Toyo 45AII
Introduced: 1995 Discontinued: 2015
Toyo 45AII is the refined successor to the Toyo 45A — in production 1995-2015. The 45AII added improved focusing helicoid, more precise movements, and a Graflok-compatible back with brighter ground-glass focus screen. Mechanically and ergonomically the most refined of the Toyo 4×5 field-camera line.
Key features
- 4×5 inch format with Graflok-compatible back
- Folding field-camera design — folds to compact rectangle
- Full front movements: rise, fall, shift, swing, tilt — refined click-stop indexing
- Full rear movements: swing, tilt
- Bellows draw: ~340 mm — accommodates 65mm wide to ~300mm telephoto
- Brighter ground-glass focus screen than 45A — better for low-light field focusing
- Standard 110×110mm Toyo lens boards
Practical notes
- Toyo 45AII bodies on used market: $700-1400 — the premium of the Toyo Field line
- The most-recommended Toyo 4×5 field camera for current buyers; balance of cost, refinement, and feature set
- Compatible with all standard LF lenses via Toyo or Linhof-pattern lens boards
- Common service items: bellows pinholes (rare on later examples), focusing-rail friction
Related cameras
- Toyo 45A — predecessor (1965-1995)
- Toyo 45G — geared-focus monorail alternative
- Cambo SC — monorail studio alternative
- Graflex Crown Graphic — American press-camera alternative