peter brown - www.peterbro

Hi Paul,

<p>

Have you considered the Kinesis system? They have some good ideas for

modular stuff, belts and pack frames, etc. They also have a backpack slightly

larger than the Lowepro trekker (which I have also been using for quite a few

years) and which I am seriously considering for myself. Click on the 'packs' link

and have a look at 'the Journeyman pack'.

<p>

I've looked at the F64 and the other options around but the Kinesis approach

looks interesting and the prices seem reasonable.

<p>

Check out their web site (it's a bit slow, but detailed) at:

<p>

http://www.kinesisgear.com/index.html

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter Brown

Hi Josh,

<p>

I've used the P67 system for many years and if used with care it can produce

high quality, large prints. The mirror thump (image shake) is a problem for

the slower speed films and as stated above, a good tripod, mirror lock-up and

cable release are mandatory.

<p>

I have just recently sold all my P67 equipment and I bought a lightweight 4x5

field camera and I now use the Sinar zoom 120 film holder which gives me the

option of format size from 6x4.5 through to 6x12 and of course the 4"x5".

I've found that setting up and using the Ebony 45 S Ti is just as quick and

easy as when I was using the P67. Also the cost of the Sinar back is much

less than the cost of a P67 camera and lenses (especially a P67 II).

<p>

I think you'd be pleased with the P67 AND 4x5 camera combo, but for me the

option of the 120 Sinar back and a lightweight 45 camera was a better

choice.

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter Brown

Hi all,

<p>

I'm trekking into the mountain rainforest this weekend to shoot some general

rainforest images and also to capture some rare orchids. I'm taking Fuji

Velvia and Fuji RMS and as it'll be a while before the orchids flower again I

don't want to mess up this opportunity.

<p>

Depending on whether there is cloud cover or not there can be quite a range

of exposure in the forest. I haven't used the RMS before in this situation (low

light/rainforest) so any tips from anyone familar with this film and also any

ideas on EI and processing to help extend the latitude of Velvia would be

appreciated. To try to maintain the highlight values and get detail in the

shadows, I thought I might try exposing for the shadow areas and then

underdevelop by about one stop - any comments?

<p>

Thanks in adavnce.

<p>

Kind regards

Peter Brown

Robert,

<p>

Great idea! For anyone venturing into the warm, tropical north of Australia

please contact me and I'd be happy to help - no worries! We've also got a

good pro-lab and excellent scanning facilities here too.

<p>

Trouble is, as Walter pointed out, LF film can be hard to come by in Australia

and it is expensive here, by international standards.

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter Brown

Cairns - and all points north, west or south!

Queensland

Australia.

Bob,

<p>

Having just gone through the process of buying (and investing heavily) in a

4x5 Ebony and a range of lenses, I agree with what the above posters have

said, but I'd like to add that the Ebony 4x5 > 6x9 adapter can also be used

easily on the 4x5 version of the cameras allowing the swing-out feature for

the GG and the use of the a 6x9 roll film holder and if you want to shoot 4x5

or 6x12 in the future, . . ."Guess I'm becoming a more serious landscape

photographer ....." and it's likely you will, I'd suggest you get the 4x5

version.

<p>

The difference in weight between the 6x9 & 4x5 versions is negligible but you

can grow with the 4x5.

<p>

There are some excellent reviews of the various 6x9 and 4x5 cameras

available, on Tuan's LF web site, if you haven't already looked there.

<p>

http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~qtluong/photography/lf/listcameras.html

<p>

Good luck with your choice.

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter Brown

Oren,

<p>

Thanks for the suggestion about removing the GG, which was also suggested

to me by Paul Owen who uses his Horseman backs like this on his Ebony SW.

It's a bit annoying to have to remove the GG but it's fairly easy on the Ebony.

It fits and works fine with this method, so for now that's probably my best

option.

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter

Oren;

<p>

Thanks for that suggestion (my back also has the slots on the upper and

lower edges) I'll give it a try.

