timothy_blomquist1

<p>I have been shooting 4x5 and 8x10 reversal film since the early 1980s, enlarging on Cibachrome (Ilfochrome Classic) with fine prints between 16x20 up to 30x40. Due to the lack of available Ilfochrome in the market place I am resigned to the thought of high resolution scans and enlarging digital prints of my future large format slides.<br>

What is available in the digital world that could compare with the look and archival qualities I have been to achieve with Ilfochrome? For me, the high saturation gloss look has always been part of my style, and I have seen some prints done on an aluminium base that looks similar. I should have kept up with other printing options, but Ilfochrome has been a wonderful medium for me. </p>

<p>Sheet film is also contained in a thick foil wrapper. I am not too worried about moisture, but some kind of color shift caused by the actual freezing of the film.</p>

<p>I have the opportunity to buy a large amount of 8x10 color transparency sheet film. I won't be able to use a lot of it for a while and I am curious about freezing this film for long term storage. Can I expect any color shift issues because of the freezing? I would thaw slowly for a week or so before using any of it.</p>

<p>I owned a Wisner Technical Field 8x10 that he built for me in 1988. Good camera, but heavy. Sold it recently on eBay. Wisner did all the building at his Marion, Mass shop, but seemed to have employee problems. I waited over a year for my camera to finally show up. He couldn't keep up with orders and the problems began.<br>

He also had some legal issue with Fred Picker when the Zone VI camera in 4x5 was introduced. If I remember correctly, one claimed the other with copying the design. Ron Wisner came from a family of organ makers and sailboat makers. Ron is now involved with sail boat racing from what I have heard.</p>

<p>I am actually thinking of using this camera from time to time as an 8x10. If you see my other thread, I have another 8x10 rear standard (T shaped), but it doesn't have swings or tilts. The format frame with it is an 8x10, but apparently of an older style which is the wrong size for a metering back and bellows. So, I have to find a non-metering 8x10 back and bellows, and those seem to be difficult to locate.<br>

Sinar really confused things when the introduced the MB feature which kind of invalidated their past marketing claims of interchangeability within their system.</p>

<p>This standard has the 8x10 fine focusing knob on it. This rear standard was called the Special standard designed for more weight. It's more of a T shape than the normal L shaped P standard. <br>

I planned to use this as the rear standard for 8x10 to be used with either an F or P front standard, which I have, and needed to know if a metering back will fit on the back of the format frame? It seems to have been produced at a time when non metering and metering backs were produced. I need to know if either non metering or metering back would attach to this. Right now I don't have either 8x10 back to try it. I am guessing a normal 8x10 bellows will attach to the front of this format frame as well?</p>

<p>It's seems I'm asking the Sinar questions in recent days. Anyway I have this Sinar P 8x10 standard and format frame. I need an 8x10 back and bellows. I have read all the varying posting regarding a Metering Back and Non-Metering Back, and normal bellows and tapered bellows. I always thought everything in that modular system was interchangeable, but apparently not. <br>

Can any of the Sinar gurus here look at this picture and tell me if a metering or non metering back work with this format frame, and what bellows do I need?:<br>

<img src="http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss126/BlackMesaRanch/p8x10frame_zpscdbe9866.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="768" /></p>

<p>I used to shoot with an 8x10 Sinar C. Back in the early 90s I sold the bellows and back, but kept the heavy 8x10 standard and frame. Now it is very difficult to find a good used 8x10 back that is not trashed. Also the ones you find are the metering back (462.580). If I decide to use this as an 8x10 again, I had better start cruising eBay or other sources. </p>

<p>Bob, thanks for your insight. I did buy the camera and have been checking it out this weekend. I am surprised at how new this Sinar looks. Movements are all smooth and the lack of scratches and markings indicate it was not used very much. Maybe I got lucky and actually found an interesting gem in the Sinar line, despite the markings. I got it for $1000 with the Sinaron (Rodenstock) 210 Apo-Sironar N lens. The lens is also in excellent shape. <br>

Now I have to decide. I have a 1984 Sinar marked Schneider Symmar-S in near mint shape I have used over the years. I now have a barely used Sinaron (Rodenstock) Apo-Sironar N in the same focal length. Should I sell one or keep them both? Will have to do some test shots to see if I can see a difference.</p>

<p>My concern that such a branded camera for the rental market was a factory second with defects, or even worse some kind of knock-off forgery manufactured in the far East somewhere.</p>

<p>Here are some photos for reference. The camera is actually in great condition. It looks like normal Sinar branding except for the additional classification. Doesn't look like a store or rental house did this. I have e-mailed Sinar in Switzerland to see if they have any information about this series of branded cameras.<br /> <img src="http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss126/BlackMesaRanch/SinarPb_zps2d4562c5.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="682" /><img src="http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss126/BlackMesaRanch/SinarPc_zpsb04353c1.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="682" /><img src="http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss126/BlackMesaRanch/SinarPd_zps23eb787e.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="942" /></p>

