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I've used a number of large format cameras from 11x14 down to 2x3. I finally sold my 8x10 due to weight issues, yet wanted a 4x5 to continue my work. I researched the Shen Hao among other cameras in its class and finally opted for it because of its wealth of features and its value. I looked at used Zone VI, Wisner; Wista; Toyo View; Canham; and Ebony. First, features: The Shen Hao is apparently a close copy of the Ebony, an highly regarded field camera that runs about 3x more expensive than the Shen Hao. The Shen Hao has: Front and rear swing; rear shift; front and rear rise (yes, the back has rise!); front fall; front and rear base tilts; rear center tilt; front center tilt if you set the front standards as though using a long lens. It's a bit tricky, but if you like center tilt on the front, it can be done. The camera takes interchangeable bellows (bag and normal pleated), but easily handles 90mm without resorting to bag bellows. The front portion of the normal bellows is pleated, but doesn't have the stiffeners the rest of the bellows has, thus affording more freedom of movements (rise & fall; shift). Racking it out and adjusting the front standards allows you to use lenses up to 360mm. A bit long for my tastes, but most cameras in its class can't handle much over 210 to 250mm (the metal Canham will, but again at much greater expense). The camera is well made of hardwood and anodized steel. All knobs and levers lock down well. The camera feels solid when extended and doesn't vibrate. I've owned a Wista wooden field camera in the past, and I never felt comfortable with it. It seemed too fragile. The Shen Hao impresses with its build quality. It has a Graflok back so you can remove the ground glass back and insert a roll film holder once you've focused and composed. I'm not crazy about front base tilt, but that's a matter of taste, not of performance. I can create a compromise front center tilt as mentioned. Rear center tilt is a simple and useful alternative. I also don't like the Shen Hao ground glass. The gridlines are raised on the viewing side of the ground glass, so running my loupe over it made me think I was going to rub them off eventually. I replaced it with a BosScreen I had. It's heavier than many wood field cameras due to the denser hardwood, so that's a consideration for many people who backpack. Runs about 6 lbs. without lens. I'm not concerned with that weight because I don't carry it far, not for my purposes. I've also owned a Toyo View 45A metal body camera, and it weighed in at 6 lbs or so. All cameras are a compromise in one fashion or another. This one is no exception in that regard. A bit heavier than some in its class, the risk of wood over metal bodies, and my personal preference for front center tilt over base tilt are the only things I can point to now.Read full review
I own a Horseman 4x5 FA, great little camera, but limited lenses can be used and the rear tilt and swing are awkward. So I upgraded to a second hand Tachihara, purchased through Ebay, the tachi was disappointing and returned back to the seller the following day. The adjustment toggles were fragile and I was fearful of breaking them, and movements were limited. The positive was a very bright ground glass. After my disappointment I opted for the New Shen Hao, purchased through Badger Graphics in the U.S. My new Shen Hao arrived and it felt very solid (heavy), a trade off for a camera with a range of movements not found on most field cameras, and definitely unsurpassed in this price range. Very happy with the camera, unfortunately a dim Ground Glass and a soft rear swing/shift lock. The positives by far outweigh the negatives, I particularly enjoy the removable bellows, giving quick access to bag bellows for wide angle lenses and replacement of torn or leaking bellows. The Graflex back is also a bonus, quick removal for roll film back is a treat.Read full review
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