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November/December
1999
The
long-awaited Phillips 4x5 camera is finally here, more than
three years after Dick Phillips placed a small ad to announce,
in typically understated fashion, that something was in the
works. Phillips had carved out a small but respected niche
in the large format world with a series of 8x10 cameras built
on an unusual design that delivers basic field-camera functionality
in a simple, sturdy, yet astonishingly lightweight package.
However, they have never before offered a 4x5. I’ve been
really pleased with my own Phillips Compact series 8x10 (an
earlier, simpler version of the current Compact II and Explorer
models), and was eager to see for myself whether the new camera
successfully translates classic Phillips virtues into the
smaller, more popular 4x5 format. Here’s what I found.
General
description
The Phillips 4x5 is a folding flatbed field camera, designed
to minimize weight and maximize portability without sacrificing
the sturdiness or the features needed for general-purpose
use. The basic design is similar to that of the current 8x10
models, though with a number of new twists. With the standard
spring-back, the camera folds to 8.9 x 8.5 x4.5 inches, reasonable
but not particularly compact for a 4x5 wood-field. It weighs
3.9 to 4.7 pounds, depending on the bellows and back options
selected. Though not standard-setting as with the Phillips
8x10 models, this is in the lightweight range for quality
4x5 field cameras.
Construction techniques that keep the weight down include
skeletonized plastic knobs, clever mechanical design, and
composite construction of wood with epoxy/ fiberglass, phenolic
resin and laminates. Metal structural parts are black anodized
6061 aluminum, with stainless steel springs and fasteners.
The combination of natural-finish wood with black bellows
and structural metal makes for a quirky, hobby- shop-meets-hi-tech
appearance that no one will mistake for a piece of antique
furniture. The camera is sturdy enough for backpacking and
appears likely, with a modicum of care, to withstand heavy
use.
Phillips offers three versions of the 4x5 with different,
non-interchangeable bellows types—a standard bellows,
an unusual combination bag-pleat bellows, and a new light-weight
type. All feature a maximum 18-inch (456mm) extension. The
manufacturer’s literature includes very detailed specs
on the different bellows types, with information on weight,
minimum extension, maximum off-axis movement at different
extensions, and a table that rates the usability of the different
bellows types at different extensions under above- and below-freezing
temperatures with subjective grades on a scale of “poor”
to “excellent.” (Overall, Dick Phillips’ documentation
is a refreshing change from the usual vendor hype—it’s
low-key and remarkably candid about the strengths and the
limitations of his products. Other manufacturers, take note!)
For this review, I chose the bag-pleat bellows. It seemed
the best match to my 4x5 lens kit, which covers 75 to 180mm,
with a 135mm as my “normal” lens.
Movements on the front standard are specified as 28mm of rise
(I measured 24mm on my sample), 58mm of fall (70mm on the
test camera), 28mm each way of shift (the camera measured
exactly to spec on this), bellows-limited swing, and bellows-limited
axis tilt. Rear movements include 27 degrees of backward base
tilt, bellows-limited forward tilt, and swing of between 6
and 12 degrees, depending on the degree of back extension.
More extreme values for all adjustments can be achieved using
combinations of front and rear movements.
The two back types are user-interchangeable. I obtained samples
of both for my test. One is a Phillips-designed spring-back
with a bail lift and plain ground glass (a grid glass is available
as an option). The other back tested was an adapted Horseman
4x5 back that lacked the bail lift but included Graflok fittings
for standard roll-film holders, a grid glass with markings
for 6x7, 6x9 and 6x12 formats, and a Fresnel lens. (Since
my field tests were completed, Dick Phillips has told me that
because of problems with a component supplier, it may be necessary
for him to change the design of the Graflok back. Roll-film
users should contact the company for up-to-the-minute specifications.)
The camera base features both 1/4 and 3/8-inch tripod sockets,
and a leather carrying strap is attached to the top of the
rear standard.
Finally, the camera is supplied with what Phillips calls a
“focus tube.” This is actually a BTZS focusing hood
customized with two grommets that mate with two hooks on the
rear of the camera and an elastic cuff sized to be a snug
fit.
The Phillips 4x5 with either of the two backs and the standard
bellows is priced at $1,575. The bag-pleat bellows version
costs $1,725. Both prices include the matched BTZS focusing
hood. Delivery of the light-weight bellows version is anticipated
for late 1999, at an estimated price of $1,800 with hood.
Either back is available as a separate accessory for $440.
