HELP ! - Final decision on EBONY 45

[carsten_boettcher]

Hello,

 

almost three months ago, I decided to replace my old metal studio

camera

with a new wooden field camera. Though the monorail was a good

learning tool

for view camera basics, I have never really enjoyed working with it

due to

several reasons. It is pretty heavy, bulky and complicated to set up.

The movements are neither precise nor smooth and operating the tiny

knobs

and levers is a pain�..in short, no real advantages over 35mm (except

the big image).

Still, I didn�t want to give up and quit using this amazing format.

I knew right from the start that the view camera would be the ideal

tool for the kind of

photography that I do: Landscape, Architecture, Stills.

 

Over the last weeks, I posted several questions to the forum in order

to get as much

feedback as possible before buying a new camera. Moreover, I did a

lot of research

in the internet. FOLKS�..I�VE MADE UP MY MIND !!!

 

Now it�s high time to send my deepest thanks to all of you who have

supplied me

with their thoughts and recommendations.

THIS FORUM IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO COMMUNICATE !!!

 

I�ll go for the EBONIES. The NON-FOLDERS. The 45S or 45SU.

Though I just favor the 45SU (because of the asymmetric movements), I

would urge

all 45S/45SU owners to comment on their cameras.

 

Of course, all users of other Ebony models are welcome, too.

 

Thanks so much in advance,

 

Carsten

[andrew_morgan]

Carsten,

 

I have a 45s. I had not considered the assymetrical movements. I "upsold" my self from an RSW45 to an SW45 to the 45s and could go no further on the budget.

 

I have not spent enough time with it yet but will comment on the following.

 

1) very neat as a non-folder

 

2) quick to set-up

 

3) smooth, easy to lock movements

 

4) great build quality

 

 

Andrew

[paul_owen]

Get the 45SU - it is then impossible to upgrade!!!!!!

[daniel_blakeslee]

Carsten

 

I am sure that you will never be sorry you got an Ebony. But Paul is right. Since you want a folder, get the 45SU. Only half the glory of an Ebony is the beauty and craftmanship. The other half is the asymmetrical movements, which you might wish you had later on.

 

I don't know if either camera you are considering comes with a universal bellows, but if not, it can be substituted for a small fee. It is easier to use wide-angle lenses with a universal bellows and you might never feel the need for a bag bellows if you have it. The folding viewing bellows is also nice.

 

The wood is soaked in oil before the camera is constructed, so waxing it might not be a good idea. Ebony wants you to use a good grade of furniture oil such as what they use on the exposed wood on sailboats and yachts. I use a hard paste wax on only the areas that come in contact with the film holders. They go in and out much easier that way. Any good cream leather treatment works for the bellows.

 

Enjoy your new camera!

[daniel_blakeslee]

Oops! I meant to say "since you DON'T wanta folder". Ebony also has a nice all-weather focusing cloth that uses a clip that goes on the front of the camera. I bought this setup, but I still prefer the BTZS darkcloth.

[mark_tucker2]

I got a 45SU. Only because it was the only one in stock. I don't

even know what asymmetric movements are. I just wanted

something that would pop outta the bag quickly and jump onto

the tripod socket automatically. The 45Su is the only version that

does that.

 

The bellows are way nice. The way they work with wide wide

lenses. I love that it's a nonfolder; I just found this toploading

bag, and it easily drops right down in there. No sweat. The knobs

are large, easy to orient to without looking, when you're behind

the camera. Very second nature. It's lightweight. It's solid, even

when I've got it stretched out all the way. It folds up tiny.

 

I wish the gearing in the front standard felt a little smoother, but

everybody says field cameras act that way.

 

I'm also jonesing after the ArcaSwiss reflex viewer which allows

right side viewing, and has bellows to move around the hot spot.

In the meantime, I bought a see thru Cambo cheesey viewer

which i made a plate to mount it out of a type55 box and

ducttape. See photo uploaded as reference.

 

Paul Owen is right. There is this weird comfort knowing that you

don't ever have to get another camera. I'm sure LF film will be

discontinued long before this camera wears out.

 

This camera was obviously designed by a working

photographer.

 

-MT, http://www.marktucker.com<div></div>

[michael_alpert1]

I also have an Ebony 45SU and recommend it. The bellows is longer than the 45S, and the movements are greater. The 70mm front rise is especially useful when photographing architecture. If you are interested in using the camera with roll film, I recommend the 6x9 reducing back that Ebony makes for use with Horseman (and other) film backs.

[scott_killian1]

I've got the 45S - couldn't justify another $1000 for the asymmetric tilts.

However, that's just me. It's a great camera, but doesn't take any better

pictures than any other camera so as long as you're honest with yourself

about why you're buying it, you'll be happy. Sort of like buying a Rolex - great

craftmanship, but doesn't keep time any better than a $10 Casio. I guess I like

well-made things and prefer to invest in stuff that "feels" right even if it

rationally makes little sense. Camera is tough, mine has taken a real beating

and is still mint. The non-folding design is great and part of the reason I

picked the Ebony, but it is slightly ackward to fit in a backpack. The guys at

Badger were great to deal with.

[jeffrey_scott]

Definitely get the 45SU. It has more to offer and a year from now you will forget about the price, actually once the camera is in your hands you will forget about the price! The asymmetrical movements are a joy to use and the longer bellows draw is worth the extra price since it includes the universal bellows. I use a 58XL and I can run out of coverage with that bellows. You won't be sorry you got the 45SU, but maybe if you got the 45S you just might wonder if you were foolish not to spend the extra money for what the 45SU offers.

[mark_tucker2]

there is a 45SW on Classifieds PhotoNet LF right now. $1700.

[lars ake vinberg]

Also, the 45SU has quad extension to 365mm whereas the 45S triple extension reaches 270mm.

[ed_candland1]

But then you can add the ext. back to the 45S and end up with 360mm (but then your adding another bulky acc.). The 45S is also over a lb. lighter.

[brian_ellis3]

Paul is wrong, you can easily upgrade from an SU. Just buy a Linhof Master Technika. : - )

[jeffrey_scott]

That's odd, I thought that my going from an MT2K to the 45SU was an upgrade!

[brian_ellis3]

Yes, it's very odd.