pete_roody

Hi,

 

Does anyone know where LF Film can be purchased in South Australia

(Adelaide)?

 

Thanks,

 

Pete

A friend of mine called Dick Phiilips last week and he has sold out his 2005

production run. You will have to wait until next year. The price is ~$2800. He told

my friend that he will not take orders until late this year or early next year.

This is not a problem with my Arca 8x10 (F/M Line Camera). The orientation of the back should be set to allow the film holder to be inserted from the top when the back is set vertical.

I don't know for sure but I thought the film division of Polaroid was seperate from the

parent company (it was sold awhile back). Does anyone know if this is true?

 

I also hope the sale doesn't effect plans to release new products such as type 805 p/n

film. A friend talked to Polaroid last week (before the sale announcement) and they

said they are planning to come out with 805 film. I guess we just have to wait and

see what happens.

Both Ebony and Wisner were sued over the design of their cameras by the same manufacturer. Ebony actually stopped importing their best cameras (with complete rear movements) for awhile as a result. Wisner eventually settled just to get on with the business of making cameras. Because of this, I doubt that Ebony has any patented features (in the US).

"...For work outside from out in the car I also prefer Sinar F 1 and only for fliyng I prefer the Arca because it is smaller then the Sinar system and more handy to work from out of the Rucksack!"

 

Armin,

 

 

I agree that there is a sizable cost differential between Sinar and Arca because the Sinar cameras are easily found used and at good value. However, as a field camera, I can't agree that the Sinar is a better choice. I have both an Arca (F&M) and a Sinar F1 in 8x10. The Sinar sees little use and I will sell it when I get around to it. The Sinar is noticably heavier and much harder to manage in the field compared to an ARCA F (even when compared to the Arca M). If economics are the main consideration, then there are better alternatives to the Sinar for field use.

I forgot to add that you will have to be patient if you want anything related to 8x10

for the ARCA. I waited ~4 months for an 8x10 back. It will be worth the wait.

The Arca 8x10 is a really nice camera. You will like it as much as your 4x5. That said,

there is a pretty steep cost associated with the format change. You will also likely

need a longer rail and the format extender for the front frame is nice to have. When

you compare it to other 8x10's, remember that the Arca is one of the best.

Adam,

 

In NYC check out the following:

 

Lens & Repro.

Photo Gizzmo.

Photo Habitat.

I have used both and would rate the ARCA as a far superior field camera. In my

opinion you are comparing (for field use) apples and oranges. If budget is a major

consideration, then the Sinar can be considered since there is a fairly large price

difference on the used market. If you are looking for a field camera, there are better

alternatives to the F2 in that price range.

The problem is with ARCA. They ship their product to the States via container; 1 shipment per month. If for some reason your order is not sent, you have to wait another month. If they have to make your camera (not in stock), then you wait longer. I know a New York dealer who said he placed an order for a 5x7 camera in May 2004, and still has not received it. If you order 4x5, then I would guess you will not have to wait too long. I waited almost 4 months for an 8x10 back.

Getting Arca Swiss products in the US is a slow process. Arca makes only one

shipment to the States per month. If they don't send your item, you have to wait

another month. I have had to wait 2-3 months for several items. I was told that this

is the same for all dealers in the States. The US distributor does not stock very much

which adds to the problem.

For dagors 14" and up, the maximum aperture was reduced from 6.8 to 7.7. I believe

the reason was to reduce the physical size of a lens only. It has nothing to do with

lens quality.

I prefer wood holders over plastic ones. For 8x10, they are lighter, a little smaller

and less prone to warpage and dust (static). Ansco, Burke and James and Kodak

made quality wood holders that in my opinion are better than the current Lisco/

Fidelty holders.

Try:

 

http://www.mwclassic.com/

Series VIII lenses are Apo Tessars or Apo Planars. I don't see a a 41cm size listed in

the 1910 Zeiss Catalog. Zeiss changed from mm to cm designations for focal length

in 1910.

 

Where is the VIII designation shown? Zeiss also used Roman Numerals to denote

barrel sizes.

 

Usually you don't see the focal length on both elements of a Tessar/Planar so I

wonder whether the lens is really a Series VIII. 41 cm elements were made for the

Series VII. The focal length of the combined Series VII elements is 24cm. This lens

should cover 8x10 at small stops.

I am serious when I say that the TBTA has banned photograhy of their bridges (and probably their tunnels also) without prior permission. They will arrest you if you are on their property when doing it. I don't know how far away from their property is safe. Is it legal? I don't think it is. It certainly won't stop terrorism.

 

I would take it seriously if you plan to photograph these bridges in nyc. TBTA peace officers were never armed in the past, and in my judgement they could be dangerous with a loaded weapon in their hands. They are not nyc police officers.

Don't photograph any bridges owned by the Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority in NYC (i.e. big suspension bridges). They will arrest you, confiscate your film and develop it.

 

This happened to two bridge engineers that I work with. They were photographing the approaches of the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge for a proposal we were submitting to them. They just had a 35mm camera. Think of how suspicious you would appear pointing your Pentax digital spot meter.

 

This really is their policy. They even armed their "peace officers" to handle "street toughs" like some of the photographers on this list.

 

Pete Roody

I have had only good experiences in dealing with Lens & Repro. Professsional service and they have many hard to find items. Ken Hansen is also very professsional, but their business is now mostly geared to medium format & smaller. Photo Gizzmo is also a good place to visit.

My 1907 B&L catalog states that the focal length for the 11x14 series v protar is 10.5". It states the angle of view is 110 degrees.

 

Pete

Hi JC,

 

Photo Warehouse will cut Ilford FP4+ to any size. It isn't called out by brand but they will know what your looking for. They are very fast and usually ship the same day you order. They are located on the west coast and UPS ground is the safest way to ship. You should have it in a week. Minimum order is 25 sheets and it will be cheaper than buying direct from Ilford. Check the listed website for a telephone number.

 

http://www.printmart.com/ads/805-485-9654.htm

 

Hope this helps,

 

Pete

Try:

 

US Distributor

 

Arca-Swiss Inc.

532 West Grant Place

Unit 1

Chicago, IL 60614

773-248-2513

Fax: (773) 248 2774

E-mail: arcaswiss@aol.com

US Service & Repair

 

Arca-Swiss Authorized Service

Precision Camera Works

8047 Washington Street

Niles, IL 60714

(847) 340-4864

Bob Watkins

E-mail: bobpcw@attbi.com

You can also try ultraflat (www.ultraflat.com). They polished of a

damaged coating of my Zeiss lens and did an excellent job. They can

also apply coatings if needed.

There is a good supply of Agfa/Ansco 8x10's out there. You should be

able to find one in excellant condition for under $600. Try some of

the better LF dealers or check out ebay. I got into 8x10 this way and

still use the Ansco. The camera is fairly rigid and enough movements

for field photography. Morley Baer used an Ansco.