<p>

Walter;

<p>

I'll also look at this too, but I am reluctant to apply too much pressure. As it is

the back seems to place a lot of strain on the back, certainly not as easy as

the Quickload. Of course it worked fine with the Sinar I had and for which it

was designed.

<p>

Richard;

<p>

Thanks for the link - I'll check it out.

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter

Thanks Ted / Arthur

<p>

Is the Calumet C2N from another manufacturer, like they do with some

lenses, just branded "Calumet"? If it is of good quality then this could be a

serious option.

<p>

Arthur, $800 is not expensive compared to the cost of the Sinar! - I can

assure you ;-)

<p>

Regards

<p>

Peter

Hi all,

<p>

Well, I've had my first disappointment with my Ebony - well not actually with

my Ebony, I'm going to blame the terrible design of the Sinar film holder ;-)

<p>

Yesterday I went to use my Sinar zoom back and although it felt like it had

seated correctly when I tried it a few days ago, I noticed that it actually

doesn't push right in and when looking through the lens opening, it is offset

and therefore would not be suitable for 6x12, (or 6x9) and I'm also concerned

that it would not be light-tight.

<p>

The bulge of the right-hand 'roll holder and winding mechanism' pushes hard

up against the camera back 'lugs' and it won't allow the back to fit all the way

into the camera. This is very disappointing for me as the Sinar zoom is the

only roll film back I have. It looks like I'll have to sell it and look for an

alternative, which is a shame because the ability to use five different formats

with one holder is great

<p>

Ebony offer the 4x5>6x9 adapter back and this could be an alternative. It

looks like the GG swings out of the way and does not need to be detached

(according to the web site).

Does anyone know of any other 6x12 backs which are less bulky and which

may fit? Is the Sinar zoom 2 the same as the zoom or did they redesign the

'roll holder and winding mechanism' so it's not as bulky.

<p>

The Fuji Quickload and Polaroid 545i backs work fine, so I'm looking for a

rollfilm holder similar to those designs preferably. I like the push-in holder

(like the Quickload) as opposed to the Mamiya style where I would probably

have to remove the GG.

<p>

Of course I know I can always crop the 4x5, but for economy and

convenience, the 120 backs have appeal. I'd like to be able to shoot 6x9

and 6x12 with roll film. Any suggestions gratefully recieved.

<p>

Thanks in advance

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter Brown

Jerry,

<p>

Only to keep to show to my grandkids!

<p>

;-)

<p>

Peter

I have an expanded, more thorough review on the Tuan's large format page

at:

<p>

http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~qtluong/photography/lf/cameras/ebony-45s.ht

ml

<p>

Regards

<p>

Peter

If anyone is interested to see what the Ebony 45 S Ti looks like, I have just

taken some photos showing it from various angles and I'd be happy to email

them to you.

<p>

Just contact me at photo_illustration@bigpond.com

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter Brown

Hi Robert

<p>

Another nice wooden tripod worth looking at is the German-made Berlebach.

These can be ordered direct from the manufacturer over the net :

<p>

http://www.berlebach.de/e_index.html

<p>

These are beautiful solid wood tripods and a nice alternative to Ries. I'm not

sure how the prices compare. I think the prices are online but if not I have a

full pricelist in DM and if you like a perticular model email me and I can give

you the price.

<p>

Hope this helps

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter Brown

Yes Paul a good idea. I hadn't thought of a SW 8x10 - I'm sure it'd be just

right for travelling around with. Now where is the bank manager's phone

number?

<p>

;-)

<p>

Peter

Hi Nathan,

<p>

Thanks for your offer on information about the 8x10U. I have been

considering either the 5x7 or 8x10 (U models) as another camera (more for

the ability to take longer lenses than I can with the 45S and of course for the

larger image).

