The Wista 45RF is a 4x5 rangefinder camera with a built-in viewfinder, and remains along with the Linhof Technika as the only currently-produced large format rangefinder field cameras with movements.
Wista's collection of sophisticated metal field cameras (the VX, SP & RF) are designed for photographers wanting much more than just a simple field camera. Gargantuan values in specifications such as the maximum tilt or swing degree are of rather limited in use in the field, for in these regards nearly all cameras provide capacities exceeding both lens coverage and practical need. But in specifications of rather large importance-front rise/lateral shift, shortest/longest usable focal lengths, the combined capacity for large rear lens barrel diameters with a small lensboard, and fine control of movements, the metal Wistas succeed admirably.
A whopping 56mm of front rise & 40mm of lateral shift is about the best one could hope for from a true field camera, and the Wista RF does so without an enormous lensboard which would consume considerable packing space. Wooden cameras are lighter, of course, but provide inferior rigidity when used with longer lenses. If you enjoy a 240mm or 300mm for use in landscape work, the weight is well spent. Upon the wide angle end of things, you're allowed a rear lens barrel diameter of 80mm.
The 45RF has all the features of the VX and is also a rangefinder-coupled camera cammed to accommodate 135, 150 and 180mm lenses. The rangefinder cams are designed specifically for Nikon's Nikkor-W lenses, but the triple folding infinity stops can be easily adjusted to accurately use with other brands of 135, 150 & 180mm lenses provided their film-to-flange distance is very close to the Nikkors. The Wista features an international standard Graflok back, optional extension tracks and extra-long bellows for using telephoto lenses up to 500mm, as well as a sensational combination of bag bellows & dedicated lensboard for the easiest imaginable wideangle photography in a field camera.
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