john_bailey1

You may wish to investigate Linhof (612 and 617 formats) and Fujinon (617 only). The 617 size is closer to 5x7, so it may not work for you. However, you may still wish to read the site to learn more about panoramic photography. Another manufacturer using 35mm is, of course, Hasselblad with their Xpan camer.

Regards,

John Bailey

Dear Scott

You might also want to expand your consideration to Sinar. Perhaps, you may want to look at their F2 model. They certainly have all the features you are seeking, but come with an additional advantage. Sinar cameras throughout their range of models are interchangeable-you can add or upgrade as you need and progress. Take a look at eBay and see all the accessories, attachments and equipment that is for sale. I cannot guage if the other brands have as much available for purchase through private parties as does Sinar equipment.

The other day I purchased the book "One Thousand Buildings of Paris" which was entirely shot with a Sinar F2 according to one of the two photographers. I think if they can do that much architectural photography, you might want to consider Sinar as well. Personally, I find my Sinar cameras allow me to focus, adjust swings and tilts and determine depth of field easily and quickly.

Have fun researching your purchase.

Regards,

John Bailey

There was an article recently-perhaps the WSJ-where they discussed what happens to supply and demand on auction sites. Apparently, several manufacturers and stores have found that when an abundance of goods are run through eBay at the same time, the prices will actually end up lower as time and number of items are introduced. Simply, scarcity produces higher prices and bidding competition.

If there are quanities of Graflex or Sinar or Deardorf which are similar then economic theory says eventually supply will meet demand and prices will decrease. Maybe the tendency is to list your items when you see others listing with the hope a buyer will choose yours, but that will depress the market.

By the same token, eBay has been a good vehicle to spread cameras and equipment. If you think about it, 10 years ago the choices were to buy locally or buy from the few classified advertising locations or maybe the camera show that came through town. If you wanted a particular camera or accessory, you might have had to wait long periods of time and the seller could command the price. Along a similar vein, think how much equipment sat on shelves because owners had difficulty getting the word out that they had something for sale. Maybe the right piece was two blocks away, but it might as well have been hundreds of miles since there was no efficient market for selling.

Regards,

John Bailey

Dear George

I have been using a DCS620 for a number of years. This was my first '35mm' camera after having shot LF, MF and 617. I could not be more pleased with this digital camera and find it an important addition to my equipment.

Although large (based upon the F5 body), I find I use it for testing composition and locations many times instead of having to lug a P2 and my accessories all over. Especially in urban situations, I can go one day and shoot from many different angles, spots and scout numerous potential future places I want to return to with my other equipment. At home, I can print out the photos and file them (or even put them in my bag) for reference when I return for the LF shots.

By the same token, I have enjoyed the quality of my Kodak digital images. In fact, I am hoping to purchase the new Kodak DSC Pro SLR/n which is getting good reviews. Alternatively, today Kodak announced a DCS Pro SLR/c for those prefering Canon glass. You might want to check them out in addition to the other suggestions being offered.

Regards,

John Bailey

Absolutely, P2 Sinars are used for architecture inside and out every day, all over the world. The exacting movements and the solidness make this a terrific camera for interiors and architecture. Granted, it is heavy, but sometimes that is just what you want to eliminate vibration.

John Bailey

I am looking at two 300mm lenses. The first is a Sinaron S 1:5.6

300mm and the other is a Rodenstock (Sinar labeled) Sironar N 1:5.6

300mm MC.

Presuming price is not an issue, why would I want one lens or the

other. What are their respective advantages or limitations? Are

these too similar in performance and results?

Thanks,

John Bailey

Dear Walt

One other suggestion. Should you live in or near enough to a market where there are camera stores that rent equipment try renting a P or P2 for the weekend to get a better feel for the camera and your intened uses. Alternatively, maybe someone near you has Sinar P or P2 cameras and you can see their setups.

By the way, there are many, many accessories and attachments for Sinar cameras both thru places like Ebay and your local large format camera store. Jack's Camera in Muncie, IN has a good website and Photogizzmo in NYC is another site you will want to visit among many other good dealer sites. Obviously, you probably have been looking at SinarBron and the factory's Sinar site. My guess is that you can find more used and available Sinar accessories than for most any other view camera choice.

Please advise if I can help in any other way.

Regards,

John Bailey

PS As always, Ellis is right and gives the best answers...thanks Ellis for clarifying my early comments!!!

Dear Walt

The P2 has knobs for each adjustment and the P one has to flip a lever. Otherwise, they operate, focus and feel the same. The DOF is a great help. The accessories and additions you might find for a P should interchange with the P2. They are about the same weight (heavy), best suited for studio and should last forever.

John

Jerry

Perhaps, you have misread the tea leaves regarding the viability of Sinar products. One point to notice is their view cameras are compatable with the various digital products they have been introducing, granted some better than others.

