I returned my Widelux F6B

[Mister E]

I had a Widelux for a few days and really like it, but it was just having too many problems to justify keeping it especially when it was sold as just having been cleaned. I do like the results out of it aside form the banding:


Untitled by NateVenture, on Flickr



Untitled by NateVenture, on Flickr


Untitled by NateVenture, on Flickr



Untitled by NateVenture, on Flickr

 

[pauld111]

I am not saying this would have solved your problem but...I had a problem with mine, until I realized I was not loading the film 100% correctly, once this was rectified the problem (which was a banding on the left hand side 1/10th of image) went away.

 

[Mister E]

What exactly were you doing incorrectly? I read the manual and several guides. I even massaged the swing mechanism.

 

[Mister E]

Both rollers? You mean the ones on the right and the left? Yeah I got that.

 

[x-ray]

The banding has nothing to do with rollers. The one I had did this resulting in frequent trips to the repair shop. It's typical ofmany widelux cameras.

 

[pauld111]

I think the banding has to do with many possible reasons. One being the way in which film is inserted; another being the dust and dirt build up in the camera.

 

[mel]

You're lucky you were able to return the camera. Did you purchase it on ebay or elsewhere? I'm looking for one myself but the banding issue spooks me when the seller has a non-return policy.

 

[Mister E]

I bought it from a good store. They said it had just been CLAed, but after seeing the banding I don't buy it. I'd just pass on the Widelux, they just seem problematic. I ended up grabbing an Xpan.

 

[mel]

Just bought a Widelux today with a no-return policy. Hope I don't live to regret it.

 

[Nikkor AIS]

Congratulations on your Widelux, Mel.

Make sure you keep it clean and only change shutter speeds after it's cocked. Looking forward to seeing your pictures.

 

[Texsport]

I've got both XPan and Widelux.

I'm having more fun with the Widelux, but each camera has its strengths and weaknesses.

These 2 cameras are my "walking around/traveling cameras".

I'd rather use the Linhof or Noblex, but they're kind of bulky to tote around.

Texsport

 

[pagpow]

Hi

Bob Watkins
www.precisioncameraworks.com

works on Wideluxes.

He says that widelux 7 and 8 gears are not (as) subject to banding as prior models. He has not 8's left, but does have 7s.

Jeff Bridges (the actor) has some nice posts on precautions and experiences w. widelux you might find useful.

I found that, in addition to rotating the mechanism, using negative film made for less obvious banding when there was a problem. I was never able to get a satisfactory response as to why (besides the latitude differences). Finally got a CLA and that worked.

 

[panaflex]

Sorry to hear of the banding. Nice pics though.

 

[kena]

Widelux CLA

Widelux CLA

I would definitely second the Bob Watkins recommend. I bought my F6B after not being used for 15 years and I had it CLA'd twice locally in L.A. with bad results. I then sent it to Bob and now I don't even have second thoughts when shooting. Widelux's are very specialized machines and should only be repaired by the known experts. Ken

 

[raid]

My wide angle camera is a Graflex XLSW with a 47mm 8.0 lens. It is basic, but it does the job well using 120 film, of course.