Should I buy a Widelux F7?

Like what Keith and sleepyhead said, they are fun, but it takes getting used to. In the right conditions, the results are very sharp.

F8, Tmax 400:


1:1 crop

 
If it works it is a good price, but the only way to know if it works is to shoot with it. Bear in mind getting a good one can be like a lottery.
 
Well, take the following with a grain of salt. I always wanted one of these cameras. A cousin of my wife's has used one almost exclusively to great effect. Buuut. Current digital stitching software is pretty good. I know, not what you are after. But it was where I wound up, for the number of panoramic photographs I make in a year.

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There is also the crop from a digital file to panoramic proportions:

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Now. Grain of salt over. If the camera works, $485 seems like a small investment in that much fun. Buy it!
 
I bought a mint F7 in the 90's and had nothing but problems with it. I know the proper way to use it so that wasn't an issue. I put quite a bit of film through it but repeatedly had banding problems even after sending it in for service 3 times. It was unreliable so I could never use it on assignments.

I bought an old Russian Horizont, the all metal one. In the 20 or so years I owned it it never had a banding issue and functioned flawlessly. I purchased a new Perfekt when they came out and have never had a banding issue. I also purchased a 202 from a curiosity shop for $25 and shot it along with the Perfekt for several years without even the slightest banding or issue.

Optical performance was equal to the F7 and mechanics were far superior in the Russian cameras. It really doesn't matter how well built you might think a camera is if it's not reliable and has banding issues. Without a doubt I'd buy a Russian version over the Widelux any day. despite Rogers comments I've never known of a Russian version banding. The only issue I'm aware of is in the first all metal version. The light seals on the drum eventually wear out and need replaced. I understand it's not an expensive repair.

Take a look at the Perfekt. It has a much better range of shutter speeds than the others.
 
Every time you think of posting "should I buy ______________?" just buy it. No need to post and get the forums' opinions on something that is ultimately your own choice.
Better still, go out and shoot more with the gear you already have, buy less, sell less.

Phil Forrest
 
fotomeow said:
I saw this thread last week, very helpful.

but why isn't the Noblex more popular? the flaring?
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They all flare. Noblex is no different there.
The Noblex appears to have the sharpest lens, which is important as none of these three can be focused. But stopped down they all are sharp.

I think it's less popular because it is not cool like the art deco Widelux with the Big Lebowski as its cheerleader ;) and it's not cheap like the Lomo/Horizon.

The motorized mechanism on the Noblex insures the most even exposure out of the three with no banding. And it has a really good selection on speeds, as does the Lomo/Horizon.

Compared to the Noblex and Horizon, the Widelux by far has the worst VF. It is on one side, and partially blocked by the camera's lens turret. The Noblex and Horizon have it centered.

And it you don't have the filter set for the Widelux it becomes an even more limited use camera due to it's lack of shutter speeds. Currently the filter set is running at $300+. i.e you can get the Horizon camera (with filter set!) for just the price of the filter set for the Widelux.

If I was going to do it again, definitely the Horizon/Lomo if I got one that did not have a light leak. (Shoot a roll, develop, return if if it does).

The Horizon is the best value, the Noblex is the best camera. The Widelux is the best object.
 
I have a Horizon 202 and a Noblex 135u, they both work fine for me. The Horizon feels like it is coming apart when you fire it but mine has worked for about 18 years now. I got the Noblex because I was having so much fun with the Horizon I thought I needed a better camera. The Noblex has a longer negative I think it is 24x67 while the Horizon and I think the Widelux is 24x58. So all that means is if you are still using a wet darkroom you can get buy with a 6x6 enlarger for the Hovizon and Widelux where you have to have a 6x7 enlarger for the Noblex. They are fun no matter which one you pick up.... Enjoy
wbill
 
jusxusfanatic said:
Should I buy a Widelux F7?

I had an xpan but sold it, since I hate the built in meter, the quality and the price! Now someone offered me a widelux f7 for 460US with shipping. I'll be studying in the UK soon, so there will be more landscapes than street :) thanks
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I have this camera and love it! So yes get it, it's a good price assuming it is working.

Banding is a problem with this camera and it may well need a service. Newton Ellis in Liverpool, UK will service them (about 150 pounds).
Best wishes.
-
Monz

My Widelux pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/monz/albums/72157628737486985
 
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