
The Shen-Hao HZX45-AII/HZX45-IIA 4x5 film wood field view camera is a stunning piece of photographic equipment, perfect for capturing high-resolution images on large format film. This camera boasts a classic design, crafted from natural wood and brass, giving it an elegant and timeless appearance.
The HZX45-AII features a modular design, allowing for easy disassembly and assembly for convenient transportation. The camera comes with a standard 4x5 inch film holder, capable of accommodating a range of film types including roll film, sheet film, and cut film. The camera's bellows are made of high-quality light-tight material, ensuring excellent image quality and minimal light leakage.
The camera's focusing system is a ground glass focusing screen, which provides a clear and accurate image for focusing. The focusing screen can be easily interchanged with other types, such as a Fresnel screen or a flip-top loupe, to suit different photographic needs. The camera also comes with a geared front standard, which makes focusing and adjusting lens movements smoother and more precise.
The HZX45-IIA, on the other hand, has an interchangeable rear standard, allowing for the use of various focusing methods such as front and rear rising and falling front and rear tilt. The camera comes with a horizontal and a vertical standard, making it a versatile tool for landscape, architectural, and portrait photography.
Both models come with a built-in spirit level, ensuring that your images are always level and aligned. The cameras also feature a comfortable and ergonomic design, with a large and easy-to-grip focusing knob and a smooth and responsive shutter release.
The Shen-Hao HZX45-AII/HZX45-IIA 4x5 film wood field view camera is a must-have for any serious photographer looking for the highest quality images and a classic, timeless shooting experience. Its modular design, versatile focusing options, and high-quality construction make it an essential tool for any photographic endeavor.
A Detailed Analysis of the Shen Hao HZX45-AII and HZX45-IIA 4x5 Film Wooden Field View Cameras
Introduction:The Shen Hao HZX45-AII and HZX45-IIA are two popular wooden field view cameras from the renowned Chinese manufacturer, Shen Hao. Both models share many similarities but also have some distinct differences. In this analysis, we will discuss the pros and cons of each camera to help you make an informed decision.
Shen Hao HZX45-AII: Pros:1. Affordable: The HZX45-AII is one of the most budget-friendly 4x5 wooden field cameras available in the market.
2. Durable: The camera is made of high-quality wood and metal, ensuring longevity.
3. Adjustable: It offers a wide range of adjustability, including front and rear standard, tilt, and rise-fall movements.
4. Versatile: It can shoot both 4x5 inch film and 6x9 cm film with the appropriate film backs.
5. Lightweight: Compared to other wooden field cameras, the HZX45-AII is relatively lightweight, making it easier to carry around.
Cons:1. Learning curve: As with any large format camera, using the HZX45-AII requires a learning curve.
2. Focusing: The focusing system, which relies on a ground glass screen, can be challenging for beginners.
3. Limited accessories: The HZX45-AII comes with fewer accessories compared to more expensive models.
Shen Hao HZX45-IIA: Pros:1. Improved ergonomics: The HZX45-IIA features a more comfortable and ergonomic design, making it easier to use.
2. Enhanced adjustability: It offers even more adjustability than the HZX45-AII, including a Switar lens board and a more extensive range of movements.
3. High-quality optics: The HZX45-IIA comes with a higher-quality Schneider-Kreuznach Xenar 150mm f/6.3 lens, which produces excellent image quality.
4. Built-in spirit level: The camera includes a built-in spirit level, ensuring that your shots are perfectly leveled.
Cons:1. Price: The HZX45-IIA is more expensive than the HZX45-AII, making it a less affordable option.
2. Heavier: The camera is heavier than the HZX45-AII due to its superior build quality and additional features.
3. Complexity: The HZX45-IIA is more complex than the HZX45-AII, which could be intimidating for some photographers.
Conclusion:Both the Shen Hao HZX45-AII and HZX45-IIA are excellent 4x5 wooden field view cameras with their unique strengths and weaknesses. If you're on a tight budget and looking for a versatile and lightweight camera to learn large format photography, the HZX45-AII may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you're willing to invest more money and seek a higher-quality camera with improved ergonomics and adjustability, the HZX45-IIA would be the better option.
Recommendation:Ultimately, the decision between the Shen Hao HZX45-AII and HZX45-IIA depends on your personal preferences, skill level, and budget. If you're just starting with large format photography or have a limited budget, the HZX45-AII is an excellent choice. However, if you're more experienced, looking for a higher-quality camera with enhanced adjustability and ergonomics, or have a larger budget, the HZX45-IIA is the better option.
Details:
Ground glass focusing screen installed. Bubble level integrated. Front standard: rise/fall, tilt, and swing functioning properly. Wood construction with metal hardware.
Metal components, knobs, hinges, and controls are all in outstanding condition. Bubble level is present and intact. Condition guide: mint: like new, little to no signs of use. Ground glass is clean with no scratches or defects.
Overall, this is a very clean, high-quality example ready for immediate use. These are purely cosmetic and clearly shown in the listing photos. This model is well known for its versatility, stability, and suitability both field studio work. This example presents exceptionally well, with only a few minor cosmetic marks in the wood.
Function: all movements operate smoothly and lock down securely. Parts/repair: non-functional or incomplete. Dual rail focusing system. No significant scratches, dents, or structural issues.
Excellent: normal use with minor signs of wear. Minor natural variation in wood grain inside body. Focusing is smooth and precise along the rail. Bellows are in excellent condition light-tight with no holes or leaks.
Leather handle and accents are clean well preserved. A superb Shen Hao hzx 4x5 wood field camera offering full movements in a robust, ebony-style design. Item details: Shen Hao hzx 4x5 large format field camera. Good: noticeable wear but fully functional.
Cosmetics: wood finish is excellent overall with rich, clean appearance. Excellent: very light use with minimal wear.
specifications filmamm:
- brand: Shen-hao
- mpn: Hzx45-aii
- series: Shen-hao Hzx45-aii
- type: Field
- format: 4x5 In
- unit type: Unit
- focus type: Manual
- color: Brown
- features: Interchangeable Bellows
- country of origin: United States
general filmamm:
- category: Camera & Photo > Photography > Film Cameras
offer filmamm:
- in stock #: 5
- started: april 8, 2026
- prices: $1289.00–$5000.00
- item condition:
- Used
- New
- options: ship-to-home
- availability: in stock
- sold #: 9
- best offers: true
seller filmamm:
- rating: 100.0%
- # reviews: 4366
- city: littleton, colorado
payments filmamm:
- other
- wallet: apple-pay
- credit card: diners-club
shipping filmamm:
- class: expedited
- type: calculated
- service: usps priority mail
- carrier: usps
- transit: 4-9 days
returns filmamm:
- time: 30 days
- method: money back
- policy: returns accepted
- paid by: buyer