ed_hurst

I am thinking of setting up my own darkroom, and would like some advice on equipment, espcially enlargers and lenses. Firstly, the image quality is vital, and I would like to have the best quality lens I can get hold of. Secondly, I would like the enlarger to have a colour head, be capable of taking 35mm, 6x6 and 6x7 negs, and be capable of making large prints. Oh, and I don't have a lot of money to spend! Any advice on SPECIFIC ITEMS OF KIT?

I have used about 30 rolls of RDPIII 120 pushed by 1 stop. I have

found that the results are superb - VERY smooth grain and sharpness,

and the contrast is boosted to a level that is occasionally lacking

when it's exposed at 100. The colour is also strong - though I agree

with Steve, if only it had the colours of Velvia. Not too far off

though!

Does anyone have any experience of using the Pentax 67II in extremely

cold conditions (below -10 Celsius)? As its operation is to some

extent electrical, I suspect that it is likely to give up sooner than

wholly mechanical alternatives. Anyone have any experience?

I've just got a P67II, and have found it somewhat challenging to load! (Never had a P67, so can't compare) I am getting used to it, and am finding that I can do it every time as long as I am not trying to do it in record time. However, the my previous camera, a Mamiya C330F, was MUCH easier!

I've seen the claims that Provia 100F responds well to being pushed

up to 2 stops, with no noticeable fall off in definition/colour

saturation or increase in grain. Has anyone independently tested

this claim out? I have used a few rolls that I pushed one stop, and I

must admit the results impressed me HUGELY! However, I would not

claim to be an expert at evaluating this sort of issue, so would

appreciate any opinions or experience you may have.

Just noticed that as well as the Groet G8585AV and the Pro-Cabin 67Z there is also the Groet G67P. Any experience/views of this baby?

Firstly, I like to thank you all for your help and advice - this really is a wonderful forum!!! To summarise what you've told me, it looks like the Rollei and Hassey systems are both no bigger than 6x6, and therefore not an option for me. The only two other options are the Cabin/Pro-Cabin and the Groetsmann G8585AV. To weigh up the pros and cons, it would appear that the Groet is an expensive option, but a lovely one which features the benefits of Schneider optics and all sorts of other benefits such as slide trays and smooth transitions. However, the Cabin/Pro-Cabin seems to be a much cheaper option, which only permits the viewing of slides singly (allbeit with no slide popping!). However, does anyone know what the quality of the optics are like? As good as the Groet's Schneider optics? Can the Cabin/Pro-Cabin take different lenses (possibly even Schneider?)?

I am in the process of investing in a 6x7 system, and usually take

transparencies. I would LOVE to be able to project these, but am

aware of the huge investment needed to obtain a suitable projector.

I know that Mamiya make/distribute suitable models

(http://www.mamiya.com/Section2/Projectors/proj.html), but don't know

who else does. Any ideas? Any recommendations? How about the

second-hand market?

I am trying to establish the optical performance of the Pentax 67 55-

100 zoom lens as compared to the fixed focal length equivalents (e.g.

the 105mm f2.4, the 75mm f4.5 and the 55mm f4). I came across an old

thread on this subject which seemed inconclusive because it

originated when the zoom lens was new on the scene. Does anyone have

any recent experience to cast light on this question?