Second, it has been the practice of SinarBron to make available certain demo cameras and accessories over the years directly from them and not from the dealer network. They generally have done so in the third or fourth quarters. I have bought items from them and been very satisfied both as to price and condition. These items have primarily been used as 'demo' items at various trade shows and as samples. Perhaps, some have been items returned. Since they can no longer be sold as brand new, this seems to be a great way to get them into users hands and make it equally available to all interested buyers. All are checked, maintained or repaired by the SinarBron techs and then are warranted by SinarBron. Every time I bought something, I would swear there was little or no wear, tear or damage...certainly not the case after I used them for a bit! I cannot think of a better way to expand my P2 cameras and accessories economically and know they are in 'new' condition.

Regards,

John Bailey

Some earlier threads mention adapting those large wheeled running carts with three wheels some people use with their children. Otherwise, I concur the cart from Calumet is a fine one since it folds down to such a small size and convenient to put in a trunk without losing room for other gear.

Regards,

John Bailey

Bill & Christopher

The advice given on equipment is fully valid and true. Check Sinar dealers such as Jack's Camera in Muncie or PhotoGizzmo in NYC to see what they might have available for the 4x5 to 8x10 conversion and keep an eye on Ebay.

The Sinar system is designed and built so photographers can add to the base cameras they own without having to have multiple cameras, unless you choose to do so. I have had the conversion kit which works excellently, but was fortunate to be able to buy a dedicated Sinar P2 for 8x10 so mine was sold. Sounds like for your purpose the kit would work just as well. Personally, I do not think you need the full 8x10 rear standard-for limited or occassionaly usage the existing 4x5 standard works just fine. Unless you need very full swings, tilts and adjustments, the current set up will work wonderfully. As you know, the markings on your rear stand show offsets for 4x5 and 8x10 already and I believe your depth of field scale probably shows both as well. Also, finding the reducing back at some time in the future allows you to more quickly go between 8x10 and 4x5 since you won't have to go through the whole process of removing the rear carrier and as stated it helps get smaller Polaroids quickly so you are not burning the larger versions.

Get a catalogue from Sinar to see the various parts and parts numbers and maybe you know someone near to you who has had experience between the formats. You will certainly enjoy the flexibility and why not use Sinar the way Sinar is supposed to work with interchangeability! Also, why not call SinarBron in New Jersey to see what they recommend.

Regards,

John Bailey

Dear Armin

So as not to confuse you, when I say 'base' I am refering to the 'rail clamp'.

Regards,

John Bailey

Dear Armin

As any object is extended from only one point of support, there is a higher chance of vibration, deflection and instability. Additionally, I might guess several small rails put together would not have the stability of one or two of the longer rail units. While the Sinar rails are well designed and should take reasonable extension, if you feel or believe you have exceeded a comfortable length then attach a second base and tripod. You might have seen in instruction books where multiple rails, bellows and tripods have been used for certain architectural shots. Also if I recall, at one point Sinar made a tripod attachment for placing two bases on one tripod to spread the support of rails. Check Ebay to see what solutions might be available if you do not have access to a dealer who carries Sinar equipment.

Regards,

John Bailey

A quick comment for Michael and Paula. Thank you for a couple very well posted comments and suggestions in this and another thread!

I think I have more books on so many varied subjects by a factor of 50 to 1 than all the photo equipment and gadgets I have bought over the years. However, the one photo book which has stayed always on top and is frequently read and looked at is Paula's "High Plains Farm". Paula, your book evokes such a sweet wonderfulness, some personal memories of an Aunt's farm and captures a segment of real American life! I so admire this work. Anyone who has not seen the book should immediately do so!

Thank you for contributing so much!

Regards,

John Bailey

Dear Darin

I shoot an Xpan with the 45, a Fuji 617 and also 4x5. They are all wonderful to use and I use them for different reasons. I always carry my Xpan in the back of my car for grab shots and when I want to attack a subject with lots of film. Recently, I have shot ore boats on the Calumet River in Chicago and a couple weeks ago did many of the tall ships which were in the Chicago River. Had I used my 617 for the tall ships, I would have been spending lots of time putting in new rolls of film-and not all the film choices. The 4x5 would have been great for the ore boat since it was tied up to a pier and I did not have much latitude in moving my position.

The Xpan is handy, easy to put in a pocket and carry in a bag along with any other cameras I have along. The 617 is certainly bulkier to haul around and does attract more attention. I was a bit disappointed with convergence with the tall ships shot against the downtown Chicago buildings, but that same issue would have occured with the 617.

I must admit here again that my favorite camera is the 617. In looking back at all my work, I am always pleased and amazed how many shots are in the 617 format. Guess I have learned to 'see' in the panoramic format. As you know, the 617 is really a 5x7 equivalent size. My disappointment is the view finder and camera coverage are not the same, but I have learned to compensate over the years. Also, I have all too often left the lens cap on the 617. By the same token, I shoot it on a tripod, hand held, propped against a rock or building, in vertical position and leaning over the edges of cliffs and buildings. If you have not shot a Fuji 617, go rent or borrow one and give it a try.

