A Wista DX to learn on or not?

<p>Just to update this thread, I received my camera today from Midwest Photo Exchange. I ended up purchasing the Wista DX with Rear Shift, that to me looks close to new. It is very light, much smaller than I thought, and seems very well made. I haven't made any images yet since none of the three lenses I have ordered have arrived. On their way are a Schneider Symmar-S150 5.6, a Fujinon-W 180 5.6, and a Caltar II-E 210 6.8. </p>

<p>I want to thank everyone here for the overwhelming support and great advice that seems typical of this forum. I'm reluctant to ask any other questions, but I don't have a manual so I'm trying to figure everything out on my own.</p>

<p>I have discovered one issue, but it may be due to user error. I know the front knob that rests in your right hand is for focussing. But both the left and right front knobs move the front standard forward and back (Or is it just the left?). In moving the front standard forward, i.e., to rack the bellows all the way out, the right hand knob sometimes slips. Is this normal? I noticed that it seems to be the only knob that is missing the white plastic washer. Is it possible that the lack of a white washer is causing it to slip (this means when I turn the bellows go halfway out, but then it slips, meaning it rotates and the front standard stops going forward)? Is this something major that I should be concerned about or is it normal? Seems like it would be inconvenient in the field. In any event, Jim mentioned that I could use it for a few weeks to see if I like it. If I don't, I'll choose something else. No big deal. </p>

<p>Anyway, in spite of this wrinkle, I am very happy. By Friday, at least one lens (let it be the 150) will be here and my film, film holders, dark cloth, spanner wrench, and 4x5 developing tank will be here, so I should be ready for my first images. </p>

<p>Thank you everybody. If any Wista owners could give me pointers on extending the bellows, or has any ideas as to why the knob slips on occasion, that would be great. </p>

<p> </p>

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<p> If any Wista owners could give me pointers on extending the bellows, or has any ideas as to why the knob slips on occasion, that would be great.</p>

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<p>After tighten those "gold colored nuts" that Brian mentioned, focusing (moving the bellows in and out, since I don't yet have a lens) works fine, and the knob no longer slips. Thanks, guys. </p>

 

<p>Did you get the instruction book? If not they can be ordered from us at 800 735-4373. That will answer the questions about knobs and locks.</p>

<p>That is good news, Bob. Midwest did not have the manual. Thank you so much for the info. </p>

<p>Great choice. I have always been a fan of metal cameras but that just points out how trivial the camera choice really is or perhaps how important it is. One of my favorite photographers, superb vision, and a master of the silver print, is Ray MacSavaney. He uses an old Wista, I believe and produces images I can only dream of producing and I have an arguably "fancier" camera. A camera is a device to hold the lens away from the film, the rest is commentary. If it makes you happy and is easy to use, it's great. If it frustrates you, it's not good.<br>

Good luck.<br>

Eric</p>

<p>Markus,</p>

<p>The left-hand "focusing knob" is really a lock knob. You focus with the right knob and then lock the bed in place by tightening the left-hand knob. I find that locking focus is rarely necessary and have loosened the left knob completely, jamming it against the retaining nut to hold it fast so I can use it to focus with as well.</p>

<p>Best,</p>

<p>Doremus Scudder</p>

<p>Markus<br>

Good choice! I have owned a Wista DX 4x5 for eight years and it's been a fantastic camera. If you are planning on doing macro work, the 150 mm lens will be of use. I use that one and a 90mm (for extreme closeup), and any other lens in between those focal distances will work.<br>

About the focusing knobs, Doremus is right, you focus with the right and lock with the left. Sometimes when the left knob is unscrewed, it will "follow" the clockwise or anticlockwise moves of the right knob. Just hold it with your (free) left hand while you focus, to prevent this happening, although I must say it is of no consequence whatsoever. And of course, once you tighten the left knob, the focus is locked.</p>

<p>Great choice! Enjoy it! I would second Eric's comments, though -- the camera is just a tool, the real photography takes place in your head! </p>

<p>I made one of my first 4x5 images with my Wista DX and Symmar-S lens. Even though resizing it to tiny dimensions is not ideal, I thought I would post it. Thank you all for your priceless advice. It really means a lot to me.</p><div></div>