michael_kadillak6

I saw it in person at the New Mexico show and was very impressed at its worksmanship. I would call Keith directly and he can get you the latest if you are interested. After two years of planning, it was very nice to see one working and the results it obtained.

I tried that routine with a jogger stroller and found it to be a disaster anywhere off of the beaten path. Unless the route you are taking is flat and devoid of rocks etc. you will be cursing it. The weak link in this equation is the front wheel that is very wobbly and unstable. I took one my wife had for our son and had been sitting in the garage idle on some popular trails here in Colorado and after a short distance when the trail got a bit course, I about tossed it into the woods. I turned around and went back to the truck and folded it up and stowed it away. I took one lens and three holders and my 8x10 and loaded it into my backpack and never looked back. I sold the stroller the next week at a garage sale and hopefully, it has a small child in it and a Mom at the controls. Small space to do anything with and ricketly for anything else IMHO. I would go with either a two wheel or a four wheeled cart of some manner that is designed to move yard debris and is stronger. Another reason for me to get rid of it is that any wheeled vehicles are not allowed into wilderness areas. I saw a ranger ticket a guy that was using a small wheeled device to get his canoe into a mountain lake a short distance.

 

When I talked to the forest ranger about my situation with wanting to get my camera back in, he told me to start with a nominal weight frame backpack and decide what I absolutely need and leave the rest in the trunk. His point to me was that in his experience photographers (particularly large format types) take far to much equipment than they need and do nothing to scout out the area they want to photograph - they want to bring the kitchen sink with them. This ranger has over 20 years experience and has seen it all first hand. I completely agree with his assessment and have taken it to heart. My linhof finder and a notebook for my format is all I need for the first trip in and I can put that in a fanny pack. Next time in I take the lens I need to get the shot(s) and a minimum number of holders and even with 8x10, it is very manageable. My tripod lashes on the ledge back of the frame pack where the sleeping bag normally goes. And in this rangers opinion, even in your 60's, 40 pounds of weight can easily be managed on your back with a year round fitness program. I regularly get the 8x10 into a frame pack for about that weight with only the essentials needed to get the job done. Good Luck.

This week I needed to go through Salt Lake International Airport with

sheet film that I requested a hand check in hopes to avoid the

intense baggage X-Ray scan. Much to my pleasure, when I expressed to

them that it was professional film and critical that it not be x-

rayed, the security personal allowed me to pass with the simple

explosives swab test. In fact, one of the security personal stopped

me after I cleared the screening to ask me my recommendations for how

they should accomodate professional photographers with films in the

future to accomplish their objective of maintaining security but also

to prevent frustrations from the photographers on requiring blanket x-

rays. They seemed to understand that all films are impacted by x-rays

with the higher doses being the most harmful and that only pros will

probably be most sensitive to the negative results. Obviously,

unopened boxes of film from the factory and single readyloads were

reported by the airport personal as the easiest for them to

accomodate a swab security tests.

 

Lastly, be patient with the security people and explain the need for

your film to not be x-rayed and you stand a very good odds of getting

a non-conventional screening. If you have professional credentials -

even a business card would be of great assistance in this area.

 

Just thought I would throw in my two cents as the summer season kicks

into high gear.

Jonathan:

 

<p>

 

The previous poster has it right. The G Clarons are fine lenses, but

the reality of the situation is that when you take the 20x magnifier

to them and throw them on the light box, there can be no questions

that they are a step below modern coated offerings. If size and cost

are important to you, try the Nikon 200 or 300mm M series or the Fuji

450 C. If I were looking for the one lens that performed consistently

with the 4x5 format, it opt for the Nikon 135mm W. Small, inexpensive

and as sharp as I have ever seen in large format. Good Luck

Richard Boulware let me use some special double sided tape from 3M

that was marvelous for this application. Prevented me from having to

commit to the glue scenario and did the job like a champ. The tape is

a bit hard to figure out how to use because it is so thin, but once

you get beyond that, it is a breeze. Hopefully he will chime in here.

If you are interested, drop me a line and I will do my best to assist.

