tim_drake

I've ordered Provia 400X from the Megapearls web site listed above four different times and have received every order within 5 working days. I would suggest testing the film before you leave and if not already, be ready to shoot some black and white. Have a good trip.

Perhaps you meant Fuji Provia 400X? I have used both 400F and 400X and would say they are both the best 400 speed chromes available in 120. 400X is Fujis newest version which was supposed to be in the US a year ago but still is not here. I ordered mine from Megapearls Website http://www.unicircuits.com/shop/index.php

I was at Denali in April. It is overcast there most of the time. Luckily I had taken some B&W film with me and got some very good shots with Rollei IR and Ilford Pan F Plus 50. I think if your search photo net you will find others have used the new 400x too.

At a Sony Digital Days in April the Sony rep stated that at least one new Sony digital SLR body should be out before the summers end. In the days of 35mm film systems, I went from Konica, to Canon, to Nikon, and then to Minolta. The best performing primes out those systems where from Konica (look at the lens test from Modern Photography) and Minolta (never had to send an AF in for repair), ironic that they would one day become one. As to Sony quality running the gamut, so is my experience with Nikon. Their piece of junk called the N65 scratched film from day one. I sent it back to Nikon twice for the same problem and they never did fix it. I eventually gave the body away and dumped their problematic lenses. Just wish Sony would carry on the Minolta scanner line.

I have the 67II and a 645N. I prefer the image size of the 67 when shooting wideangle lanscapes. For tele in the 300 range, I like the 645N. I almost never use the auto focus of the 645N for landscape. Good chance you'll end up with both bodies. Regards, TD

Pentax USA in Colorada did an A++++ job on a 67II for me. It came back like new.

Thanks everybody for your replys. Tim

I am looking to purchase a flatbed scanner for 4x5 color and black and white.

Do people who are familiar with scanners expect the new Mircrotek ArtixScan MI

to perform better that the Epson V700?

Should I wait? Will wet scanning be possible with the ArtixScan? I have read

that there are Hi End Flat bed scanners out there, any sources for refurbished

ones? Thanks for your time.

Anthony and Vital, I've thinking about getting a Pentax 645 FA200mm lens, how do you like this lens? Thanks

Hi Ben,

The current issue of -Rangefinder- magazine, January 2007, has an excellent article on street photography addressing your very question. The author, Martin Elkort, discusses the advantages of using a TLR in saying, -Using a twin-lens reflex presents a different posture. You are bent over the camera peering down into the finder. Most people realize you are taking pictures, but your body language is that of someone bowing. You seem to be showing respect in a non-threatening way.- On the last page of the article Martin goes on to explain why he has now since retired his Rolleiflex to switch to a camera that matches all your needs, the Fuji GA645ZI. I hope you can get yours hands this article.

Wanting a 55mm lens on a TLR is a superb idea, no need to follow the crowd. I would suggest a Mamiya c220F in which you can start with a 55mm lens but you will soon want the whole selection. When on the street I do not notice any difference in the size or weight of my c220F as compared to my Rolleiflex. Actually since I purchased the Mamiya I have since retire all my other TLRs. Not only does the Mamiya allow interchangeable lenses but extreme close up ability without having to change lenses. You will be surprised that when you now have that close up option, of how many more shots you will find out there on the streets. Shots what you would have missed with the Rolleiflex. You can probably purchase 4 or 5 complete Mamiya systems for the price of one wide angle Rolleiflex. Now to the Fuji ZI, I totally agree with Martin Elkort, this is could be not only the best street camera ever made but one of the best landscape cameras also. It does everything very well with the exception of sports and telephoto photography. I will have my ZI till I die and have told all my children they had better add one to their camera collection soon. Regards, Tim

I have a Pentax 67II with three lenses and an Ebony 45S with three lenses and the back pack required to haul the Ebony setup is considerably larger than the pack that holds my Pentax system. I prefer to tripod the Pentax 99% of the time and I cannot imagine trying to hand hold the Ebony. I use the Pentax 67 much more than the Ebony because where I live the wind blows and blows. I bought the Ebony new about two years ago and can report it is not as rigid today as it was new; maybe it is all the wind that I have tried to use it in. I would also recommend the Steve Simmons book.

Very nice photos Keven- very nice. The Diacord is nothing to be ashamed of. My Diacord equals my Rolleicord Vb at 1/10th the price.

I have a C220f and a C330s and I probably use the C220f more just because I bought it first. The weight really does not seem to be a factor. I do wish the C220f had the focus lock that the C330s has. Now that I have a variety of lenses I use both a lot and have retired the rest of my TLRs. Just look for one in really good shape and then start looking for lenses.

