alan c. Posted September 4, 2006 Share Posted September 4, 2006 Both Fotoman and Gaoersi are Chinese-based companies that make very similar, though not identical, lines of panoramic and large format cameras... they seem very reasonably priced... does anyone here have experience with one or the other or both? i'm thinking about the 4x5 "point-and-shoot" style camera; each company offers one. thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilkka Posted September 4, 2006 Share Posted September 4, 2006 I have a GaoErsi 4x5 'point and shoot'. I did take a close look at the GaoErsi 6x24 and 6x17 as well. They are about half the price from Fotoman, and their pricing in China is much more reasonable than the policy followed by Fotoman which is more geared to export sales in USA. That is why I bought the GaoErsi. It may be a bit more roughly made, but has some clever features not available in Fotoman. I can tell you more if you ask more specific questions... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan c. Posted September 5, 2006 Author Share Posted September 5, 2006 thank you for the information...yes, actually i do have more questions to you as a real Gaoersi user...:) does the camera have strap lugs? i can't really tell from the photos... and, do you think you can use Grafmatic backs with it? the Fotoman requires a special adapter, as the Grafmatic backs are thicker... which lens are you using on it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirk-san1 Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Ilkka, did you have a chance to look at their viewfinders? If so, what is your impression of their quality, esp. the zoom viewfinder for 4x5. At $80 they seem very reasonable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilkka Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Yes, the 4x5 has strap lugs. Two very hefty ones at the top, quite close to each other on both sides of the viewfinder. Any normal strap can be used. It does not come with one. I did not try the zoom viewfinder but the 90 mm one I have is very well made and is optically quite good. They have two models, I have the one with lines for 6x12 back. It also shows the full 90 mm view for 4x5 and by estimation is very usable with the maximum rise of 22mm as well (on 6x12 film). I had a small old 90mm lens lying around and I had the factory fit that one on it. You can do the fitting yourself but it will take some fiddling since there are no written instructions with the camera. You need to get the right cone/focus assembly for the lens you want to use. It has a standard graflok back and works with normal roll film holders, double-sided sheet film holders and Polaroid 545 back. The groundglass is fitted with a spring assembly but there is 'not a lot' of space underneath it. I do not have Grafmatic so cannot confirm how it would fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirk-san1 Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Thanks Illka. Can you recommend a reliable source for the Gaoersi products that can ship within Asia? Otherwise a local store in HK that sells them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilkka Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 I bought mine in Shanghai. I would try to contact through their website. http://www.focus-dayi.com/main.php Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
razzledog Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 You can contact Rong Jin in Shanghai, (jinfinance@yahoo.com) I`ve had many dealings with him from here in Australia and he`s a very decent bloke. He can possibly help you with the range of Gaoersi products. Although I occasionally build 'Obsession 617' cameras, the Gaoersi is hard to beat dollar wise. They`re certainly cheaper than the Linhof.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darcy_cote Posted September 6, 2006 Share Posted September 6, 2006 You may want to ask the same question here: http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/6x17/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt_logue3 Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Ilkka Do you know if you can turn the gaoersi 4x5 lens/shifting assembly upside-down, giving you 25mm of fall? Thanks Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_callard Posted May 22, 2010 Share Posted May 22, 2010 <p>I can second Dean's comment about Rong Jin in Shanghai. I have bought a lot of gear from him including a 6x12 DaYi back and have always found him very helpful and the products he sells to be of high quality.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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