 

<p>

 

Good Luck.

I am not a tray person (yet)- only JOBO, but I was thinking that if

the edges of any film are causing a problem, have you considered that

small edge rounding device that the photo album companies sell? It

could easily be used in the darkroom.

 

<p>

 

Just place a film corner in the rounder and press. Don't think it

would take enough away from the image corner to be a concern relative

to a transverse scratch. It would take the corner sharpness away from

your film and just maybe make the scratching a little less probable

when you tray develop. Just a wild idea.

I also would comment that it is highly unlikely that you have a "bad"

lens. All of their optics are inspected before they leave the factory

so unless the previous owner was messing with it, it should be right

on the money, used or not.

 

<p>

 

Since it may be slower at f9 than some of the other lenses you might

be using, this lens may need a bit more attention behind the loup.

 

<p>

 

By simply eliminating variables in the equation (properly aligned

film back, in spec film holders correct focus/movements and lockdown

and properly seated film) you can cut to the chase and begin to enjoy

this marvelous combination of small size and powerful performance.

 

<p>

 

Let us know how it works out for you. Good Luck.

You also must be aware of possible import duties that may be assessed

by the shipper. I have received letters from UPS on about a 4% inport

duty and also was hit with this cost at the door by the UPS man.

 

<p>

 

However, even with the duty, it was a great deal.

 

<p>

 

I have had a couple of problems with merchandise that needed to be

returned and Robert White was very good about making sure that I got

what I wanted and was happy. Like the previous respondent, I check

with Badger and if it is not a large price differential, I try to

support the niche dealerships in the US.

To add what Clay said, make sure that you follow the JOBO

instructions and carefully level your processing unit fore and aft.

 

<p>

 

That will insure that the innovative drum design is not compromised

in the development process as they need to be perfectly level.

Love those Fuji lenses. I also acquired with the help of Kerry, a

250mm 6.7 Fuji lens and previously got a 450 C with contributors

assistance from this forum. The incentive was size and weight as I

was in dire need of smaller footprints and lower weight relative to

Copal #3's and 95mm filters that had got me to that point.

 

<p>

 

It was an answer to a prayer as they are marvelous in sharpness and

contrast. If the lens is on good shape, I would snap it up. Surely as

good as anyting else available. You will not be sorry. Why Fuji does

not do more here in the states is beyond me. I have a brother in

Japan that regularly checks in for me about Fuji and they are

continuing to stay the course with their lenses for large format.

Good Luck.

I agree with Neil. When you want to do the job right, it helps to use

the right tool. You can use the trial and error methodology in making

exposures and burn more film in the process. Or take a small portion

of costs of the extra film you would otherwise use and learn to use a

densitometer and always have the ability to quickly check out new

film/developer combinations and always be able to check out your old

favorite. Prices have never been cheaper. Transmission for films and

reflection for papers.

David: Kudos on an articulate and intelligent response to this post.

You really hit the nail directly on the head. This is the stuff that

makes this venue so valuable.

I went this morning to the PBS website and ordered the American

Experience Adams DVD for $24 + shipping. They also offer the music

from the 1 1/2 hour show on a CD at less cost so make sure that you

secure the right item.

Ben. I have a number of tripods including the Linhof twin shank pro

with the Linhof pro head , the Ries A100 with the double tilt head,

the Gitzo 1349 carbon fiber with an Arca B1 head and the Bogen 3221

with a Bogen 3030 head. I tell you what, considering the ratio of low

cost and modest weight and high functionality, I use the Bogen much

of the time I take my Canham 5x7 and Linhof 4x5 to the field. The

3047 head is overkill for the 5x7 IMHO particularly when you are

backpacking. The quick release plate is of a simple design and

foolproof if you take the time to locked it down correctly. You want

to make sure that you do not get your fingers on the wrong side of

the lock down clips on the tripod when you open it up or close it

down. Sometimes as is the case here functionality is not proportional

to higher cost. The foam on the upper part of the tripod is also

nice. Straps to the backpack and the handles are not long enough to

hang me up on the trail. Good Luck

Dear Ron:

