nick_fotis

As I got recently a used Art Panorama 170 camera with the Schneider Super Angulon 90/8, I am wondering if I need their center filter as well

(Schneider IIIb , according to various sites and the B&H catalog).

My guess is that the lens coverage is stressed much worse in the 6x17 format than in the 4x5 inches.

Would the Marumi work well, or must I bite the bullet and go for the real thing?

Regards,

N.Fotis

Update:

the metal clips are inside the camera, I just overlooked these.

These are a pretty tight fit in my case.

In your case, I would guess it would be easy to ask a friend machinist to make a new version, as these are just a bent metal piece.

N.Fotis

Well, did anybody find anything about this subject at the RMA?

(I am located in Greece, and for sure I would LOVE to get a G690 III with a 180-200mm lens, to complement my

GSW690III and GW690III!)

Cheers,

N.Fotis

As the other posters said, I can say that a center filter is unnecessary with this camera.

There is some vignetting apparent when shooting big expanses of sky with the lens fully open at f/5.6, but it isn't bothering me.

Enjoy your camera,

N.Fotis

This reminds me that I had lost my lens cap on the GW690 I own while shooting from a moving train window...

Fortunately, KEH had another one, and they sent it with FedEx to Greece (excellent service!)

Cheers,

N.Fotis

To the original poster:

Both the GW690III and the GSW690III are great cameras (I own both of these).

If you need wideangle for landscapes, the GSW is preferable (lens equivalent to 28mm).

Since both cameras are relatively light for their big film size and they use leaf shutters (= very low

vibration), a light tripod easily is usable with these rangefinders. Since both are 100% mechanical cameras and

with simple controls, these are very reliable (I haven't used both of these too intensively, to tell the truth).

As a rangefinder, the use of filters is a bit harder, but since you are going to use an external light meter (I

use a miniature gossen digisix), you just have to remember to add the required compensation. Gradient filters are

a bit troublesome, though.

Regards,

N.Fotis

[ I know, it's been a while after the original question was aired, but I just bought one myself, and I got more questions ]

Hello,

here are my answers:

1. The camera is very simple (really!) if you are used to mechanical cameras.

I had to think a bit, but after some minutes of fiddling I understood nearly all its controls.

If you still need help, ask me.

2. The bellows knob in my copy is marked at 2m, 3m, 5m, 10m and infinity

(multiply with 3 and you get the approximate amount in feet).

For a more exact focus, you can use the ground glass.

3. According to this table (which I think is conservative enough), the depth of field worsens as you move the bellows out (the lens becomes a little 'short-sighted', if you catch my drift...)

http://www.schneideroptics.com/info/depth_of_field_tables/60x90/90depth.htm

4. Unfortunately, the previous owner doesn't have the 6x12 mask, so no experience with that.

My own questions follow:

5. How bad is the vignetting with the lens wide open? Do I need a center filter?

(I haven't been able yet to shoot anything yet, due to a defective cable release)

6. What filter diameter is suitable for this lens? A regular (linear) polarizer is OK with it?

Regards,

N.Fotis