My first Razzle! Any other users?

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NelsonFoto

Guest
Note me as another satisfied customer of Dean Jones, the Australian camera-hacker and innovator.

Late last year, while tooling around a Tulsa flea-market with my pal Bruce Appel, I stumbled upon a nice Polaroid 110B and purchased it. After making contact with Dean Jones, I forwarded both camera and down payment to Mr. Jones. In March 2008, I received my IRS refund and completed the transaction with Dean, who set about converting my camera. Yesterday, June 23rd, my Razzle was received at the post office, and a quick shot put past the Fujinon 150/6.3 lens.

In a word: Bliss.

Dean Jones is highly regarded, and I recommend him to any seeking an alternative to the much more expensive options out there for RF-focused 4x5 cameras and conversions.

Model: Buffie Brooke
EV/Film: 1/30" @ F8, Fujifilm FP-100C45

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I think Ash who used to be a member here bought a Razzle ... I think he frequents the 'Purelight Forum' these days. He was very happy with his camera from memory!

It's a very tempting idea and has crossed my thoughts occasionally ... but I already have numerous cameras that also seemed like good ideas that never see use! :p
 
Tempting devices! I see Razzledog (Dean) has suspended taking orders for a few months while he works on the backlog.

Nelsonfoto - is the lens the original or a substitute? If it is not the original, why the change?
 
I bought a Polaroid 110B a few years ago with the intention of going down this path ...just havent gotten around to it yet. BTW, what is the financial impact to get the 4x5 conversion done by Dean?
 
The original lens was the Roddy 127mm OEM fitted unit. I elected to have Dean swap the Rodenstock for the Fujinon, a superior lens and better suited for my needs.
 
This is very timely, as I've been toying with the idea of trying 4x5 large format, but I'm scared by the size of the cameras. This seems an ideal solution, and I happen to have an old Polaroid 110 camera someone gave me. Can we get a closer idea on cost? A grand seems a little steep to me considering some nice Graflex bodies are half that. Also, how do you scan these if you don't plan to print them in your own darkroom?
 
Polaroid 110 conversions should be around 3 lbs--lighter than most 4x5" folding cameras but heavier or the same weight as ultralights like the Gowland PocketView, Toho Shimo, or Ikeda Anba. Of course the function is completely different except for the format.
 
ChrisN said:
Tempting devices! I see Razzledog (Dean) has suspended taking orders for a few months while he works on the backlog.

Nelsonfoto - is the lens the original or a substitute? If it is not the original, why the change?
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There's a guy out of NYC named Noah who also builds these.
 
I've visited his website several times over the past year. It's like being a kid in a candystore with no $$. In my mind there's no doubt the value is there. I just don't have the funds.

I bought a Crown Graflex instead, something is better than nothing.
 
I've visited his website several times over the past year. It's like being a kid in a candystore with no $$. In my mind there's no doubt the value is there. I just don't have the funds.
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Yep, my thoughts exactly. I'd love one, but can't spare the cash.
 
Thardy said:
There's a guy out of NYC named Noah who also builds these.
Click to expand...

Are you thinking of Noah Schwartz? He used to work for Professional Camera Repair in NYC, but I think he lives in Providence, Rhode Island now. He posts occasionally on photo.net, if you want to try to look him up.
 
to Sooner

to Sooner

The OP is using instant/polaroid type film so he's scanning a print.

sooner said:
This is very timely, as I've been toying with the idea of trying 4x5 large format, but I'm scared by the size of the cameras. This seems an ideal solution, and I happen to have an old Polaroid 110 camera someone gave me. Can we get a closer idea on cost? A grand seems a little steep to me considering some nice Graflex bodies are half that. Also, how do you scan these if you don't plan to print them in your own darkroom?
Click to expand...
 
An Epson 4990 or newer flatbed scanner does an acceptable job with 4x5 negatives. If you are extremely picky you'll need a professional flatbed or drum scanner. Translation: Mega bucks.
 
David Goldfarb said:
Are you thinking of Noah Schwartz? He used to work for Professional Camera Repair in NYC, but I think he lives in Providence, Rhode Island now. He posts occasionally on photo.net, if you want to try to look him up.
Click to expand...

Yes, that's his name. I forgot that he does live in RI now.

I too was going to get one of these cameras since I now have an LF enlarger, but they are a little pricey.
 
Ilford decided that it wasn't viable, given the complexity of the packaging of Polaroid instant products and manufacture of the pods--

http://www.apug.org/forums/forum172/49871-statement-regarding-ilford-photo-polaroid.html

Fuji is making instant film, and those who use Polaroid for proofing or straightforward instant prints would argue that Fuji instant is better than Polaroid and has been for quite some time. The downsides of Fuji instant are that it's not as amenable to manipulation, lifts, and transfers as Polaroid (though it can be done), and that it's not available in as many formats such as 4x5" sheets, 8x10", or 20x24". It is available in medium format size packs that fit the 3.25x4.25" Polaroid films (66x) and 4x5" packs that fit the Fuji PA-45 back and Polaroid 550 back.
 
I picked up a 110A converted to packfilm from a member here, looks like they company (Four Designs) just did a bit of cutting and glued the packfilm pack onto it. I tried to convert it to a true 4x5 but gave up on it, besides...there's something about pack film. The RF works well, it's a righteous camera! Check it out...
 

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