4 x 5 or 6 x 7 Camera for Photo Project

[FrankS]

Check RFF classifieds: MF cameras.

 

[colker]

view camera lenses are projected to be used at 16, 22, 32, 45 apertures. that's the game w/ big format: long exposures and closed down apertures.
the look comes from controlling perspective and carefully compsing the pictures.
HTH.

 

[nikon_sam]

I'd go with the Xenon for "the look".

Frank...

That's on the top of my list right now...the next decision is 135 or 150...availability and price should aid in answering that question...

Thanks,

correction...it's the Xenar I'm looking at...

 

[blackwave]

For 6x7 there is the Bronica GS-1, which can be had for a pretty decent price. There is an EX rated body with WLF for $159 on keh.com right now. You just have to add a back and lens and you're good to go. One downside is no rotating back, so you're always in landscape unless you turn your neck in a funky position or use a prism. There are the RB/RZ lines which are wonderful but heavy. Mamiya 7 can be had for a higher price.

Long live big negs!

 

[venchka]

You want character???????????

You want character???????????

Wayne,

I'm looking at the Ektar, Xenon, Planar and a few others in the 120 to 150mm range to use in a Zone VI 4x5 View Camera...
I will be shooting in a 6x7 format not 4x5 so the Image Circle on any of these lenses should not be a big factor...
What I'm looking for is "The Look"...a lens with character, I love the look I get with my Yashica Mat 124...
I have in my bag a 75mm, 90mm, 150mm and 210mm all Caltar lenses bought new sometime around 1994...so I would call then fairly new with multi-coated glass...
When the rain stops out here I plan on shooting some Neopan 400 and develop it in Rodinal to see what that looks like (with the lenses I have)...I have shot some Tmax but it didn't do it for me...look wise...
I'm doing my homework so any input will be appreciated...😀

Sam,

I have a Zone VI too.

Frankly, I think my little Ektar might be just as modern looking as my 180mm Nikkor-W. Strangely enough, with B&W film, the 100 year old Voigtlander stopped down to f/22 looks as modern as anything I have seen. Wide open it really is special. The 1913 Bausch & Lomb R.R. is creamy smooth wide open. I need to process some film taken with that lens stopped down 2 stops. Stand by. I do have 2 negatives taken with just the front element. All 13 3/4" to 14" worth. Again, smooth but not sharp wide open and just a touch more definition with the lens closed 2 stops. Of course, the lens was never ever designed to do what I've been doing with it. However, even these old old old lenses are capable of making your eyes bleed.

I need to put together a 4x5 gallery online. So far, it's all HP5+. A few in D-76 1:1 and most in Xtol 1:3. I'll get my act together and post some samples.

I ran out of HP5+. I am about to open a box of Arista EDU Ultra (Foma) 200 and I'm really looking forward to that.

YIKES! Hikack big time.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

 

[Beemermark]

If you go with a 4x5 you can use both 120 (with a roll back) and sheet film. 4x5 Cameras are relatively cheap on ebay, and often cheaper than a 120. Go with a field camera since you don't need the movements. Extremely versatile cameras - almost any lens, almost any back.

 

[venchka]

Speak of the Devil

Speak of the Devil

Sam,

Look at this thread. That is the same lens that I have or a very close kissing cousin.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=70148

 

[venchka]

We need Tessars & Heliars

We need Tessars & Heliars

Wayne,

I'm looking at the Ektar, Xenon, Planar and a few others in the 120 to 150mm range to use in a Zone VI 4x5 View Camera...
I will be shooting in a 6x7 format not 4x5 so the Image Circle on any of these lenses should not be a big factor...
What I'm looking for is "The Look"...a lens with character, I love the look I get with my Yashica Mat 124...
I have in my bag a 75mm, 90mm, 150mm and 210mm all Caltar lenses bought new sometime around 1994...so I would call then fairly new with multi-coated glass...
When the rain stops out here I plan on shooting some Neopan 400 and develop it in Rodinal to see what that looks like (with the lenses I have)...I have shot some Tmax but it didn't do it for me...look wise...
I'm doing my homework so any input will be appreciated...😀

What we all need are old, longish Heliars and Tessars. Use them wide open with some old style film, Efke or Foma, in Pyro.

http://www.kenleegallery.com/html/tech/index.html

Be sure and look at all of Ken's galleries.

 

[shadowfox]

Great suggestions everyone, thanks.

I will be developing everything myself as I do with 35mm and 120. Although the look of 4 x 5 appeals to me I might end up going with 6 x 7 for convenience.

Any thoughts on some sort of 6 x 7 folder?

Actually for landscape, I prefer 6x9 🙂

Either way, for 6x7 or 6x9, don't overlook this excellent RF camera:

The old but versatile (and relatively cheap nowadays) Mamiya Press Universal. It's not as big as a Speed Graphic, and designed to be handheld. The lenses are of high quality, no problem for doing seascapes.

 

[venchka]

There are 2-3 in the classifieds. Mamiya and Graflex as I recall.

Definitely 6x9. I have a Pentax 6x7 and love it. I want a 6x9 back for the Speed Graphic. What I really want is a 6x12 back. Not sure I can afford one.