Bought a BIG camera...

Ole

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I gave in. I did it. I bought that Russian 12x16" camera... A "Travel camera" rear-focus mastodon with one holder, which comes with a lens that doesn't cover the format. So now there's another thing to hunt for...

The seller suggested that this lens was sure to cover. He put a "smiley" in the suggestion - a good thing as the lens is even heavier than the camera!

I have some hopes for the semi-mythical Schneider Göttingen Aerotar 50cm 1/6 - if it has a "normal" coverage angle it will do. If not, I'll just keep searching for a 30cm Weitwinkel-Aplanat or similar "No. 7" lens?
 

David A. Goldfarb

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For photograph entire Politburo, nice and clear, all on one sheet of film. With big film--easy to pencil anyone out who betrays Party.
 

Donald Miller

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I'd vote for the lens and a still larger camera...get a second job for the expense of the mule needed to carry it.
 

jjstafford

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You certainly have my interest, Ole, and I hope I am wrong, but was not that camera designed for glass plates? Will the ground glass align with the film holders? (Are there any film holders?)
 

noseoil

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Looking forward to seeing some pictures. Congratulations Ole. tim
 
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Ole

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There is one holder with it, and it is a plate holder. I don't see that as a problem; I use sheet film in glass plate holders in another camera already (18x24cm), and am planning making a back for that to fit some even older 6x11" plate holders I came across. The glass (or plastic) plates I put behind the film help in keeping the film flat; if I ever really need to keep it flat I'll use spray glue - the post-it type of glue.

Since the camera is larger than 11x14" there is no ANSI or other standard for the dimensions of the film holders anyway, as most ULF'ers know only too well. BTW, there just might be a GOST standard size?
 

jimgalli

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Excellent move Ole. Pret soon no more films anyvay. Glas is de vay. Looks like great fun. A 360 Symmar should cover OK. 355 G-Claron for sure. Old serie III 12" Dagor might get there. It'll be fun to see some work with this.
 

Dan Fromm

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Ole, about the eBay auction you gave a link to. Sergey's offered that thing several times, or has offered several of them. The listing says 600 mm, but as best as I can see the item is a shutter with no glass. Are you sure there's glass in that monstrosity?

The mythical Aerotar might do; as I calculate it, 12x16's diagonal is 20". Don't you just love 3-4-5 right triangles? And have you received the Aerotar yet?
 

Jeremy

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Look out, Ole, because:

In communist Russia, camera shoots you!
 

MattCarey

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I'll give you $10 (or 10 Euros!) to take the camera to a tennis match and set it up next to all those digital cameras. Take your one shot, fold up and head home.

Of course, $10 won't even start to pay the shipping on the camera.

Matt
 
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Ole

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Movements on this sort of thing are pretty standard - front shift on lensboard, and rear tilt and limited swing. Just the way they've been made for over a century.

I don't have a pack horse, but I do have a good car and a strong tripod.

As to "Big the shutter", there seems to be a lens in there, with the shutter behind it. If he says there's a lens, there's no reason to disbelieve him. I've bought from him before and found him to be very quick, honest and courteous - if occasionally slightly difficult to understand. Anyway that's one lens I certainly don't need!
 
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Ole

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Dan Fromm said:
The mythical Aerotar might do; as I calculate it, 12x16's diagonal is 20". Don't you just love 3-4-5 right triangles? And have you received the Aerotar yet?
Click to expand...

Dan, I've "degraded" the Aerotar to "semi-mythical" status since it actually does exist. It's waiting for me at home, so I'll get to see it in a week.

I contacted Schneider who could only tell me it was made by ISCO. Then I contacted ISCO who could only tell me it was made during WWII. So all I know is that it's big, heavy and old - but just might be nice on a 30x40cm camera.
 

John McCallum

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My vote is for the 355 G-Claron too. Just wondering how big a hike it is to photograph "Nesdal" again . Congrats, looks like lots of fun.
 
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Ole

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John, "Nesdal" was shot from the road. Four feet from the car - and that was only to avoid blocking the road!
 

John McCallum

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Oh, I'm not sure you should have told us! Imagining that you climbed 6,000 feet with dried food and a donkey seemed better somehow .
 

benjiboy

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I can't see any neckstrap lugs on it Ole, maybe you could get some fitted while you're waiting for your surgical truss to be made.
 
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Ole

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I doubt I'll take this thing much farther from the road than Sergey did for the picture on the bottom, though I hope to be able to lift it up and put it on a tripod.
 

Jerevan

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Ole,

I know from first-hand experience that people from Bergen are kinda nuts, but now you're really in your own league. Hats off for ye, and let us see the pictures.
 
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Ole

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I'll try to post pictures - if I can find a 30x40cm scanner. Having to use the d*g*toy camera would be - embarrassing.
 

philldresser

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Ole

Thats a seriously big camera. Can we expect a new avatar with you hand holding it?

Enjoy playing anyway

Phill
 
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