As a small business owner myself, I was expecting more in your

response to this post. While I have the utmost respect for your

camera making enterprise both personally and professionally and truly

empathize with your delima of trying to staying abreast of your

growing market share, unless you are attempting to garner a

sympathetic vote in a close election, it is meaningless. The core of

this discussion once we leave the personal references on the

sidelines is about a consumer desiring a product and associated

product services and a business sequestering that very specific

demand. You mentioned several components of this situation that is

concurrently your niche and your nemesis. Small companies can shift

gears and offer that "personal" touch that the large organizations

simply cannot deal with. However, as the head man - the buck stops

with you. As with running my company, the decision maker can do

whatever he wants. Solving problems is part of the territory and is

the substance that reaffirms the consuming public that you and not

someone else should earn their business. While I have not purchased

one of your cameras yet, I could be in the future. Having said that,

what I would like to hear is what exactly you are doing to streamline

your operations and customer service? This is one area that you

simply cannot provide to much information about. Here is something

that it took me a while to figure out. Even if the customer is wrong,

their perception of the situation can quickly become reality as

evidenced by the disparity in this dialog. But this really does not

matter. Yes, I have taken the blame for situations that were not my

fault in my business and accelerated the "solution" as soon as

possible to distance myself from the funk. The reason for that is

that over time, the funk will squeeze you and try to kill you and I

enjoy what I do far to much to let that happen.

 

<p>

 

Suggestion: Don't sugar coat realistic turn around schedules. In fact

I would add 20% to what you tell them as a goal to get it to them on

time. If something unexpected happens that prevents you from meeting

your schedule, have someone cpontact the customer and share the truth

whatever it is. No one can fault you for this.

 

<p>

 

I desperately want your camera company to succeed for as long as you

have the fire and passion for your craft. We as photographers need

the venue to feel good about the future. All my best.

As long as your camera is not sitting in one position for extended

periods of time, I do not believe that keeping it folded has any

harmfull consequences. If you live in a humid climate, obviously a

certain amount of normal maintenance is in order. Just using it

regularly is the best medicine.

 

<p>

 

I would recommend getting a complete parts listing from the Tachi

manufacturer along with the prices and contemplating the acquisition

of a small number of dymanic parts replacements for your camera as it

sounds like you will be using this camera for many years to come.

Components like the back springs, the front lensboard clips and the

handgrip attachments to the camera along with normal replacement

screws, nuts and bolts would be a god idea to back up. My point is

that if a reasonable amount of care is excercised for your prized

camera, all you are needing to hedge against is simple wearing out or

loosing some components over time. Another camera is overkill in my

opinion. Use the money to buy film for your freezer. While any

accessory components could probably be fabricated if they are not

longer available, the time, costs and aggrivation will be many

multiples later than they are now. Consider it like acquiring a bit

of insurance and you will find that you will continue to be using

your Tachi than unintentionally using it far to infrequently for the

reasons that initiated this posting.

 

<p>

 

Good Luck

No sense re-inventing the wheel. How about the simple plexiglass

square that fits over the ground glass on the back of the camera

similar to what Canham cameras use for their 4x5 cameras? Another

option is the hinged plexiglass that Canham uses for their 5x7

cameras. One piece of the hinge goes in the film holder space and the

other is behind the camera. I recently acquired one of these for my

8x10 camera. Either should work at much less cost than the folding

hoods.

I am a bit confused. Is this the same Dan Smith that recently voiced

complete incompatibility with a Wisner 5x7? As a working photographer

that has clearly immersed imself in the "tools of his trade" at the

various workshops and with other professionals I find it odd that

someone as connected to the industry as you would not have discovered

your personal distaste for a Wisner (as expressed by your recent

posting to avail yourself of the 5x7) only to go down that path with

a larger format. Had you no really no indications of the significant

delays and lack of customer service with Wisner or are you just

venting frustration? Ever from the perimeter it was readily apparent

that irrespective of what was bantered around about delivery dates,

the overwhelming majority of large format users were was keenly aware

of this situation. Gordon Hutchings article about the convertable

lenses 5 years ago made no bones about a one to two year delivery

time and considerable patience required. As to the apparent lack of

quality control, I am dumbfounded. I agree that this is unheard of in

a normal business venue. What disturbs me most is the apparent lack

of care in insuring that his reputation stays intact. Customer

service is the first corporate part to hemmorage and without new

customers, (this is a word of mouth business if I ever saw one) his

business will detiorate to a point where cash flow versus expenses

will not pass the rate of return test for the bank and it will be

time to listen to the fat lady sing. Really sad.

