Toyo 45A
Introduced: 1965 Discontinued: 1995
Toyo 45A is the Japanese folding 4×5 field camera — in production 1965-1995. The 45A established the "Toyo Field" formula: a folding metal-bodied field camera with full front and rear movements, a graflok-compatible back accepting standard 4×5 holders and roll-film backs, and substantially more compact form than monorail studio cameras like the Cambo SC. Among the most-recommended starter 4×5 field cameras.
Key features
- 4×5 inch format with Graflok-compatible back
- Folding field-camera design — folds to compact rectangle for transport
- Full front movements: rise, fall, shift, swing, tilt
- Full rear movements: swing, tilt
- Bellows draw: ~340 mm — accommodates lenses from 65mm wide to ~300mm telephoto
- Standard 110×110mm Toyo lens boards (compatible with Linhof Technika boards via adapter)
Practical notes
- Toyo 45A bodies on used market: $400-800 with lens
- Among the cheapest entries to serious 4×5 field work — well-built, common, parts available
- Common service items: bellows pinholes (light-tight test before buying), focusing-helicoid friction
- Compatible with most LF lenses via Toyo or Linhof-pattern lens boards
Related cameras
- Toyo 45AII — refined successor (1995+)
- Toyo 45G — geared-focus alternative
- Cambo SC — monorail studio alternative with greater movements
- Graflex Crown Graphic — American press-camera alternative