john_bailey1

Dear Julio

I am fortunate to enjoy using both 4x5 and 8x10 versions of Sinar. From my perspective, I enjoy the ease of focus, range of shift and tilt and the steadiness of the cameras. Sinars are wonderful cameras!! Yes, they are heavy and cumbersome, but there are ways around those problems such as carts and recently some people were writing about using the three wheeled child carriers. I was beginning to think how the food chests with wheels and pulling handles could be adapted.

Regards,

John Bailey

Dear John

You may already have these web sites, but I wanted to make certain they were available to you. Hope they can help.

http://www.pinholevisions.org/

http://www.pinholeresource.com/

Regards,

John Bailey

Dear Bryan

Also, you might consider using the Kodak Readyloads (in several film types) which are a single sheet of film in a protective 'pod' and shot in the manner you would shoot a Polaroid. In fact, you can use your Polaroid 545 holder for these films. After shooting, you slide the 'pod' back over the film (actually you really don't take the protective cover all the way out) and send it to the lab. There was a thread a couple days ago discussing how one might send Readyloads safely to a lab. Fuji makes a similar product. Check the Kodak and Fuji web sites where they have full and better explanations.

Regards,

John Bailey

Dear Mike

I might suggest that you talk to John at Camera Exchange in Melbourne. I have bought several items from him and find in advice good and well based. Besides, he seems to have a good supply of cameras and lenses and might end up being a great place for you to buy some of the items you seek. His email address is: john@cameraexchange.com.au

Regards,

John Bailey

Dear Adrian

I too have been pulled into the abyss. I started out MF, then when I tried 617 I saw what larger film size could do, then I went 4x5 and most recently 8x10. I have had lots of fun with Polaroid transfers on 4x5 which is what got me into thinking about doing the same thing with 8x10-just a bit harder to manage. The tranfer process convinced me to buy an 8x10 and I am so happy that I did so! In talking with a rep from Fuji, he is confident film will be available, but it may not be a regular stock item (read special order or larger quantities) for many stores. However, people like Calumet will service us-there are still lots of photographers who shoot ads and even one of the Playboy photographers uses 8x10.

Keep spreading the word about the glories of big film!

Regards,

John Bailey

Jay

Maybe you could say you thought you had bought a tanning bed...

John Bailey

Dear Richard

Each and every dealing I have had with SinarBron has been terrific. From time to time and usually monthly, they run specials. Sometimes it is on the camera line like they had in May. What occured was the reduction of price, but through the dealer (not directly from them). In essence, they 'couponed' your purchase of whichever camera they were running at the reduced price. Recently, they have been offering through Ebay several cameras and accessories via the auction format. These are what they consider 'demo' cameras which have been used for trade shows or by their factory reps, but subsequently have been examined, refurbished and brought back to factory 'settings and standards'. The prices where the deals have closed seem to be, in my opinion, very good. Last year, I was able to purchase a P2 through this method and I was most pleased with the amount I paid. The great part about the auction is they are offering true factory warranties. Of course, they generally don't have that many demo items so you don't always see them auctioning items. Call Joe Boyko or Francesco Benson at SinarBron to get the full and most accurate information.

Regards,

John Bailey

Dear Matt

I don't know where you are located, but in Chicago there is a tremendous lab called Imperial Color at 219 Carpenter Street, Chicago, IL 60607. Their toll free number is 800-273-1977. Ask for Bill (the owner) or Kurt (a real pro at handling your every request). I use them for PhotoCD's, processing, printing and enlargements. I have never been disappointed or had a problem. Perfect color and no scratches on the film. You will learn that they handle many advertising and catalogue photographers both in Chicago and from around the country. Also, they do a high volume of business for Playboy's photographers-which should tell you something about their quality control.

They are big enough to handle your every job, small enough to give personal service.

Best of luck with them-

John Bailey

PS. So you know, I am only a customer and have no relationship to Imperial other than as a very satisfied customer.

Dear Fabian

I became addicted to the Fuji617 about 10 or 12 years ago. In certain ways, it has become the easiest camera I have used since it forces me to visualize before putting the camera to my eye. Yes, it can be frustrating when you are close and lose the edges of what you are trying to shoot.

Ellis gave a very good suggeston. Maybe you want to try a cutout in 6x17 dimensions to help visualize. Where I gained my skill and confidence was just plain taking the camera everywhere and shooting lots of film through it. As I have said on other forums, I am amazed how many of my images were shot in 617 format over the years-far more than any other format.

The other thing you are going to find is that blowing up the images will give some terrific enlargements. By the way, you can blow them up farther than you think you can-think in terms of large format, not medium format.

By the same token, I purchased a Hasselblad Xpan and find that it seldom comes out of my bag. It is a great camera for putting in your pocket or placing in your photo bag when shooting other formats, but in the end I would rather use my Fuji617 with all of its quirks and complexities!

