mark_alan_wilson1

I use the 135 macro with the three piece extension tube set, and it has proved optically beyond my macro abilities. This combintation gives me 1:1ish. I believe this will be greater magnification than using the tubes on a non-macro lens. Another advantage of the 135--FOR ME--is that carrying it and a 75 covers the mid focal range and I dont need a 90/105 normal.

 

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ANOTHER QUESTION, has anyone tried using a high-quality diopter on the 135? I was thinking of trying the 62mm Nikon with a 67>62 ring, and was wondering about vingetting? Does anyone make a good 67mm diopter?

Another option (that I am required by my job to mention) can help with your desire to part with your B&J 5x7. It won't yield the same hard currency as a sale or swap, but can be greatly beneficial to you in the right circumstances. I am suggesting the option of donating your camera to a nonprofit organization. You can claim a tax deduction for the full fair market value of your camera, without the cutout for dealer commissions or profits.

 

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I am the director of Picture Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization that promotes the use of photography to further social and environmental issues. We have a camera donation program that takes in used cameras. We have a camera repair technician and a violin maker (who does wood restoration on field cameras) that donate time to get cameras in prime shape, then one of three things will happen to a donated camera.

 

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1. We use the camera for our projects. For example, we are preparing a Human Rights project that will involve over two dozen photographers from developing countries worldwide, and we will need to provide equipment some of them.

 

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2. We will use cameras in a new education project, teaching photography to "at risk" teenagers. We are looking for a mix of large format and 35mm cameras for this project.

 

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3. Any cameras that we cannot use directly, we resell to fund our work.

 

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I know this is not a viable option for many people, but it never hurts to tell people what we are doing. If you are interested, or would like more information, please contact me.

 

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Thanks

Mark Wilson, Director

Picture Tomorrow

wilson@wildrockies.org

www.wildrockies.org/picturetomorrow

I've read all the reviews on the large format page, but didn't see anything on the Lotus cameras from Austria. From their web page, the cameras look beautiful... maybe a cross between Wisner and Canham. Any one with hands on experience?

Okay, it's a crazed idea. I know they're HEAVY and cumbersome. But I'm about to start a limited landscape project (20 photos in the end) and have always fantasized about making contact prints in this size. It seems this might be my best opportunity to try either a 16x20 or 12x20. I would like to hear from anyone who likes working in this range... advice, precautions, etc. Thanks

I used to have a 3047 and noticed the same problem (though I can't explain to anyone why I'm a "lefty" with my eyes and "righty" in all other matters). For other reasons, I switched to an A/S ball head and have no such problem. You might also look at Bogen's geared heads (2 models).

Re: Mirror sticking in up position. As mentioned earlier, this can happen when the batteries are low/dead. After installing new batteries, the mirror can remain stuck. To release, find the very small, flush button below the "67" and off to the side of the mirror lock slide. Push the button (I use the corkscrew on my swiss army knife) and the mirror will slap down.