Wista Field 45DX Reviews

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
4.25 of 5,
4 votes

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:I bought one of these, but could not justify the price once I received it. It is nice but not that nice. I sold it and got a Shen Hao. Half the price. More movements. Interchangable bellows. Better/denser wood. You can but the Shen Hao and an excellent Rodenstock lens and wooden tripod for less than the Wista camera-only. Don't get me wrong - the Wista is an excellent piece of equipment. Dovetail joints instead of metal bracing. Well made. The back is an excellent revolving back. And it weighs next to nothing. But, for the price, you can do better with a Shen Hao.

Strengths:Nicely made and lightweight. Excellent back.

Weaknesses:Limited movements. Lensboard and camera match-up causes very thin wood on camera to start splitting.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Price Paid:  $600.00 from Team Work London UIK

Summary:I have used this camera extensively with 6 x 7 Wista back using 120 roll film. I use this camera for shooting buildings where the extensive rise and fall is great. I use a 90mm lens. For landscape I often use a bit of forward tilt to maintain depth of field right up to my feet! And using 120 film, it is quite economical.

Strengths:Lots of movements and if you purchase second hand, really a very good bargain. Folds down flat for easy transport.

Weaknesses:Not as rigid as the more expensive models and the rear screen is a bit dim with my f8 optic.

Similar Products Used:Hasselbald Flex Body

Customer Service:None needed so far

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Price Paid:  $650.00 from MidwestPhotoExchange

Summary:The camera's light weight makes it delightful to haul on long treks but this is a mixed blessing. This same quality also makes it difficult to shoot on windy day out here in Nebraska. The heavier metal 4x5's fare much better. However, for anyone who wants to move into large format, this camera is perfect especially if you buy it used as I did. The dealers above are absolutely honest with great prices.

Strengths:Low cost; light weight; solid joints

Weaknesses:Not to solid on a breezy day.

Similar Products Used:Toyo 45II

Customer Service:None so far.

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
4 votes

Price Paid:  $1500.00 from monochrom.com

Summary:Beautifull, light, and practical. Ideal LF camera for hiking. Enough movements for outdoor photography with lenses between 75 and 300 mm. Great value for money.

Strengths:I wouldn't want anything else anymore. The Wista is as light as a 4x5" camera can be. A simple but effective design which has proven itself for more than a century. Sturdy enough for outdoor photography and hiking trips. I just fold it in a small backpack along with two lenses, film and a few accessories. The whole doesn't weigh more than my Nikon F4 with three lenses and a few accessories. With extension tube it even fits a 360 mm. But I use it with 75 - 300 mm lenses.

Weaknesses:Not as rigid as a metal 4x5".

Similar Products Used:Linhoff. Cambo. Sinar.

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5,
2 votes

Summary:I work in the western Alps at high altitude. My little Wista DX is the best combination of operability and light weight. Some of my pictures are exhibited on my site: http://www.geocities.com/mvacchiano

Strengths:I use Wista DX on a Berlebach Tripod. If the wind doesn't blow it is quite solid. Good range of movements. Light and compact for backpacking.

Weaknesses:1. Short bellows. With 150 mm lens and Horseman Teleconverter 2x I can shoot at infinity and long distances only.
2. Camera out of balance with long lenses because tripod thread is too behindhand.
3. Tripod thread small: I would like 3/8"

Similar Products Used:Graflex Super Graphic is more solid but without movements on rear standard. Linhof Technika have long bellows and large movements but it's too heavy. I use a Sinar F2 when I can work close to my car.

Customer Service:No service in Italy (coming soon).