 

<p>

 

My only hope is that Keith Canham writes his Mission Statement in

large bold letters and place this banner above the entrance to his

shop and read it every day he comes to work as those that forget

history are condemmed to repeat it. Look at the post about the demise

of Deardorf as there are lessons in business every day.

 

<p>

 

Hope it all works out for you and you can get back to making

photographs very soon. Be Well.

In the year 2000, we imported a total of 53% of our consumed oil. 23%

of it came from OPEC countries. The remainder came from Non-OPEC

countries including Russia, Mexico, Canada Nigeria and many others.

In the last two years with the growing economy, this import number

has increased.

 

<p>

 

Check out the year 2000 numbers at:

 

<p>

 

www.eia.doe.gov/neic/quickfacts/quickoil.html

 

<p>

 

Information is power......

Adrian: Clearly you understand my literary intent. When we import

over 60% of our daily oil consumption from the Middle East, we are

extremely vunerable to the changing winds of politics. When the rest

of the Arab world equates our affiliation with Israel as sleeping

with the enemy, how long will it be before greed for oil revenues is

surpassed by sympathy for the poor and surpressed? In my opinion, we

are dangerously close to a Middle East catastrophy that could bring

our economy to its knees in less than a month.

 

<p>

 

As far as hydrocarbon resources in the world, you would find the

projections of reserves for oil and natural gas to be 50-100 years in

the future even at modestly escalated consumption trends. The key is

the forward price model used to make the calculation. The higher a

BBL of oil of an MMBTU of natural gas, the more technology (deeper

water drilling, better seismic etc.) we can expend to explore for and

produce it. In my previous life as a Petroleum Engineer I was

intimately involved in these efforts. Natural Gas is one of the most

important components of a Clean Resource model that we can use. We

are quite independent from our Middle East dependency and its

combustion byproducts are 1000 times cleaner than the cleanest fuel

oil. In the United States mainland, we have just about found and

recovered all of the oil that there is to find. Here is an alarming

statistic. The best oil well only recovers 8-12% of the oil that is

in the reservoir in primary production. Secondary recoveries (water

floods) recover a bit more and tertiary floods (polymers etc.) may

raise the recoverable oil to about 25% of what is in place. That

means that we leave 75% (+/-) in the ground. We can recover more than

90% + of the natural gas from a natural gas field.

 

<p>

 

Alaska will not solve the problem all by itself. It is but one piece

of a very dimensional potential solution. But without intense

government funded research to discover a new source of universal

energy, we are collectively watching the sand pass through the center

of the hourglass. Have a good weekend.

The pure greed to secure large portions of unused natural resources

is what spawned the pursuit of the New World in the 1400's and it is

the most fundamental tenet of the human economy. In a text book

world, we surely would have been better as a human race if we used

our intelligence to think beyond the end of our nose. Unfortunately,

the only lessons we humans learn are those following aggregious

mistakes. Without lumber that is harvested, minerals that are mined,

petroleum that is drilled and water that is piped, we would be living

in a cave. Politely ask a vegetarian photographer about their link to

the meat industry (boiled bones to produce gelatin film backing) and

you will see a face of disbelief and denial. I have seen the railroad

cars of animal bones that Kodak has shipped from the packing houses

in the West to Massachusetts. My point is that the more we embrace

the realities of our human existance in the intellectual form and

refrain from pure polarity on the issues we face to protect our

environment, the better chance we have of making real progress.

