Been using a DaYi 6x17 back on Calumet Cadet...need a new camera - help plz

[luvcameras]

I am enjoying using the DaYi 617 back on a Calumet Cadet. I typically shoot with no movements, or maybe a bit of forward tilt....that's it.... my problem is the Cadet is a PITA to carry around....can anyone recommend another compact 4x5 to use the 617 back with ? Would a Crown Graphic work ? note: the DaYi needs an international back ( graflok ) to mount. I typically shoot with either 90mm or 125mm lenses.

thanks
Dan
www.antiquecameras.net

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

A Crown will probably work, but you should try one out with the back before purchasing, if you can't find someone who has tested that combination. To get forward front tilt on a Crown, I believe you have to drop the bed, tilt back, and apply front rise to recomopose, or you can reverse the front standard for front tilt, or some people modify the front standard for tilt in two directions. If you drop the bed, you usually increase the minimum focusing distance, so that could be a problem. The front standard on a Crown is kind of small as well, so that can be an issue, if you have large lenses that cover 6x17.

I'd avoid most lightweight wooden cameras, which may have trouble supporting the weight of the large back, but some heavier wooden cameras might work.

I've used it on my Linhof Tech V and Sinar F, and it works fine on both.

 

[Prospero]

Hi. Late to this thread, but I use a Kang Tai 617 back (similar design, I think) on a Horseman 45FA. Works well, although a 90mm lens is pushing the bounds of what is possible.

 

[jbbooks]

I, also, missed this the first time around so this will be redundant if you have already found what you need,.

I use the DaYi 6x17 back on a Crown Graphic with a 90mm f8 SA, a 135mm f4.7 Xenar or an 8 1/4 inch Artar.

This 90mm is pretty much used up with this format and there is not any margin for shifts or swings with it. I haven’t tried tilts and, physically, using this camera, there is not room for much, if any, rise.

You might be able to reverse the front standard to get some forward tilt, but I think it would be more trouble than it would be worth. With the 90mm, the standard is so far back in the case that movement is almost completely restricted and you will not be able to drop the bed with the front standard on it.

The 135mm works well, but is still at the outer edge of the case and straddling the bed hinge point. With the 135mm, you will not quite get a full 6x17 frame width. I like the 135mm the best in this format and if I find a better one, I intend to change to it. The Xenar is pretty soft on the outer edges. With the Artar, you can get all the movements available and it is tack sharp, but you will only get a 6x15 frame width using this back.

 

[eclarke]

I am enjoying using the DaYi 617 back on a Calumet Cadet. I typically shoot with no movements, or maybe a bit of forward tilt....that's it.... my problem is the Cadet is a PITA to carry around....can anyone recommend another compact 4x5 to use the 617 back with ? Would a Crown Graphic work ? note: the DaYi needs an international back ( graflok ) to mount. I typically shoot with either 90mm or 125mm lenses.

thanks
Dan
www.antiquecameras.net

Hi Dan,
I just bought an Ebony 45S non-folder for my back. It is a terrific setup and vertical pano works just fine...EC