I have just started reading up on the Shen-Hao HZX4x5-II and it is beautiful. I am tempted by the TFC624-A, but 6x24 is a bit ridiculous.

The thing with the Shen-Hao is that (compared to other cameras in that price range) it seems to be the best quality and with the most movements. I'm sure I won't use half of them, but I'd rather err on the side of having more than less. The fact that it takes graflex backs is the other big selling point for me.

A graflok back is a nice feature for sure (the toyo has one as well).

Can the Shen Hao accept bag bellows? (edit: yes)

Also, how wide are you looking to shoot?

The race is on. Who will buy large format first? PM me your bets.

Posted by yokes Also, how wide are you looking to shoot?

Not so wide that I'd need a bag bellows but I'd like to have that option if ever it's needed. I know I said 70mm in the post above, but I'm thinking I could get by with 90mm.

90mm gets you the 35mm equiv of 24mm @ 4x5 (much less on 6x7 or 6x9). You could probably get away without using bag bellows at 90mm, depending on the lens and what movements you want.

Yeah, I really need to figure out what the focal lengths would be at 6x9 and go from there.

This list should help.

http://www.prairie...EvalLensChoice.htm

Great, thanks.

I've never used a Shen Hao, but I own a Toyo 45A and it's not bad. It has more movements, at least, than my Crown Graphic. For the most part, you're not going to find a lot of movements in a field camera.
For lenses, I have the Nikkor 65/4, a Caltar 150/5.6, and a Wollensak 90/6.8. They're all decent lenses. With a rollfilm back, I most often find myself using the Nikkor, but on 4x5, it's almost too wide. Also, coverage with superwide angle lenses (if you're looking for a 70) is not great on 4x5.

I will say that I more frequently end up bringing my RB67 to places because of the amount of time required to shoot 4x5 and the amount of space taken up by all the accessories needed to use it.