Enjoy the camera...

Regards,

John Bailey

The last number I had (from the most recent SinarBron catalogue) was

847-823-3330-this is also the last number I had in my rolodex.

However, I have not been able to contact Bob and have not spoken to

him for about a year. I do not know if he is still performing any

work. He is absolutely a terrific repair resource and a terrific

guy. If you are able to speak with him, please send my regards.

<p>

John Bailey

Dear Jeff

<p>

I have used the Balcar Miniblocs with some success. These require

that you individually plug them into a conventional wall power source

via a regular 110v plug, not a dedicated power supply. They have the

ability to adjust power settings for light output and have modeling

lights to give you an idea as to how your light will look on a

subject. Also, they have electic eyes so all similar lights will go

off at the same time without having to connect to each of them. They

are a nice system. Perhaps you should go to Balcar's web site to

learn more or maybe give a call to Calumet who are dealers for Balcar

and one of their lighting experts could help further.

<p>

Best of luck,

<p>

John

Dee

<p>

You will certainly like using a rotary paper trimmer whether it is

the Rotatrim which I use or the Dahle (sorry, not familiar with this

model). I had put off buying a paper cutter and instead kept trying

inexpensive solutions. Just before the year end, I took the

financial plunge to buy a better model and have never had a regret.

<p>

Regards,

<p>

John

I use a Rollcut from Calumet. They carry several brands and multiple

sizes. If I recall, they have had some on sale recently. The

circular blade works very well and gives the cleanest, best cuts you

could desire.

<p>

Regards,

<p>

John Bailey

Dear Neil

<p>

I have shot for some years with the Fuji 617 (older version without

the interchangeable lenses). This is a marvelous camera and accepts

both 120 and 220 film. They are a bit more difficult to find an

image with since you are using a view finder and not through the lens

or a ground glass (the newer verision you can use a ground glass),

but the images make it all worthwhile! Often, I use mine handheld

and do not find any issues with doing so. If you can use a tripod,

better yet, or at least a bean bag. I am always amazed at how many

of my photos are the 617 versions-once you get used to thinking in

that format you just seem to shoot more and more! The Fuji 617 is a

bit bulky, but I can pack it in one of my backpacks. It has been

with me through Europe, urban situations in the US and lots of

backcountry in our Western states. I have even taken it while

skiing - ok, groomed, easy slopes, and I worried about falling and

having an imprint in my back!

<p>

Another camera which I have been recommending has been the Hasselblad

Xpan which gives a nice image size and is certainly small enough to

carry on long journeys. It gives very nice panoramic images and

there are three lens choices available.

<p>

Regards,

<p>

John Bailey

Your safety is the most important thing, it is better to hear it was

only the camera gear and that it was not taken physically from you.

Here is a place you may wish to consider sending information about

your loss:

<p>

http://www.photo.net/registry/search.tcl

<p>

Regards,

<p>

John Bailey

Dear Bruce

<p>

I started out in MF, then ventured into 617 panoramic, then to 4x5

and after all that bought a 35mm digital rig. Since then I have

added an Xpan and most recently an 8x10 What I like is how all the

formats can compliment one and other. When my square images did not

convey what I was trying to do, I often found the panoramic solved my

problems. You may want to look into either the Fuji 617 or fiddle

with the Hasselblad Xpan. The Xpan is really a neat system with the

ability to switch between panoramic (the images are bigger than what

you may have seen with other switchable cameras) and normal 35 sized

images. It is compact enough to carry in your bag, put in a jacket

or keep in a car.

<p>

As for the digital and as I have talked about previously in other

threads, I am finding it an ideal way to 'scout' locations and

capture ideas for future shoots with my LF equipment. I go back and

download the images and it helps me visulize and set up what I want

to do with the LF and cuts down on time searching for where I want to

set up my LF cameras at later points in time. Does digital replace

LF for me, no, but digital has fired me up for shooting many, many

more images than I would ever imagine.

<p>

Best Regards,

<p>

John Bailey

Try looking at this site:

<p>

http://www.robgalbraith.com/

Dear Wayne

<p>

If you are seeking a good GPS system, I heartily recommend Garmin

products! I have owned five or six of their products and each one

has been better than the last. They are terrific GPS receivers and

will provide you with good data which is easy to understand and easy

to operate. I would first look at the Etrex Vista. I know money is

always a consideration, but I would not skimp on GPS-that said, I

find the whole Garmin line from entry level to the top of the line

will probably satisfy your needs.

<p>

Look at this unit for starters:

<p>

http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexVista/

<p>

As Kerry stated, don't rely 100% on any electronic device, but you

will find this is an excellent addition to your pack. You might be

surprised how often you will use a GPS unit even when you are back in

the city or traveling. Many have world wide capabilities and they

have downloadable CD maps to give you detailed maps of almost any

destination.

