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I have the opportunity to pick up a Horseman 45HF with sinaron 90mm f4.5 along with four film holders for $1,000. Apparently the porthole was modified in order to accommodate this lens and others. Quick suggestions would be appreciated!
[last edit 2/3/2014 4:28 AM by Sceptic - edited 1 times]
"Instinctive forces influence the activity of consciousness. Whether that influence is for better or for worse depends upon the actual contents of the unconscious." |
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I don't think I'd drop that much cash on a first time LF set.
"Great architecture has only two natural enemies: water and stupid men." - Richard Nickel |
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Posted by yokes
I don't think I'd drop that much cash on a first time LF set.
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Thanks, I'm glad someone responded. I also posted on apug but seem to get some mixed reviews. It does seem like a lot, and I am trying to cut a couple hundred as it requires me to invest in some new stuff (upgrading scanner from v600..but I would hate to pick up a camera only to be looking to upgrade or change it after 2-3 months...
Obviously for exploration I'd prefer some sort of 4x5 field camera..and many suggest a Crown Graflex for the first time...but will this be something I want to change shortly after? Will I end up spending $500 for the setup regardless?... after all, what is another $200-$300 for something I may keep longer?
Thanks again, I appreciate any suggestions you have
"Instinctive forces influence the activity of consciousness. Whether that influence is for better or for worse depends upon the actual contents of the unconscious." |
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My first was a Crown Graphic, and it got me used to using large format (process, film loading, basic movements). And they are built like a tank (but not too heavy) and you can shoot them handheld if you want. You're very limited in lens selection, though, and if you want crazy movements it isn't the camera for you. But if you're doing standard form urbex shit, it is just fine.
Whatever you pay for the camera, you could probably get back when you sell it to move on. (I made a profit on it)
I bought a Shen Hao PTB45 from Badger Graphic when it was time to upgrade. I think it cost me $680 brand new at the time. Lenses I buy from used KEH.com.
If you have any questions, happy to answer them.
"Great architecture has only two natural enemies: water and stupid men." - Richard Nickel |
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I still shoot with my beat up heavily modified Speed Graphic.
You do want to go with the Crown Graphic over the Speed Graphic.
Also happy to answer any LF questions, or send them to mat@filmphotographyproject.com and say "Alex from Canada" sent me your way...he'll know ;)
[last edit 2/4/2014 3:22 PM by Axle - edited 1 times]
Celer at Audax
Para la Victoria Siempre Alemanes! |
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Thanks guys, I guess I will have to enter with a Crown graphic - will probably find one around $300- gives me room for extras too.
You recommended the crown graphic but shoot with the speed graphic? Any reason
"Instinctive forces influence the activity of consciousness. Whether that influence is for better or for worse depends upon the actual contents of the unconscious." |
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Well my Speed Graphic is 'heavily' modified. Basically the modifications take away everything that made the Speed Graphic a Speed Graphic.
Speed Graphics incorporated a focal plane shutter, in my camera that, the rangefinger, viewfinder have all been removed.
Also Crown Graphics are slightly newer, and easier to get things like lens boards.
Celer at Audax
Para la Victoria Siempre Alemanes! |
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I recommend the Kodak Ektar lenses for the Crown Graphic.
By no means do you HAVE to enter with this kind of camera. There are advantages to doing so, but by no means should you consider it mandatory 
"Great architecture has only two natural enemies: water and stupid men." - Richard Nickel |
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Posted by yokes
I recommend the Kodak Ektar lenses for the Crown Graphic.
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Second on the Ektar, I have the Ektar f:7.7 203mm, love the lens.
Another good choice is the Schneider Angulon 90mm f/6.8 or Super Angulon 90mm f/8.
Celer at Audax
Para la Victoria Siempre Alemanes! |
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After doing research, asking friends, lf users, I've noticed that everyone has different opinions. It seems the right camera depends on many factors- and everyone has their personal likes and dislikes.
I think I will try out the graphic because of its' affordable price. Ive seen the ektar lens, its 127mm if I am not mistaken. Being that I am into wide angle would this be wide enough? Or should I look for the 90mm? Seems a bit more expensive
[last edit 2/4/2014 10:04 PM by Sceptic - edited 1 times]
"Instinctive forces influence the activity of consciousness. Whether that influence is for better or for worse depends upon the actual contents of the unconscious." |
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I recently had a Polaroid 110A modified to shoot 4x5 (the guy attaches the film holder from a Crown Graphic to the back and upgrades the rangefinder to a 110 . Doing the same would put you back in the neighborhood of $1k for a 4x5 camera (unless you have a 110A or 110B sitting around), but I've found that so far I prefer the ergonomics of it to a Crown Graphic handheld.
On a tripod, I'm not sure that there's enough difference to matter (though the 110 series had a very questionably-placed tripod socket for using the camera in portrait orientation!).
"The large print giveth and the small print taketh away."
-Tom Waits |
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I had the Ektar 127 lens on my Crown Graphic. It is an excellent lens. And nice and bright for easier focusing.
"Great architecture has only two natural enemies: water and stupid men." - Richard Nickel |
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Choices choices, thanks for all the feedback and suggestions, i will be picking something up by the end of the week!
"Instinctive forces influence the activity of consciousness. Whether that influence is for better or for worse depends upon the actual contents of the unconscious." |
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Looking for a good way in? Don't want to drop a tonne of cash...
Look here: https://intrepidcamera.co.uk/
I just got mine, going to try it out sunday with the pinhole board they sent in.
Celer at Audax
Para la Victoria Siempre Alemanes! |
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Posted by Axle
Looking for a good way in? Don't want to drop a tonne of cash...
Look here: https://intrepidcamera.co.uk/
I just got mine, going to try it out sunday with the pinhole board they sent in.
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Awesome!
I ended up picking up the Horseman quite some time ago, and sold off the lens for $600, so I got to keep the camera for $300.
I've seen those intrepid cameras, but haven't heard much about their use. Definitely interested in seeing what you will produce with it!
"Instinctive forces influence the activity of consciousness. Whether that influence is for better or for worse depends upon the actual contents of the unconscious." |
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