First Timer - Help

I am an experienced 35 and MF photographer. I am interested in using

large format, and am looking for my first camera. Because of weight

and price considerations, I have narrowed my choices down to Shen Hao

(from Badger) and the UltraLight Zone VI (from calumet). I am not

looking for anything fancy. This is just a start, and if I like LF,

I will probably buy another camera. My lens range is 65 to 300 mm.

 

I would appreciate help from users of these cameras for

recommendations and thoughts.

 

Thank you and regards.

 

Shilesh Jani

I've not used either of the cameras you're considering, but I'm sure both have been discussed here in the past. Check the archives, and you'll likely find plenty of helpful information.

I also moved to 4x5 from 35mm.. It will amaze you to see your

first 4x5 chromes. You are right with the Shen Hao, it is a

wonderful camera, very easy to use and amazingly well built for

the price. Since I moved to an 8x10 with the option of making 5x7

with a reducing back, my 4x5 camera is now not being used.

Should you have questions about the camera or interest in

owning one used, you can drop me a line.

I use a Linhof Technica IV. However the Linhof is probably a substantial investment for those new to MF. However my researches on the Shen Hao together with lengthy discussions with the UK distributor suggest that this is a very versatile camera which can use a larger range of lenses than my Linhof due to the availability of bag bellows. Opinion is that the original ground glass is a little dim. However I think you should do further research on this camera because all indications are that for the price it represents excellent value. It takes Linhof Technica lens boards which are easy to find. From my point of view the light weight (compared to my Linhof) and the fact that I can use lenses from my existing system with no modification has moved me to seriously consider purchasing one for when I am doing a lot of walking.

 

Adrian

The Shen Hao will not have enough bellows extension for a "normal" 300mm lens if you want to do anything closer than a landscape. A 300mm "tele" lens will work fine (Fujinon 300mm tele is actually 195mm). That said, I do like my Shen Hao camera. It works well, is rugged and has enough movement for most work.

 

I use it with a 65mm Nikon lens with the regualr bellows. Not much movement, but this lens does not have a lot of covering power anyway.

 

A very good value for the money. You will not be disappointed.

I finally bought a Linhof Tec III which I use up to my 360mm and is a whole lot

easier than toting my mono rail. It goes with me wherever I go, is fast to set up

and the metal body is very rugged. I think I personally like the Shen (out of

your choices) better only due to the fact that it has metal lens boards (at least

the recessed one is) and they look very similiar to the Linhof Tec V boards I

use at work. In my opinion, metal would last longer because your constantly

changing lens. The Shen is a little less costly and has good movements and

with the 65mm, it would be wise to get the bag bellows also. I only wish my

Tec III could use a bag. The compression on the bellows is tight with a 90mm

but that is as wide as I go for now.

I started out with the cheaper Shen-Hao, and it worked just fine. I would advise the less cheap model, however, so that you have the option of a bag bellows.

As has been pointed out, Shen Hao has some limitations with its bellows extension. At the long end, the extension is a bit small for normal 300 mm. It can be used but it would not focus very close. I have a tele and it works well. Similarly, in the short end the bellows get quite stiff, already with the 90mm that I have. If you need a lot of movements, then a bag bellows would be needed. But you might not want to buy an expensive wide angle with a large image circle anyway. I think Shen Hao is excellent value for money, very solidly built and with a lot of different types of movements so it is a good learning tool.

Everyone,

 

Thank you for all of your responses. Because of the limited bellows draw on the Shen Hao, I decided to puchase a used Zone VI from a trusted friend, who I know has taken good care of the camera.

 

Regards.

 

Shilesh