<p>

Hope this helps.

<p>

Regards,

<p>

John

Jana

<p>

Another approach you may wish to consider is the purchase of a

Polaroid holder such as the 545 (more recent and a bit more

expensive) or maybe one of the prior versions so that you can use

Polaroid film, but also the new Kodak single sheet Readyloads. That

way you can test for lighting and exposure and composition with the

Polaroid films and/or use various types of Kodak films with out

worrying about changing bags or loading your holders ahead of time.

<p>

Enjoy the class!

<p>

Regards,

<p>

John

Dear Rich

<p>

I am pleased to hear of your success and happiness with your new

system. I happen to embrace film and digital. Today, for example, I

set off in downtown Chicago with a DCS620 and came back with a

hundred or so images of architecture. Tonight, I am viewing, editing

and printing some of them. While looking at them, I am worrying

about tombstoning of certain buildings, too much foreground, etc. and

thinking about certain shots I will go back to with a view camera. I

think a good percentage of my shots today were 'killer', but the

results are also helping me see where I want to slow down or work for

an image. The combination of both worlds hopefully will increase my

abilities and vision. As I have said previously, my buying of a

digital system has also spurred me to upgrade my view camera system

and additionally has caused a reawakening of my taking lots of photos

in many format sizes.

<p>

Maybe you discovered the magical 'Silvester' bullet!

<p>

Good shooting...

<p>

John

There might be two other sites which we might attempt to emulate or

at least have discussions with to learn how they provide service and

forums.

<p>

Perhaps there is a way that this LF Forum integrate or move to a link

at Photo District News' page. I am often there and find their

discussions similar and thoughtful like this one.

<p>

The other site which I use and find easy to navigate is

www.Robgalbraith.com. I am not suggesting a merger or use of this

page since they are focused on digital cameras and issues. They

probably would not want opposite end of the spectrum forums under the

same banner. However, someone might want to look at the

architecture, design and the appearance of their forums. Perhaps, we

can open telephone conversations and ask them who they used to create

the site, what software they use and their thoughts about servers and

long term operational needs. I happen to enjoy that they have a

couple forum links to different topics. Maybe we could have sections

for film, lenses and different bodies among other areas.

<p>

There may additional options than these and they should be given due

as we are discussing Photo.net and Yahoo and the rest.

<p>

Regards,

<p>

John Bailey

Dear Andrew

<p>

To go over a bit of ground other have discussed, Ebay can be a

terrific avenue to get good quality cameras at reasonable prices.

Your disadvantage is that you have not tracked prices, so you might

be a bit more vulnerable than people who have been pricing cameras on

the new and used market.

<p>

Going to a dealer like Calumet or looking at their web sites or those

sites of other good dealers like B&H or Helix Photo or Samy's will

help your learning curve and perhaps help in the end decision. Look

at a magazine called View Camera and they have many advertisers who

are selling new and used equipment.

<p>

I happen to shoot Sinar. As Ellis has pointed out, there are several

interesting Sinar cameras available on Ebay. An advantage of buying

their products (and I am certain other users of other cameras may

have the same thoughts) is that they are selling a "system" which

means all the cameras can be upgraded and interchange with parts and

accessories. You and your girlfriend over the years can start with

an older P and upgrade it to become a P2 or maybe you start with

their F camera and that too can be upgraded as need and available

fund allow. That also means that new items are designed so they are

usable by older and well as the newest of cameras in their line. I

find that buying good equipment (even if it costs a bit more at the

beginning) over the years is an investment which pays off.

<p>

I wish you the best in your search. You will find the contributors

here on this forum are an excellent repository of aid, assistance and

ideas.

<p>

Regards,

<p>

John

Dear Andy

<p>

Have you seen the book "Building Images: Seventy Years of Photography

at Hedrich Blessing"? They are a leading Chicago based photographic

firm which specializes in architectural photography. Wonderful

images and terrific ideas, but it does not give much in specific

information. However, it should go on your bookself!

<p>

Regards,

<p>

John Bailey

There was a story today that Polaroid is selling it's ID card system to Digimarc. Here is the link:

<p>

http://money.cnn.com/2001/12/03/technology/wires/polaroid_digimarc_ap/

Dear Andy

<p>

I have, enjoy and found benefit from Sinar's Creative Large Format-

Architectural Photography book. In fact, I was going back and

reading sections only this weekend. Obviously, there is bias for the

use of Sinar, but not exclusively. Some of the contributed images

were shot with other camera brands.

<p>

Thanks to the other people who responded. I will look for this other

book to add to my library as well. Good suggestion.

<p>

Regards,

<p>

John