The Lotus is an unusually high quality wooden field camera made in Austria. It's known for light weight, extensive movements, and good design. Craftsmanship is on a very high level. Lotus announces their new American model which will be available this winter. It was developed by listening to the feedback of American photographers. The main improvements are focusing tracks made of brass, and a brighter viewing system. The camera has a back which moves forward for wide angle focusing. On the American model, this will be moved with knobs rather than by pushing. The European model is push only. Lotus has a front standard which may easily be folded without risk of damaging the bellows--a design unique to them. They also have a slatted bottom for greater strength and lower weight. Most sizes from 4x5 to 20x24 may be ordered. For more info including a review of the 5x7 Lotus see http://stores.ebay.com/brucesfieldcamerastore.