I have a Rolleicord Vb serviced by Harry in California with a Maxwell screen so it is in top notch shape but I can not say it takes any sharper or better pictures than my Autocord, Diacord, or my 4 element Ciroflex. Being right handed I do not like the left handed feel of the Vb. Actually once I picked up a Mamiya C220f the rest of my TLR collection has seen no use. The Mamiyas are just so much more versatile. You will be surprised at how easy it is to shoot macro without even changing a lens. Once you shoot the 55, 65, or the super 180 you wonder why these are not the most sought after 6x6 cameras on eBay.

Pentax USA-America in Colorado has them in stock for a very low price. One call should fix you up. Regards, TD

I did not see any discussion of film for your first medium format camera. Oooh are you going to have fun playing with the different films. There is a reason why the top end digital cameras have imitate a certain film mode. There are loads of the black and whites films (see dr-5 web site in Denver for positive developing of B&W) and the chromes will knock your socks off compared to digital. A Gepe light table and a 4x Rodentstock loupe are mandatory. E-bay is a great source of shortly expired or about to expire film. I have had great luck with expired Fuji Velvia and Provia from Hunts. I have only shot perhaps a dozen rolls of color print film in my life so I am no help there. Visit Jurgen Kreckels vintage folder web site. Check out Ken Rockwells site for medium format recommendations. Once you try medium format, I can safely predict you will someday have a vintage folder, a TLR, a Rapid Omega on the shelf, and a daily shooter such as a Pentax 67 or Fuji 6x9. And yes a $25.00 Ciroflex is equal to about a 40 mega pixel digital.

I have had Dean Williams CLA at least 4 different brands of TLRs for me and he does an Excellant A++++ job very reasonably. His web site is www.deansofidaho.com

My Mamiya C220F is my favorite TLR. Regards TD

The expert on Yashica TLRs is Dean Williams and he is really a great guy. Check his website at www.deansofidaho.com He refurbished a Yashica D for me with new leather and all -- beautiful camera. He also is a vast resource of information. Regards, TD

Bueh B does have a point. Once I picked up a 55mm and a 180mm lens for my Mamiya C220F, I have not used any other TLR.

The cover photo of the October 2006 Outdoor Photographer was taken with a

Pentax 67. Do you remember when the Pentax 67 used to dominate the best

photos of this magazine? About two years ago I was finally able to afford

this camera system through the advent of the digital age and e-bay. My 67II

has become my all time favorite camera --for the images it produces and its

versatility. I started off with the 55mm and quickly added the 200mm which

shares the same filter size. When I read that the system was going to be

discontinued I ordered a new 75mm 2.8 lens and wow, I love that lens too.

Since there has not much been going on in this forum, I thought I would ask

other Pentax 67 fans for their comments. Sincerely, TD

Number 1) Keep it a separate forum. I like the quick access of the separate forum. It's to bad though that you have to click on all forums to find it. Some questions coming in on other forums may not know the 67 has it's own forum.

I have a Rolleicord Vb with a Maxwell screen and I would definitely do it again. It made the camera a keeper. The lens is sharp with great color rendition.

Gene I scrolled down to the girl and went into another dream world for about three minutes. I guess that�s what a great photo is supposed to do. I love it. Hopefully you�re archiving your work and finds somewhere other than on photo net. Regards, TD

I have a CLAd Agfa Isolette III with the 75mm Solinar from Mr. Kreckel. It's beautiful camera with blue leather, blue bellows, and the bronzing. Mr. Kreckel says he can't see or tell a difference between the Solinar on the Super vs. the III. I also have a Pentax 67II and a 55mm SMC lens. So I think I can answer your question by saying that the Solinar is not even close to being in the same league as the Pentax. With todayﾒs chrome films you can get great color out of any vintage camera but sharpness is another story. Folders have a lot going against them in achieving sharpness. My least expensive TLR a Ciro Flex with a 4 element Wollensak lens out performs my Solinar Isolette III as does my Yashica D, Autocord, Diacord, and Rolleicord. How did I test these cameras? With Provia 100F, all on a tripod, Minolta Spotmeter F, and reviewed with a 4x and 8x loupe on a light table. TLRs have a lot going for them in achieving sharpness. The results from Pentax 67II and the 55mm are the standard for which even my Ebony 4x5 has a hard time competing with. As a side note I used to have an Agfa Record III with a Solinar but I sold it because my 6x9 Kodak Monitor was way sharper, across the film from edge to edge. Regards, TD

Thanks for the reply Nadine. TD

Were the Mamiya TLR 55mm and 65mm lenses ever made with the purple lens

coating? Is it worth being concerned about? Thanks