Any wista 45rf users?

[MTGseattle]

I do not know what my deal is. I could probably be perfectly content shooting with no more available movements than a Speed Graphic. But, I am constantly shuffling gear. I own a Wista 45sp right now (among other 4x5 cameras) but became curious regarding other rangefinder options and how they accomplished that function (cams vs other)
The slight roadblock to the Wista RF is that I do not own any Nikon glass, and I only own one focal length that that cameras system is designed for. I note that it does have adjustable infinity stops. Not having to hunt ebay and the like for cams is a small plus in the Wistas column, but the larger number of cams for Linhof and Speed Graphic are pluses to those. I'm not purposefully ignoring Horseman.

So, does anyone have/use a Wista 45RF with lenses outside the 3 "designed" focal lengths? 135,150 and 180mm

For me, it would be 105mm, 180mm, 240mm and possibly 300mm all of which are Fuji.

This is simply thinking out loud since I can't seem to stick with any one 4x5 for more than a year or two.

 

[MTGseattle]

Let me refine this a bit. There was a beat up but complete 45rf for sale for really cheap and it piqued my interest. I thought it may be a fool's errand since I don't own any of the "matching" lenses and simply wanted to hear from anyone that has one and/or has made one work with other focal lengths.

 

[ags2mikon]

I am in the same boat as you are. For the time being I have stuck with my Super graphics and carry a Toyo view, with graphic board adapters, if I need more movements. But every now and then GAS strikes.

 

[MTGseattle]

I'm letting it pass, but I am still curious to hear from anyone who uses one. I feel like the steps to make different lenses work are really not worth the time vs other 4x5 cameras with coupled rangefinder systems.

 

[Ian Grant]

Did you really want a rangefinder, I'm assuming the designated Focal Lengths are just the only available cams. The Wista 45RF should have more movements than a Super Graphic, and be OK with lenses from 75mm to 300mm..

I do shoot with two Speed Graphics, a pre Anniversary no movements except rise, but I only use it with barrel lenses anyway, and a Pacemaker Speed Graphic, I had a Crown Graphic as well but sold it. The downside to Pacemakers is poor movements. My main 5x4 camera has been a Wista 45DX plenty of movements.

Back around 2007/8 I bought a cheap Super Graphic, I often use it hand held, while movements are limited they are enough for landscape work. I don't use the rangefinder which need repair, but I can shoot very fast with it, compose on GG screen, maybe slight front tilt. Then close the shutter, stop down, insert the DDS film holder, remove dark-slide, use the wire frame finder to frame again, it's remarkably easy and quick, 10 seconds or less.

Ian

 

[MTGseattle]

Ian. I only "wanted" one because it was down in speed graphic price range. I have given up on that Wista RF train of thought and still have a Speed Graphic with a matched lens/cam albeit with a focal length that isn't necessarily my cup of tea. A new cam and lens board for a speed graphic is certainly a lot cheaper than the Wista was even down at bargain pricing.
Also, without taking a Wista RF apart, I don't think there are any swappable cams, I think the "dial" is set to those 3 focal lengths and that is all one gets. Perhaps a decent machinist could make/modify things, but that is getting really outside the scope of my initial curiosity.