howard_jameson1

<p>I own a Fuji GSW 690 III with the 65mm lens which I believe is similar. It is a rangefinder, but first but it was easy to get used to, especially the large negative and the light weight. I also have other med format and a 4x5 along with the 35mm stuff for filming birds. I take my Fuji everywhere I go. You will need a good light meter and should consider what you will do with the resulting film. I scan mine on a Nikon 8000 which goes up to 6x9. You may want to consider buying a used GSW 690, less than $1,000 and a nice wide format. I think you will get the hang of it quickly since you have been filming before. And you will get a pleasant surprise when you get the large negative back. Talk about detail. Good luck.</p><div></div>

<p>Scott, thanks for the input. Looks like I need to find a good used 1Ds MkIII.<br>

Again, thanks everyone for the good info and quick response.<br>

Howard</p><div></div>

<p>Bob Atkins response got me all excited so started looking at 1ds mark II and mark III and if I understand it correctly, both will auto at F8; mark II is 16 meg and mark III is 21 meg.<br>

Am I correct that both will auto at F8. Next problem is finding them. Any ideas. B&H has some Mark III and found a couple on photo.net but one noted that he had the shutter replaced which he said was a common problem. Any inputs on this.</p>

<p>Thanks, Howard</p><div></div>

<p>John, I also did a lot of shooting with the Fuji GSW690 and loved the little camera. Light and easy to take even if you are loaded with 35mm gear for birding. I bought a old used Graflex 4x5 and hit the used shows and B&H for used lens and lens boards. My lens are older and most don't have flare coating, but I figure I have around $2500 total in 4 lens, light meter, camera, tripod and film backs. I shoot and own 35mm, 2/14, 6x9 and 4x5 and frankly love my 4x5. Such incrediable detail. I also print off a 7800 so can go big where the detail really shows. But there is something about the process of 4x5; setting up carefully after studying the light, viewing the image upside down as you tweak the focus. It seems so much more like art. Instead of just banging away with 20 shots to be sure, you have to take your time, understand the transfer from 3D to 2D, the light, the composition because you will only shoot one or two films and they have to be right. On some of the landscapes I shot, I often go back to shoot when sun is in different locations to see result. One lake landscape took me 3 years to get just right, but the biggest problem of wind stirring the lake surface.<br>

Couple of hints I found; for reasons I don't know, 4x5 seems to have more exposure latitude than 35mm even using the same film type. My favorite lens is a used 60mm with a recessed lens board. I would get a field camera next time, easier to carry. Stay away from self loads if possible, it just takes on small hair to ruin a slide, I only shoot slide film. Fuji makes a unit that takes preloaded film and last time I looked, was still supplying Velvia and Provia. You will need a good light meter. NO one knows how long film processing and film will be around but you can still get E-6 chemicals, and while the processing is tight, for 4x5 it is not difficult. <br>

35mm is for work. 4x5 is for pleasure.<br>

Good luck,<br>

Howard</p><div></div>

<p>First, let me say thanks for the very detailed and informed responses, plus the good suggestion on the older D1. I find it interesting that my old EOS-3 film units could auto focus with the 2x and the 500, but if the truth be told, it was often slow and if the background was complex, often couldn't find the subject even when the center focus point was on the bird.<br>

Again, thanks for info.<br>

Howard</p><div></div>

<p>I switched slowly from EOS3 bodies to 40D and was surprised that the 40d is apparently software locked out for autofocus use with 500mm F4 L lens and the 2x extender which is my most used lens. The 1.4 ext works well. Want to know if the 60D, 7D or 5d mark II can be used on autofocus with 500mm and 2x extender. I shoot almost exclusively birds and manual focus is often to slow.<br>

Thanks, Howard</p><div></div>