philippe_bedfert

<p>Contrary to the common thogh, Ilfotec LC29 is NOT similar to Kodak HC-100. Ilfotec LC29 is similar to Ilfotec HC. Ilfotec HC and Kokad HC-110 are not similar. The 2 formulas are pretty close but as the it's not published formulas, no one can says that they are similar. From my experience, I can say that Ilfotec HC and Ilfotec LC29 have the same properties. But compare Ilford and Kodak products it's like compare oranges and apples.</p>

<p>Hi Jeff,<br /><br />If you look at this Winter Sunset picture, yoy will see that the sky is OK but there is no details in shadow area. It's exactly your problem "Filters that might darken the sky without also diminishing shadow detail?".<br />First, you are using a chromogenic film which does not behave exactly as ortho-panchromatic films. Second, apart from Graduated ND filters, you will have shadow detail problem with most of B&W filters. When I shooted chromogenic B&W film, I used to use 81 filters to darken the sky a bit. I have 81A, 81B and 81C filters and depending on the sky color, I use one of them. For instance, when the sun is on my back, the sky is very blue so I use the lighter 81A. When the sun is 45°, the sky is pale blue, I use a 81C. They do not block shadow detail. Remenber to apply the filter correction factor AFTER your meter reading. You have to meter the scene without the filter then screw the filter in and apply the correction factor. The built-in meter cell do not behave like the film. It's the only way to have a good shadow area on your negs.</p>

<p>Dear Richard,</p>

<p>I have a Toyo 45CF and a serie of lenses. You have first to consider the lens length and the lens coverage. Forgot the Geronar lenses they are outrageously pricey for their quality.<br>

I own a modern Xenar 150mm. Nice lens very sharp light and tiny. You can fold the CF with the lens in place. But it as only 180mm of coverage compared to 205mm of a modern Sironar. So it depends which kind of picture you want to shoot.<br>

I own a Nikkor f/8 90mm. It's a bit difficult to manage the movement with a such wide-angle. The bellow doesn't allow you to a complete front shift with the normal lensboard. And with a recessed lensboard you need to have very small fingers.</p>

<p>My lens of choice is the CM-W Fujinon 125mm. You can easily use all the camera movement because the lens coverage (around 200mm). You can fold the camera with the lens mounted back.</p>

<p>OMHO avoid lens longer then 300mm. The 45CF is rigid but no so much. I had a TeleXenar 360mm and It was heavy for the camera. A Nikkor f/9 300mm could be a good choice.<br>

This camera is perfect for trekking. I use it in mountain for landscape photography. But remember that you need a very good tripod. I have a Berlebach which is not light but helps me to have sharpest pictures.</p>

<p>Kind regards,<br>

Philippe (Bourgogne, France)</p>

Dear Tamara,

 

There is a big challenger to your list : the f/6.3 210mm Commercial Congo. It's a modern multicoated version of the famous Tessar type lenses as the Kodak Commercial Ektar. It's a small and very sharp lens. Much more sharp for instance thanthe Geronar (which is a triplet).Opposite to the Fujinon or the Komura, the Congo is still in production and you can buy it new. It's one of my favourite lenses. You will find more information at:

http://www.cosmonet.org/congo/spec_e.htm

Hi Dirk,

 

Do you sell films for this camera ? Be careful before giving this toy to your son. You will find him one day, opening all the green boxes you have to find the bloody #@*%:? film he needs to put in the camera !!

No problem Harry ! I have a Fujinon A 300mm mounted on my Shen Hao. The camera is like a tank, you will have no problem unless shooting in windy conditions.

 

Philippe

Dear Keith,

I am using a Woodman since 5 years. I currently use it with a Nikkor f/8 90mm and a Nikkor f/5.6 75mm. They both are perfect with this camera. They are fiited on a recessed lens board.

Dear Red,

 

I am the happy owner of a Horseman Woodman since 4 years. I used it exclusevely outdoor when I walk.

I love it.

1. It's the lightest view camera. As I used to trek in mountain with the camera, two lenses, a tripod, and so on, I really appreciate the weight of the camera (1,4 kg).

2. I can use a 75mm lens on a recessed lensboard without problem.

3. I can use a 300m lens without problem. There is enough bellow to use a 360mm at infinity.

4. It's a nice camera with a lot of movements. More than with the 45CF.

5. It's seems fragile but it doesn't. I put all my equipment in a backpack with some clothes, food, water for the trek and I never have any problem.

6. It don't take too much place during travel. I have taken it with me this winter in Chile, from Patagonia to Atacama desert and I kept it with me in the plane in a small bag.

For me it's a wonderful camera. I have bought a Shen Hao but I will still use the Woodman this summer in mountain.

Dear Bob,

 

IMHO You have also to consider Carol Miller at e-mail

 

flutotscamera@earthlink.net

 

In Whittier, CA

 

Very good, very reasonable $$, very nice people.

 

Kind regards,

Dear David,

 

Why don't you try a French reseller ? As French I use to deal sometimes with Robert White in UK. In Paris, there is a nice shop named Prophot. We can place a web order and the delivery is very quick. The adress is

http://www.prophot.fr/

In my experience it is less expensive than Silverprint. But Silverprint is located very near from Waterloo Station (Valentine place)and it could be more convenient. As you probably know, nobody is perfect especially the French peoples, if you go to Siverprint, there is one of the Best Londonian Cake shop named Konditor & Cook (in Cornwall Rd just in front of Old Vic). So do you take some more cake with your D-76 ?

I used to develop 4x5 sheet films in a combiplan tank with ID 11

1+4 20 min. at 68°. 4 inversions then 2 inversions by minute.

The negative are very nice with a good accutance and very easy

to print. It is mostly landscapes shots.