gary_s.

Actually Mamiya is still making some cameras. The RZ67IID, the 645AF, and the Mamiya 7II are still being actively marketed by Mamiya here in Japan. There was rumors recently of the ending production the RB67 line, but they said its still being made.

Please take a look at Wehman Field Camera, almost every owner loves them. They are not prettiest camera, but they are without a doubt probably the most durable as well as one of the lightest 8x10s around.

 

Hope it helps.

 

Gary

With out a picture its hard to tell, but many Wista lenses were just rebranded Fujinon or Nikons. I have a 210mm here, and Wista confirmed its a Fujion 210mm, just labeled as Wista. I have been very happy with mine.

 

Hope it helps.

 

Gary

The finder has to be turned off when not in use, otherwise it will drain batteries inf 5 to 8 hours. I always shut mine off when not in use.

 

Hope it helps.

 

Gary

Try Fuji Acros 100, its even finer than Tmax in my experience. I use it in everything from 120 to 8x10 and think its a great film.

 

Hope it helps.

 

Gary

Another vote for the Wehman. I had a Tachihara triple extension for a while and found it extremely heavy to carry around. Also was worried about damaging it. It is a beautiful camera, and will get alo of looks.

 

The Wehman is built like a take offers better movements, its far lighter and virtually indestructable. Bruce Wehman is a true gentleman and a pleasure to deal with. As someone else said, it may not be the prettiest camera, but its great.

 

Hope it helps.

 

Gary

I havent used this camera, but I have used the 6x17 version and it was a very nice camera. Very well machined as well. The owner of Fotoman, Mr. Droluk is a very nice man as well.

 

Hope it helps.

 

Gary

Send Dirk at Megaperls an email. I know him a little bit a true gentleman. I live in Japan, but I dont know any major camera chain that does overseas shipments. Megaperls is your best bet.

 

HOpe it helps.

 

Gary

Well as stated, the focal length of the lens does not change, however the apparent length does change. For example a 150m lens on 4x5 is roughly equal to a 40mm lens in 35mm terms. On a 6x9, the same lens is roughly equal 64mm lens, depending upon how you do your calculations. I took these figures from http://www.largeformatphotography.info/lenses/

 

Hope it helps.

 

Gary

I have a Shen-Hao, and it has been a very good camera for me to learn on. I have no complaints, and it has done everything I could have wanted it to do. The polaroid back is problematic, there have been numerous reports of it not fitting well. However, any standard Graflok back acessory will fit without any problem. I have regularly used a roll film back on it as well.

 

I have recently decided to upgrade to a 8x10, and am parting with my Shen Hao. But, it has been a great camera and would recommend it to anyone.

 

HOpe it helps.

 

Gary

Hi,

 

Quick question just to get everybody's opinion. I managed to find in a

secondhand store in Japan a Nikon 240mm F/5.6 in a copal 3 shutter

mounted on a Toyo lensboard(I know that needs to be changed). It was

incredibly cheap, which makes me suspect the owner of this shop had no

idea what it was. The lens it self is beautiful, no marks and shutter

functions perfectly(used a shutter tester).

 

However, this lens is huge, and it weighs a lot. I think about 800

grams or so. I was wondering if you thought it was safe to use this

monster on the HZX45. I was wondering if it might be a little to heavy

to use without damaging the camera???!?

 

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

 

Thanx!

 

Gary