Rapid Omega users?

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NelsonFoto

Guest
Got a Rapid O-200 from one of my forum members, on spec as I'd never seen one no less use one. Unit arrived yesterday in good order with two complete magazines and a 90mm, original eyecup, filters, etc.

Took her out this afternoon and ran a quick roll of FP4+ through her guts to see what came out. Horrible lighting, utterly flat and grey with storms sitting on us. Metered spot with my F4s, then set the Omega to f8 and 1/8th and had at it.

I'm not entirely impressed yet, but the lens seems to live up to its reputation, and the RF with paralax correction and framing lines for the respective lenses functions nicely. The wheel to control the RF is odd, but in a good location and works smoothly. Certainly one of the easiest times I've had using an RF camera of any kind, and smokes the Iskra in terms of functionality.

This is the second MF RF camera I've had my hands on. Second type, that is. I've owned two Iskras, loved both of them, but sold both. 6x6 is just not my way of seeing.

Recently, I began looking at examples of 6x7 shots and found them pleasing. Additionally, I spent a week working with Seattle photographer John Granen who shoots Fuji 680s and found that I liked the look of that dimension. 6x7 ain't far off, so I started hunting for suitable candidates.

The Pentax 67/6x7 and Bronica GS1 were my conclusions, but my money isn't rich enough for that kinda kit. Fine, I'll just wait a while and keep shooting my F4s.

Then the RO200 showed it's face. Seeing examples of recent work by Jorn Ake on my forums, using a Rapid M that he picked up for a song, sent my heart racing - so I set up the deal to get this 200 in hand for a work out.

Here are 3 shots from this afternoon. Nothing fancy, just making sure everything worked. FP4+ in HC110B/9 minutes. Going to try to get a second roll through it tonight, some Tri-X. Need to find some humans to point it at.

Would be happy to hear from other KO owners, or those owning the Mamiya equivalent of the RO200. Examples of work done with their workhorses would be appreciated.

Thanks,
CE Nelson



 
Congratulations -- these are great cameras and lenses. Loading the film in the backs is not accomplished quickly, but everything else is very fast to use, and it's a really innovative design. The lenses in particular are superb.

If you need to overhaul one of these, Greg Weber (webercamera.com) in Nebraska the man -- for all other Konica equipment too.
 
I have one that I love using. I first wanted to use it for street as a poor's man Mamiya 7 but it is kinda bulky and heavy. So I saved money and got the Mamiya :)
But I couldn't get myself to sell the Koni Omega... So I still use my Koni Omega M when I shoot on a tripod, it is such a unique camera that I love to shoot and the lenses (I own the 90mm and 60mm) are incredible.
 
I have one with the 90mm, the 60mm and the 180mm, and a specialized fitted case which I have not seen anywhere else. When I use it, the photos are very good. My problem is that I have so much equipment and the bulk of the outfit is such that it sees very little use. Dave
 
I was very enthused when I first got my Rapid-Omega, but I ran in to problems after buying a bad 60mm lens and that put me off a bit.
It's a rugged camera. I dropped mine in a parking lot and did more damage to the pavement than to the camera. The bulk is a lot to deal with though, and I find myself carrying my little Balda folder as a lightweight film adjunct to my DSLR. I've got an Iskra on the way...a little heavier, but better than my Balda, I think.
 
Not sure I'm sold on it yet. Trying out a new camera, new format, and new film all at once is a bit disconcerting. But I'm starting to see something I like.

Fuji Acros, HC110B 5.5 mins. Long scale on this film.

Tripod exposure: 1/15, f8



Handheld: 1/15 f4



Tripod exposure: f11, 160 seconds

 
These look good Craig. Nice shot of the young man, and the last one is pretty much "it". Main thing is if you are comfortable with the camera, i.e. how hard you had to "work" the camera to get these. In the end, there's nothing like having something that fits. Like you and that F4.
(That's a non-RF camera, for all you hard core RF'ers.);)


Dean
 
More from today. Here we go:

APX100, green filter (2 stop), ancient Rodinal at 1:25 for 8 minutes




And this last one, Acros @ 100 in HC110E (12.5ml/600ml) for 7 minutes:

 
My father had one for work for years. It was his transition camera moving from 4x5 to 35mm. It was a BIG camera, but the lenses were great and handled well.

The biggest thing I can pass along is to watch the dark slide (is that the right name?) when you put a film cassette into the camera. Yours might not have this feature I think it was the Rapid-M that had this, not sure of what/which your's is. If you put it in wrong (so it does not sneak out the side) it can get stuck.

There is a lot to be said about a medium/large format negative. They just feel better.

Kind of makes me think.....MAS is getting stronger.....

B2 (;->
 
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