Spouting emotion only creates irrational behavior and takes us back

to how our animal ancestors resolved disputes. Natural beauty is

everyone's cause as we have the strongest economy in the world but at

what price? How we balance the need to provide jobs and prepare for

the world our children will live in will define out future. In a

rather simplistic way, when I take my son with me to make make a

photograph in a wilderness area here in Colorado, I feel that I have

done a small part to make a positive impact on the future generation

that hopefully he can feel passionate about as he grows up.

While this is a photographic forum that should be devoid of this

political rhetoric, there are several important points that I feel

need to be made parallel on this subject of interest to the landscape

photographer. 1) After trying for 20 years, WE STILL DO NOT HAVE AN

ENERGY POLICY. Without it and the intelligent diversification to

phase in alternative fuels and other forms of clean burning energy,

we will continue to be held hostage by the Middle East. 2)

Irrespective of your political persuasion, the economy is driven by

energy consumption in the industrial and private sector. 3) We have

as a nation been continuing to restrict use of fuel oil and encourage

the use of natural gas that is vastly less polluting. 4) In a free

economy, you cannot legislate or by any other means force a consumer

to spend less of their disposable income on huge SUV's that get

horrific miles per gallon. Inefficiency is what eventually illicits

engineering or design improvements. Because of cheap energy, Detroit

gave us what we wanted. Gas guzzling civilian tanks that places the

priority on horsepower and speed versus fuel eficiency. From my

perspective, the only way that the big auto makers will change course

and get back to valuing the utilization of energy is when American

consumers have to reach into their wallet for a "C" note for a tank

of gas. And it will be here sooner than you think. As far as Alaska

goes, I wish I could find all of the loonies that said the world

would end when the Trans Alaska Pipeline went into service in the

late 1970's. How the Caribou would cease to exist and it would create

an environmental fiasco the likes of which civilized man had never

seen. Well guess what, the caribou herds are the largest we have ever

seen. The only spill recorded was from a mentally deranged person

that shot the pipeline with his rifle. Fortunately, it was

immediately located and cleaned up. Whenever I find a person that

spouts this type of rhetoric, I ask them if they would put their

money where their mouth is - Would they refrain from all forms of

hydrocarbon energy indefinately to start to curb our insatiable

appetite for oil (no auto, plane or bus travel)? The answer is always

a resounding NO because it is our standard of living. We would rather

ignore the situation than face the music.

 

<p>

 

Regarding natural resources, it is always good sense to intelligently

exploit these in a balanced mode considering the environment.

Ironically, the native Alaskans are a majority in favor of

exloitation that unfortunately, will not happen for some time to

come. Look at the bright side. Prior to 1974 and the oil embargo,

thermal pane windows and pink insulation were not very popular.

Shortly thereafter, they spawned entire corporations in fever pitch

to conserve energy. We are about primed to go into another cycle of

conservation as the good old USA continues to escalate our dependence

upon foreign oil.

I would recommend securing a new replacement. Used bellows are

suspect at best. Fortunately, you have several options at your

selection for replacement.

 

<p>

 

I have used Camera Bellows in England and they are fine. I just got a

new bellows from Western Bellows in California for my 8x10 Kodak

Master and they did a fantastic job. Very good workmanship and very

durable. I would recommend them. They are at (909) 980 0606. The

Western bellows in my opinion is a bit more durable than the Camera

Bellows material they use for the Linhof.

 

<p>

 

They will need the attachment components from the camera and it takes

about two weeks. Good Luck with your new camera.

Worst piece of advice - Start and stay with 4x5 as it is the most

popular format and is the only possible remnant for conventional

photography in large format. Buying a 5x7 camera? Have you heard of

the Edsel? 8x10 and larger is completely unnecessary in every aspect.

 

<p>

 

Worse piece of "Common Knowledge" - Use film/developer combinations

that the pros use as they have done all the work for you.

I would go straight to the expert - SK Grimes. His knowledge of

shutters, his custom lens caps and retaining wrench along with his

service for the large format photographer is a unique opportunity for

the large format photographer to take advantage of. Plus, he is a

great guy.

 

<p>

 

Good Luck