Hello,

I am having fun with my speed graphic and all, but I want to get into architecture photography and want something with back movements, that is transportable. I thought about going the medium format route with a shift lens and such, but since I already have lens for large format why not take the money and get another LF camera. I was looking at the Shen-Hao, then someone directed me to Peter Gowland's site and I saw the pocket view. Looks well built and lite. Anyone have experience or know anyone that does? Thanks for you help!

William

I have the 4x5" front moves camera, and an older 8x10" Pocket View with front and rear movements. I've posted about them over on lfphoto.info quite a bit, so check the Q&A forum over there, and you should turn up some info from myself and a few other Gowland users.

Short version--they are very capable and lightweight cameras, but require a certain degree of flexibility on the part of the user to accommodate the quirks that come with the design of such a light camera, such as having two knobs that control front tilt, rise/fall, and hold the lensboard in place. It's not as awkward as it sounds, but you need to be the sort of person who is willing to work with it.