I was intending to use the 45S as my LF travel camera as I too visit the Asia

region often and I plan to make a trip using the LF format rather than the

35mm and MF of earlier trips ( you can see some of my editorial images at

www.contax.ch - look under 'Photographers - Peter Brown' ).

<p>

The 8x10 U is most appealing and I admire you for taking the opportunity to

travel with such a camera through Asia - it must have been an experience?

I'd enjoy hearing your comments about your experiences using this as a

travel camera (you can email me offline if you prefer).

<p>

I agree with you about the excellent service Ebony offer, something sadly

lacking with so many manufacturers and dealers.

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter

Hi Alan,

<p>

Ebony modify the metal frame into which the viewer fits, so there is no need

to send the entire viewer for modification. In fact Hiromi may now even have

a template and you may only need to send the camera back - but check with

him first. The modification was very reasonably priced and he did a beautiful

job. As I say above, it looks like it is part of the design and doesn't detract

from the appearence at all.

<p>

As far as that nasty metal spring is concerned, well as I didn't receive one

when I got my viewer (second-hand), so I just attach a thick rubber band to

the viewer and to the 'cold shoe' & srew knob which Ebony put on the top of

the rear standard for the modification. This works extremely well and I'd

imagine it is just as effective as the spring, it holds the viewer tightly to the

back but allows movement of the back to insert film holders.

<p>

Hope this helps

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter Brown

Dear fellow LF users,

<p>

This is a long post and I hope that doesn't offend anyone.

<p>

I have recently been researching which 4x5 camera would be suitable for my

field photography work and the selection of lenses I have.

<p>

This research took me many months (since May 2001), and much of the

information I gathered was from the excellent data base and the kind

assistance of members on this LF forum. I was unable to actually test out or

see in person any large format field cameras so I relied heavily on comments

from users and those with experience with field cameras. I am grateful for all

the information received and I thought it was my turn to return the favour

and give my first impressions of the camera I finally decided on - the Ebony 45

S. I have no connection with the Ebony Camera Co and only heard of them 6

months ago. These comments are MY impressions of this fine camera.

<p>

For those not familar with the Ebony camera line, these cameras are hand

made in Japan by the Ebony Camera Co who produce a wide selection of field

cameras from 6x9 cm to 8x10 inch. The cameras are expensive but have an

excellent reputation as high quality, well designed photographic tools. I think

they are more than this.

<p>

In my opinion the Ebony camera is a beautiful piece of fine art! The

craftsmanship is incredible and it looks just wonderful. The rich lustre of the

ebony wood combined with the cool titanium fittings and the black leather

bellows is almost sensual in it's appearence. It truly is a most unique camera

and in all my thirty plus years experience as a professional photographer, no

other camera has taken my breath away quite like this Ebony. The pictures

just do not do it justice and it is not until you can hold it and drink in it's

wonderful design and features that you can appreciate it. Even if I never

took a shot with it, it would be worth having just for the sheer beauty of

looking at it, but I'm sure that using it in the field over the years will be an

experience in itself.

<p>

The 45 S is a non-folding type of field camera and the reason that I chose this

model was it's ability to use a wide range of lenses on the flat board and with

the standard bellows, although the 45 S comes equipped with Ebony's unique

"universal" bellows which provide lots of movement even when closed down

for wide angle use.

<p>

I wanted to be able to use wide lenses without having to resort to recessed

boards and the 45 S will allow use of lenses down to 47mm before the need

for a 10mm recessed board. The camera as standard has a bellows draw to

270mm but this can be extended with the optional 452 back to 360mm or

with extension tubes giving the option of using reasonably long lenses. I

wanted a camera that was lightweight (the 45 S weighs in at 2.1kg), compact

and rigid with extensive movements. The 45 S met my criteria.

<p>

The bubble levels (three) on the front and rear standards help immensely

with easy setup and levelling. Opening up the camera and being ready to

take an image takes seconds rather than minutes. The knobs and locking

levers look strong and work with presicion and the movements work with just

the right amount of tension making for precise control.

