Best way into 6x12

[peder_mansson]

I know that 6x17 is far more popular and that my X-pan slides are

too small for large prints, but I'd like to move up to 6x12. I like

using rollfilm and don't want to start using 4x5 Quickloads or

sheetfilm. I have the Fuji GSW 690 which is good when 28mm in 35

format is called for.

My choices are: 4x5 camera with 6x12 RFH, Horseman SW 612(Pro),

Linhof 612PC and a few others?? I know that the Horseman is

handholdable, but usually use a tripod with my other cameras for

improved quality. I would like have a couple of lenses (a limiting

factor with my loved Fuji GSW). I'm tempted to go for an Ebony SU,

but haven't done any view camera work before. I do mainly landscapes

where light changes very fast and don't want to miss out on fast

opportunities. I also know that no single camera suits all needs.

What should I get?? please

[ardea]

Hello,

 

I'm using a Shen-Hao 6x12 RFH on my 4x5 with fine results. Although the rollers are small, the ridges they impart to the film falls between the frames so it's not an issue as it would be with a 6x7 etc. Film flatness and distance from film emulsion to the outer surface of the holder were spot on in my holder. I did a writeup on it somewere on this site. For the price you can't go wrong. I scan the images using Doug Fishers well made 120 filmholder that handles 6x12 and other 120RF sizes for flatbed scanners. He can be reached at; filmholder@earthlink.net . I scan with an Epson 3200 and the results for me are excellent. Funny, I'm in the market for a Fuji GSW690III. They sure bring top prices though....Good luck, Richard

[wayne_crider4]

I think that except for the fact that you want to shoot fast, you could buy

Canham's 617 back and a used (or new) 5x7 camera that it would fit. Btw

there was just an article by Kerry Thalmann in View Camera I believe that

covered 612 backs with short notes concerning the cameras available. You

might want to check that out. As concerns the 612 format. I've read quite a few

remarks where some loved it and some said it was not panoramic enough. To

each their own, but you might consider it's usefulness for your purposes, and

in comparsion to your XPan, I thought the aspect ratio of the XPan neg was

longer than 612 or am I wrong. Btw, I think the Linhof back was the only one

that really gave a true 120mm long neg; The others were reportedly shorter.

 

Also, in the Dec issue of Midwest Photo (midwestphoto.com) there is (or was)

a V-Pan MkIII outfit for $1869 if your interested.

[reinhold_schable]

Peder:

 

Take a look at the Cambo Wide too. The system is configured

around a 4x5 "frame" that accepts a Horseman 612 rollfilm

back with a 4x5 baseplate. On the other side of the Cambo

"Frame", any number of Cambo lens cones can be quickly

attached. Since it's basically a handheld 4x5 configuration, you

can use cut film holders or any Horseman rollfilm backs from

6x6, up to 6x12. I have even figured out how to run 220 film in the

Horseman 6x12 back, giving me 14 shots.

 

The very nice Cambo viefinder clips into a flash shoe on top, or, if

you want, a groundglass is available for use with cut film

holders.. You can even get a hood with an eyepiece.for the

ground glass. It has a hand grip on one side, with a "trigger

cable release" arrangement for hand holding if you want, altho I

use a tripod most of the time.

 

I happen to use a 75mm lens, but as I recall, it can be as short

as 45mm, or as long as 180mm (I think... I don't have the

information in front of me at the moment). I got mine from Jim at

Midwest Photo, Columbus, Ohio a few years ago. It's a nice,

compact system, tough as nails, and versatile, to boot.

[fred_de_van]

You may wish to investigate the 6x12 GranView, your posting reads like ad copy for that camera. Light, rugged, takes any lens, hand hold if you want to, roll film, sheet film or Quick Loads, and has a little rise and fall. I have a 53mm Biogon and a 65mm Super Angulon 5.6, on mine. Works for me! Take a look...

http://www.granview.com

 

Fred

[incitatus_rex]

Ebony makes lovely cameras, second to none; if you will use a tripod you might as well have the option of using camera movements and the Ebony would be a great choice; there are really no 'upgrades' from the SU. I expect setup/exposure time will decrease quite a bit with some practice, especially since you often will use few movements for landscape shooting. Often the nicest light requires a tripod anyway. The range of lenses which can be used is much greater than for the pancake type cameras.

 

The Cambo Wide and the Ebony Finesse are very fast to use, and allow the use of 4x5 film in addition to roll film holders so I prefer them over the Linhof or the Horseman (never seen a Granview). All use Schneider or Rodenstock lenses, which are outstanding, in helical mounts.

 

I would suggest you don't write off Quickloads/Readyloads too quickly, they are very easy to use. One real downside though may be the cost per shot, especially for transparencies.

[incitatus_rex]

Sorry, I erred above: the Finesse only uses roll film, not 4x5. Of course you can stick a RFH behind the SU.

[d_g]

to go fast using shift but but without tilt capabilities th cambo wide DS and sinar 6x12 panorama or zoom backs is a good option (slide in backs). i'm using myself a technikardan S and a techno rollex back, the back is excellent but very heavy and you need to remove the GG to put the back !

[jerry_fusselman1]

Reinhold,

 

You figured out how to run 220 film in the Horseman 6x12 back? How? I would sure love to be able to do that! No doubt, many others would too. Can you give us any hints?

 

Also, did you really get 14 shots per roll? I would have expected 12.

[reinhold_schable]

Jerry...

Here's a "cut & Paste" from a 29 July post about 220 film in Horseman backs.

(I can't figure out how to link the thread)...

 

Reinhold Schable , jul 29, 2003; 03:51 p.m.

 

Right on, Alan... it's amazing how that misconception about the paper backing

influencing the plane of focus never seems to go away.

 

Now... to the question: yes, it is possible to use 220 in a Horseman 120 roll

film back. I've run hundreds of 220 rolls thru my Horseman 6x12. You'll need

to do some experimenting to find the best starting mark, and create some

sort of a stick-on label at the advance lever to space the frames.

 

Sacrifice a roll of film.... You'll find that the starting mark should be in the left

bay, about 3/8 inch to the right of center. Put a sticky label in there to indicate

a starting point. Wind past frame #1, which is now considered "leader. The

actual film begins at frame #2. After the 6th frame, you'll need some marks on

the label to indicate where the advance lever must be stopped each time. By

marking on the sacrificial roll of film, you can figure out where to make

indexing marks on the label. You'll find that the marks get progressivly closer

with each frame.

 

I created a computer graphic for an avery label for the top of the holder, just

under the advance lever which gives me very good spacing. I also rigged up

a little couner to slip into the little film box holder to keep track of which frame

I'm on, so I don't mess up when advancing to the next frame.

 

Jerry... I really can get 14 frames if I'm real careful, but lately I'm inclined to

make a new graphic with a bit wider spacing for 13 frames.

 

Have fun...