that camera.
Hi George
You are very welcome. You can see an image made from this combination on my latest blog post here, wp.me/p6NvLh-kQ
This image is actually the start of a series that I have in mind.
Dave
What wet plate holder do you use for this?
Hi Kary
Firstly, many thanks fo rtaking the time it is always much appreciated. I use a Chamonix 5x4 and 10x8 wet plate holders (5x4 version for this camera of course!), they are costly but very good. You could always adapt a Fidelity holder, but I think a purpose made one is much better
Dave
Awesome thanks I have a Chamonix plate holder for the 5x4, I don’t like the antique starter camera I bought, so I’m looking at options. Would you say this is a good camera for a beginner with large format?
@@oldschoolcollodion
It is certainly a great camera, but they are quite expensive for a mint version and very heavy. A good beginner camera are the plywood cameras that are very cheap such as the Intrepid cameras (probably only useful in 5x4). There used to be another maker in Europe for plywood cameras but I can't find a link now. These won't be as good as more robust versions but will get you started without breaking the bank and if it doesn't suit you then nothing lost, if you really enjoy it then the lens will go with you as you upgrade
I hope that this helps
Dave
Dave Smith Photography thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I spoke with a friend experienced in wet plate not far from me this afternoon, and he has offered to let me use his camera while helping me learn. Once I’ve become familiar I can choose the right camera afterwards. I will keep an eye on these the future.
I prefer the Wista 45DX made of rosewood.
OK
Oops! I should have finished the video 😉
Hahahaha ... no worries, I am glad that the video helped!
Best wishes
Dave