<p>

The ground glass is bright and clear and I can not imagine the need for a

fresnel screen except perhaps on very wide angle lenses, 55mm or wider,

certainly it's not neccessary with my Nikkor 65mm/f 4. Under a cloudy sky or

in shade even a dark cloth may not be needed as the image is so bright - my

experience viewing through Sinar GG has been the exact opposite. I wanted

the Ebony to be able to accept the Horseman Reflex Viewer and sent the

camera and viewer to the factory for modification. The end result is excellent,

the modification looks like it is part of the original design and the viewer fits

perfectly. The only downside is that when it's attached, my well-used viewer

detracts from the beauty of the Ebony ;-)

<p>

On the tripod the camera feels rigid even at full extension and all movements

work easily and smoothly. It feels so light and compact for a 4x5, more like a

medium format than a large format. There are more movements than I will

probably ever need but it is nice to know they are there if I do extend my

photography to incorporate architecture, an area I can imagine this camera

excelling in.

<p>

I am quite overwhelmed by the workmanship and design of this camera and

even without having used it much (yet!) I can recommend it, even if it's just

for the joy of looking at it and holding it. I can imagine having the pleasure of

using this piece of artwork for many years to come. I'm already saving for

one of the 5x7 or 8x10 models. Dealing with Ebony was a pleasure. All

correspondence was answered efficiently and politely and Hiromi and Kuniko

provided an excellent service. Thank you for a beautifully designed camera,

Hiromi.

<p>

I hope that the above information has been of use to anyone contemplating a

4x5 field camera purchase and I'd be happy to answer any questions from

anyone interested in a Ebony 45 S.

<p>

This isn't a camera you own - it's a camera you experience!

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter Brown

<p>

I believe the universal bellows would be quite suitable for the range

55-210mm. Because of the way they are designed they remain flexible even

for quite wide angle lenses. If you're going wider than 55, then perhaps the

bag bellows would be better.

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter Brown

Hi Keith,

<p>

I saw this on eBay large format pages today

<p>

EUROPEAN 45º Rotating L-Cable Release Adapter

Item # 1274431291

<p>

It may be what you're looking for.

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter Brown

I would also like to offer my deepest sympathy to everyone effected by these

tragic events. I have visited NYC on many occasions and have always been

welcomed by those who I've met there.

<p>

It is an extremely sad event and words can not express the sadness and

horror we feel. Nationals from many countries were lost by this senseless act

and my sympathies extend to all who are suffering because of this.

<p>

With sadness and hope

<p>

Peter Brown - Australia

Yaakov

<p>

Perhaps he uses a Rodenstock Imagon soft focus lens. I used these before

during my days in advertising/studio photography and the effect is similar

acheived by spreading the highlught outlines into the shadows.

<p>

Regards

<p>

Peter Brown

Hi all,

<p>

I've just purchased a Fujinon W 210mm/5.6 lens. I haven't received it yet but

could any users comment on the best working aperture for this lens? How

does it perform at wider apertures? Does it have any quirks I should be

aware of?

<p>

Thanks for any comments.

<p>

Regards

<p>

Peter Brown

Hi Rodrigo,

<p>

Calumet had the 135/5.6 Rodenstock Sironar-N (under the Caltar badge) on

sale for $399.00 two days ago. An excellent price for a new 135 and a good

lens by all accounts.

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter Brown

Hi All,

<p>

I'm considering getting the new 400/5.6 APO Tele Xenar HM as an alternative

to using a long lens & extension tubes on the Ebony 45S. The bellows draw I

can use is 270mm standard or 360mm with a back extender.

Any comments from users of this lens are appreciated. Would the standard

draw be enough to use with the 400mm? Or would I need some extension,

tube or back?

<p>

Thanks for any and all contributions.

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter Brown

Thanks for those suggestions everyone.

<p>

I'll look into it further.

<p>

Kind regards

<p>

Peter Brown