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Thought I might post it here as I haven't seen too many people using these giant cameras lately. So earlier this year I was browsing the net when I stumbled upon Dean's Razzle camera site. I visit it quiet often as it is often interesting to see the strange cameras that get pulled out of this Aussie's mind! Well apparently Dean is making his last 12 Razzles so he can then focus on his health issues so I took the plunged and order one of his dual focus Razzle 900s. For the lens choice I got Dean to mount a 150mm Nikkor I got of the bay. It just fits and is a very good performing lens
Perhaps the coolest modification that Dean has perfected lately is the installation of a large focus wheel on the lid of the 900. This is similar to how polaroid set up its 110b cameras and makes focusing so easy!
Here are some examples. All images were shot on Ilford HP5+ and developed in Agfa Rodinal. The images were then scanned and tweaked in Photoshop CS4
Perhaps the coolest modification that Dean has perfected lately is the installation of a large focus wheel on the lid of the 900. This is similar to how polaroid set up its 110b cameras and makes focusing so easy!
Here are some examples. All images were shot on Ilford HP5+ and developed in Agfa Rodinal. The images were then scanned and tweaked in Photoshop CS4
oftheherd
Veteran
That's an interesting camera. Good photos from it as well. How is it in use?
thegman
Veteran
Very cool, I'm a little torn between one of these and a Fotoman 45SPS, they seem to serve similar uses, a portable 4x5 without much in the way of movements. The Razzle does of course have a range finder, so I guess better for handheld stuff.
EcoLeica
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Its actually rather easy to use once you get the hang of it. The rangefinder patch is nowhere near as bright as my m6 but after a while you can shoot really quickly. Plus the new dual focus knob that dean installs makes even easier and quicker to focus.
The best thing is that I can walk around comfortably have a 4x5 kit in my Lowepro Sling. I couldn't do that with my horseman hahaha
ChrisN
Striving
I had a 45PS, and found that the bulk made it a difficult camera to pack and carry. The Razzle would be much easier to move around with.
For me, the concept of a hand-held 4x5 became problematic and impractical. I settled for medium-format for hand-held work, and tripod-mount when I really want something bigger, or I want to enjoy the slow and deliberate approach.
I really admire the work some people do with the hand-held LF cameras, especially with super-wide lenses.
thegman
Veteran
Fair enough, I've tried a Wista DX field camera and it was great, but I think I want something a bit smaller and a bit more sturdy. The Razzle or similar seems perfect. I don't particularly need handheld use, just not big/heavy to carry with a tripod.
Jamie123
Veteran
I have a Chamonix and it's great. Very light and versatile. In fact, I just compared the weight of it to a Polaroid 110A that I have and they're more or less the same weight. I'm sure the 4x5 mod is even heavier.
Unless you need handheld use I wouldn't go for the Razzle.
Jani_from_Finland
Well-known
I am waiting for Dean to finsh with my ordered camera, he does seem to do a nice job and the camera is of a type i've been searching for a while. I dont want a massive big 4x5 camera, a handheld 4x5 with a rangefinder is what i want. Hoping to get it soonish and wishing Dean all well with his condition he is having.
thegman
Veteran
I think I'm mostly up for a 45SPS from Fotoman, I don't need much movement, and I'd like a wider lens than 150mm, maybe 90mm or perhaps wider. I've had a Fotoman before, the 69, and it was a great camera, solid, and worked just great. Very simple of course, not much to go wrong, which is how I like it.
thegman
Veteran
Yes, best wishes to Dean, he seems like a really nice guy, and is a true innovator. I love the idea of modern, easy to use 4x5 cameras, and he along with Fotoman I think are doing great work. They are 4x5 cameras which are not too intimidating.
EcoLeica
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Here is one more for you all. This is the reason I love this camera. No tripod, handheld at 1/15th of a second. Again shot on HP5+ developed in Rodinal.
thegman
Veteran
Here is one more for you all. This is the reason I love this camera. No tripod, handheld at 1/15th of a second. Again shot on HP5+ developed in Rodinal.
Best shot of the lot, very nice.
Must say I'm torn now between the Fotoman and the Razzle, I think I want a wider lens though than the Razzle. Does look fantastic though.
Jani_from_Finland
Well-known
How much wider do you want and have you asked Dean if he can custom make a 4x5 DF900 with a wider lens for you?
thegman
Veteran
Not sure quite yet, I'm considering a 75mm or maybe 90mm. I've not asked, as I'm not ready to buy yet, probably will buy in a few months when I've thought about some more and have settled down in my new home.