Darn you people, how do you do it, or: In need of 5X7"

[Soeren]

Thanks for all the good advise everybody.
There is a lot of camera sugestions but should I concentrate on a few models like e.g Sinar and Plaubel or widen the search.
What is a realistic budget? 100€, 200€ or more?
Cheers
Søren

 

[Phil Woodney]

I also forgot to mention that my 151 euro Plaubel Universal III came with a 4x5 back along with the holders and lens boards. I waited quite awhile before I decided to bid on this one. Sinars and Linhofs are wonderful cameras, as is Plaubel. But Plaubels seem to go for lower prices. That's one reason I chose it. I certainly recommend Plaubel!

Phil

 

[colivet]

My advice is go with the old cameras if your budget is tight, but if you could afford a Shen-Hao 5x7 you'll love it. That way you start from the begining with a great camera with all the movements you can ask for. If you realize you are not a LF guy, you'll get most of your money back.

 

[Soeren]

I also forgot to mention that my 151 euro Plaubel Universal III came with a 4x5 back along with the holders and lens boards. I waited quite awhile before I decided to bid on this one. Sinars and Linhofs are wonderful cameras, as is Plaubel. But Plaubels seem to go for lower prices. That's one reason I chose it. I certainly recommend Plaubel!

Phil

The Plaubel Ole Mentioned looks interesting and comes with a lot of lenses and extras. Any qualified guess on what it will go for ?
Cheers
Søren

 

[Phil Woodney]

I had a look at the listing. Looks pretty good...especially with 6 lenses! The Symmar convertibles are older, of course. I have a 210/370 like the one listed...mine is from 1955 but it's in great shape. I would guess that the entire set will go for around 700 euros. Not bad I think. Plus you can sell one of the 90mmm Supere Angulons and get some money back. I am sorta keeping my eye open for one.

Phil

 

[Soeren]

I had a look at the listing. Looks pretty good...especially with 6 lenses! The Symmar convertibles are older, of course. I have a 210/370 like the one listed...mine is from 1955 but it's in great shape. I would guess that the entire set will go for around 700 euros. Not bad I think. Plus you can sell one of the 90mmm Supere Angulons and get some money back. I am sorta keeping my eye open for one.

Phil

Hmm thats what I thought. Way over my budget so Im not gonna be able to sell you at 90mm super angulon.
Cheers
Søren

 

[raucousimages]

Good, Cheap, Large Format is an oxymoron. I will tell you how we do it we, work our asses off at 2 or 3 jobs including selling photography in order to pay for good gear. It isn't cheap.

 

[Soeren]

Good, Cheap, Large Format is an oxymoron. I will tell you how we do it we, work our asses off at 2 or 3 jobs including selling photography in order to pay for good gear. It isn't cheap.

Wasn't that supposed to be a secret?
I think you are absolutely right, its not cheap.
BTW Can anybody help me with the Plaubel models? How do I know if A PecoX/YZZ or universal Y/ZXX is 4X5"(9X12) or 5X7"(13X18)
Cheers
Søren

 

[Phil Woodney]

Mine is a Peco Universal III. I don't know what the Peco indicates, but there are also Peco Profias, Peco Juniors, etc. Mine has both the 4x5 (9x12cm) and 5x7 (13x18cm.) backs. I've also seen an 8x10 (20x24 cm.) back for it. I believe the various Universal model numbers indicate the age and the movements. Higher number is newer, I think. You will need to ask the seller what the size is on the particular camera you are interested in. There are a couple on ebay Germany now. If I were you I'd have a look at the one ending in 3 days. O wait until a 5x7 comes up for sale. There are often 1 or 2 listed. Like I mentioned earlier, they are heavy but well built. I carried mine to the States in August. Naturally I broke both my 4x5 and 5x7 ground glasses upon arrival.

Phil