Continued-The Phillips 4x5 by Oren Grad (Return to begining of article)

The reversing back is held securely in place by two spring-loaded plungers. Re-moving and replacing the back is quick and easy. The standard spring-back features a bail lift, making it easy to insert a film holder quickly without disturbing camera settings or alignment on the tripod. In addition to standard sheet film holders, the spring-back accepted a Kodak Readyload holder with no trouble. However, the spring-back is not designed for roll-film use. It doesn’t have Graflok fittings, and even a Calumet C2N slide-in roll-holder doesn’t fit because the back won’t open far enough.

The adapted Horseman back I tested was eight ounces heavier than the spring-back, and less convenient to use with sheet film holders because it lacked the bail lift and was more tightly sprung. However, it did offer somewhat brighter viewing because of its unobtrusive Fresnel, accepted both 4x5 Graflok-type roll-holders as well as slide- in holders such as the Calumet, and had groundglass markings for roll-film formats. Unfortunately, the film plane in the Horseman back sat about 9mm further away from the lens than does the film plane in the spring-back, which is not helpful with the shorter focal length lenses that are needed for versatile roll-film use. This back would work a bit better paired with the lightweight bellows, which can be compressed to a slightly shorter minimum. As noted, the design of the Graflok back may change. Contact Phillips for an update on specifications and availability. However, all things considered, I can say that the Phillips, like other wood-fields in this format, is not an ideal choice for someone who will be working primarily with roll film.

While the spring-back is easy to load without disturbing the camera, the matching BTZS hood fits so tightly to the back that care is required when removing it to avoid jarring the camera. Some users may find the space inside a little cramped for comfort. (I’ve discussed these observations with Dick Phillips and some design changes may be in the works here as well.) Of course, any other focusing hood can be used.

Closing the camera
The steps required to close the camera are pretty much the reverse of those in set-up. The key point is to position the back at maximum rear tilt to allow clearance to tuck the front standard all the way into the base. It’s quicker and easier than setting up the camera, with no fine adjustments required.

Overall impression
The Phillips 8x10 cameras are unique in their format. No one else offers the combination of such extreme light weight—less than eight pounds—with sturdy construction and more-than-adequate functionality. That’s perhaps an unreasonably demanding standard to meet, and the Phillips 4x5 doesn’t quite make it. But evaluated on its own terms and against the competition, the new 4x5 is a fine camera. Its greatest strength is an unusually favorable balance of light weight, sturdy construction, functional versatility, and moderate price. In this, the new 4x5 is very much in the Phillips tradition. Its greatest weakness is a bit of fussiness in some aspects of its handling, though perceptions of this will vary with personal taste. Bottom line: if you’re shopping for a 4x5 wood-field, the Phillips is well worth a look.

Phillips cameras are available only direct from the manufacturer: R.H. Phillips & Sons, 2283 Old Pine Trail, Midland, MI 48642-8840, phone 517/835-7897, fax 517/839-9745, e-mail rhphill@concentric.net.

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