I have been looking at the 90mm lens and may take that plunge for my Xpan. Are you enjoying using it?

One other thing, there is a company who sells 4x5 and 8x10 dark slides so you can shoot 'panoramic' on your normal view camera and get two images on each sheet. Sounds neat, although I have not tried it. Obviously many more lens choices with 4x5.

Regards,

John Bailey

How about a bounce type title that would alert you to look elsewhere. Allow a workshop to announce in the subject line the title, date and presenter, but all additional and further information would have to be on a separate Forum Section. No information could be given in the body section. Interested parties then could move to the other forum section to determine if the workshop or gathering suits their needs, whether free or for profit. Also, the workshop sponsor maybe should only be allowed one post per month.

Regard,

John Bailey

Ms Chamlee uses an 8x10 for all her photographs in the book, High Plains Farm. This is a most remarkable book and compilation of photographs.

I recommend this to all who want to extend their vision.

Regards,

John

Matt

One other thought. If you have a chance buy or check out a book called High Plains Farm by Paula Chamlee. It is an amazing tribute to a farm that was in her family and she managed to make the obvious wonderful and the insignificant a treasure. I was very taken by the images.

Regards,

John Bailey

Dear Matt

I am amazed nobody mentioned the covered bridges in Iowa...yes, those bridges!

Actually, if you are still in Iowa between July 20 and July 26, Ragbrai is being staged along a southern route this year. Get the current issue of Saveur magazine-the one with watermelons on the cover. They have a feature story on Ragbrai and some great photos of it and Iowa. By the way, that particular magazine is often a wealth of good photography and interesting food, venues and places around the world.

Regards,

John

Dear Anthony

Over the years I have enjoyed and shot lots of film through a Fujinon 617. One advantage is that it accepts 120 film in all its flavors, varieties and variations. The loading in daylight is easy. Many labs can process it and do the enlargements. The 617's allow for great enlargements as far as I am concerned. However, you will not be able to take advantage of rise and fall and swing and tilt. The 617 cameras are more sensitive to convergence. You can use them hand held in certain circumstances or on a rock or held against a tree or post.

On the other hand, 4x5 will give you great versatility, but maybe in a less portable package, unless you are using a press camera. You will need film holders, substantial tripods and other accessories. However, there are LF roll film holders that will still allow you to use 120 film and take full control of all camera movements.

If you are only shooting landscapes, you might try a 617 system. My initial recommendation is to rent or demo some LF and panoramic cameras before you commit to buying one. If you like panoramic style of images also check out the Hasselblad Xpan which is a 35mm based system.

Please advise if you want to discuss this further off forum.

Regards,

John Bailey

I have chosen not to push the limits at times when the country is at higher states of alert. That is my choice and how I conduct myself, perhaps others don't wish to follow this same action.

On my way into Chicago, I cross a shipping canal that often has interesting ore boats tied up near a drawbridge. On occasion, I park nearby and take my cameras to the bridge for better vantage of the ships. While I have yet to be stopped, as courtesy I don't want people driving over the bridge or city employees to be concerned that some untoward action is taking place. Why tie up authorities and phone lines to investigate just for my selfish wish to get a picture. There is generally another day or opportunity for me to try to get another photo-certainly not the same elements, but another photo none-the-less.

It is agreed that 'bad' guys will probably not be using LF cameras and most likely not reading this forum. Personal responsibility, though, means we all must decide our own limits of what is right and what is wrong. To catch a quick shot of a bridge someone wants to damage, one could take much quicker photos with a small digital camera. Then again if you wanted to spend time to stake out bridges or similar installations to learn the cycle and rythem of activities, consider how using the cover of a LF camera to case an area for bad purposes might be the way to do it. Think how much time a 'bad' guy could spend looking at and observing the area near where the camera was stationed. As it was said in the movie The Spanish Prisoner, nobody notices a Japanese tourist with a camera.

Based upon 9/11 and the irrational acts of certain groups, I can forego some of my freedoms for the benefit of my neighbors.

Regards,

John Bailey

Rory

I presume you have also considered reading the Sinar LF books. There is a whole series they offer. Some are better than others, but at least get the Creative Large Format Basics and Applications since you are using the F1.

Regards,

John Bailey

Dear Scott

Maybe do some close-ups of tree trunks or frost on walls and windows or maybe wind erosion of snow and earth????

Regards,

John

Greg

You are right-guess I will blame the typing of 10 and not the correct 15 on operator error. Sorry for any confusion about my previous post.

Regards,

John Bailey

Dear Dave

Calumet quotes $139.99 for a box of 10. You can find processors on Ebay if you want to go used which is not a bad way. Also, Calumet sells a processor that is hand cranked for a price cheaper than the Polaroid version.

It is worth playing with!

Regards,

John Bailey