dan_neilson1

It looks like most of your questions about the Ebony have been answered, so this is just a plug.<p>

For the ultimate in smoothness and precision, I don't think that you can beat the Linhof. I have had an older technika, and currently have a Color Kardan (a Technika V on a rail; a very underated camera that usually sells for much less that it should in my humble opinion) and a Bi-Kardan (just try to pry this one away from me.) <p>I have lenses from 75mm to 450mm. I didn't like the way the Technika handled the wide end, and it won't take a 450. I also liked the looks of wood.

So, I bought a Shen-Hao. Fine for the money, but heavy, not very precise, ant won't extend beyond 300mm. I sold it and boght a Wisner Pocket Expedition. A beautiful camera that weighs less than 4 lbs, would handle the range of lenses that I wanted, was flimsy and a pain to use. I bought a Ebony SV45TI about a month ago. This camera is not a Linhof. But, it has movements and capabilities you can't even dream of with a technika. It is tight, fairly smooth, and just does what it is supposed to do. I went eith the TI strictly for the weight savings over the TE. It only weighs about 4 1/2lbs. If I only had one camera, this would be it.<p>

All cameras are a compromise. You just have to figure out which compromises that you are willing to make.

I had a Shen Hao for a while. I was quite impressed with the camera overall. However, I didn't like it with a 305 G-Clarron lens. I could focus it at infinity by hanging the front end out, which is the only way to do it, but I couldn't tighten the front standard down thight enough to prevent the lens from very easily being knocked around. I have sinde sold my Shen Hao and moved on to a Wisner, which allows for a lot more front end extension. Although I liked the Shen Hao, and for the price would highly recommend it, I would use a telephoto design lens for anything over 270mm.

Daniel,<p>

I have been having the same problem with mine since I replaced the stripped rails several months ago. The larger lenses would not stay up. I just tightened the screws and it works great. Thanks for the solution. And thanks Eugene for asking the question.

I can't find my date chart right now, but ser# 9110853 is still in a 00 shutter.

I was looking for the same thing. <P>

I started with a Linhof tech III. Nice solid camera. The viewfinder was removed making it quite light. It just didn't have the movements I wanted and was a pain to use with a 65 lens.<p> I then purchased a Linhof Color Kardan. This is basically a Tech V on a rail. It had plenty of movements for anything I was doing, It is very solid. Will easily take my 65 lens on a recessed board, 90 on a flat board, and at least 360 on the long end. The bellows has a small bag on the end that allows easy movements with a short lens. I would recommend this camera to anybody. Prices on the bay seem to be way undervalued with recent cameras selling under $300. The down side to this camera for me was the weight and bulk, so I kept looking.<p> I recently purhased the Shen-Hao. Again, I would strongly recommend this camera. It doesn't have the precision or sturdiness of a Linhof, but it fits in the bag, I can use my lighter tripod, It takes all my lenses from 65 to 210 and will accomadate a 300 when I get one. Compare it to the Wista or other wood cameras in its class and consider the price. Nothing else it this range matches the specs. Until I can afford tne nearly $4000 for an Ebony, I think that this will work out quite nicely for me.

I have an earlier version of the III and a Kardan Color. (Tech V front and back on a rail) I saw the question, so I just got each camera out and tried it. The backs each fit fine and rotate smoothly on the other.