<p>I own both a Sinar F from the early '80s and Wisner 8x10 Technical Field from the late 80s. I have found a Sinar P in the local camera shop that has interesting markings. Most Sinar cameras are marked: "Sinar Swiss Made". This nearly mint Sinar P is marked: "Sinar International Rental System" on both the front and rear standards. I have never seen this before. Any idea about this and what years did Sinar mark their cameras as such? I do intend to buy this camera.</p>

<p>Can anyone recommend a top notch scanning company who can handle anything from 35mm to 8x10 sheet film? Don't mind paying top dollar for quality service and work.</p>

<p>I've been using the Cibachrome/Ilfochrome process for years from Large Format transparencies. Now I have taken to experimenting with large digital files, and am interested in what would be considered the best archival color printing process from digital images.<br>

Thanks,<br>

Timothy Blomquist</p>

 

<p>Great repsonses. Let me ask, can anyone recommend a custom lab for quality high res scanning of large format sheet film? Also, any recommendations for custom printing labs as well from these hi res digital files?<br>

Thanks</p>

 

<p>I've been shooting large format since the late 1970s; 4x5 and 8x10 transparencies. I guess I've been old fashioned but I have been using the old Cibachrome (Ilfochrome Classic) process for enlargements. Most prints from 4x5 enlarged to 16x20 prints and 8x10 film enlarged to 30x40 prints. Always fabulous results. I have been hesitant to try the digital scan process just because I have been afraid of generational loss in the scan, and I've never been confident of the archival qualities of digital prints. Also, I just love the look of a glossy Cibachrome.</p>

<p>So, how good are the digital scans for sheet film? Also, what kind of archival quality can I get from a print from a digital source?</p>

<p>FYI, I shoot with a 8x10 Wisner Technical Field (bought from Ron directly in 1989) with a Fujinon-W 250mm f.6.7, a Schnieder Symmar-S 300mm and a 7 1/2 inch Kodak Wide Field Ekar. For 4x5 I use a Sinar F with a 210mm Symmar S and 90mm Super Angulon f/5.6.<br>

Thanks</p>

<p> </p>

<p>It does seem like the bidding is slow on eBay. What is there, few or no bidders. So the demand for LF equipment is also down. Maybe it's economic conditions as well?</p>

<p>As late as a few years ago there was lots of activity on eBay for used Large Format equipment (field cameras, lenses, etc.). I went to eBay today to see what's happening regarding prices and offerings, but not much activity. Few bidders on what is offered. At one time there were Deardorffs and all kinds of classic lenses.<br>

What's happening to the LF side of photography? Has digital had that much of an impact?</p>

 

<p>I just got the Nikkor 17-55 for use on a 300s. I am finding that infinity focus is more difficult than I would have guessed, especially for a $1500 lens. I am shooting RAW in Neutral mode and have been experimenting between AF and manual focus. Can't seem to get a sharp image at infinity. Medium range and close subjets are quite good. Will still continue to experiement at various apertures to see if I can find out what is going on.</p>

<p>I was hoping for a domestic (U.S.) lab, but I appreciate the responses so far. I am in New Mexico, but I am not opposed to sending my stuff here in the States.</p>

<p>Michael,<br>

Thanks for the response. Most of my Cibachromes date from the early 1980s to the early 1990s. I only had images printed on the glossy surface and so far I have not seen any problems with color fastness with the prints approaching 30 years. I never printed it myself, so I don't know if what you have seen could be due to variables in the chemistry.</p>

<p>Can anyone recommend a quality lab who can do enlargements from 4x5 and 8x10 transparencies to Ilfochrome Classic? It seems this process has almost vanished.<br>

Thanks,<br>

Timothy Blomquist</p>

I have owned my Pentax ME Super since 1981 and have over a dozen K-Mount lenses

for this fine camera. I am excited about the new Pentax K-10D and its ability

to use the old K-mount lenses.

 

My question concerns focal length conversion to the new camera. What is the

focal length of say an SMC 28mm M lens on this camera? What factor is used to

determine the new focal length?

 

Thanks,

Timothy Blomquist

Just got a new SONY DSC-F828 and already have Photoshop, Picture Gear

Lite, etc. Looking for good software for organizing my collection of

digital images which allows you to view technical data such as

shutter speed, ISO, focal length, etc. This data currently can be

viewed when using such software as Picture Gear Lite.

 

Also, it would be nice to rename the images instead of keeping the

SONY identifier (i.e. DSC1008).

 

By the way, I am impressed so far with this camera. I have tried

different high contrast images, but have not had any problem with the

much talked about purple fringing. We shall see....

 

Regards,

Timothy Blomquist

Here are a few of my favorites:

 

William Clift, William Larson, Joel Sternfeld and

Josh Haskin (NY product photographer).

 

Regards,

Timothy Blomquist