Ebony vs. Shen Hao?

Baxter Bradford said:

Steven Nestler
Having started the thread to answer your dilemma, got a good response with everyone taking the time to consider and then write their opinions and advice, I am disappointed to see that you have made no further contribution. I feel that it would be polite to have made some form of positive follow up.

So Steven, your thoughts so far ?

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Baxter,
You're right. Mea culpa. The response has been strong and helpful.

What I've learned so far, is that the Shen Hao may, in fact, be good enough, but that I really need to get the feel of each camera.
I'm in touch with someone near here who has an Ebony, and I hope to see it soon.
Thanks to all.
Steven

Baxter Bradford said:

So Steven, your thoughts so far ?

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Further thoughts;
Baxter, I carefully considered what you wrote about the asymetrical system. It looks ideal for the way I work. Unfortunately, right now, it's out of my price range, and I don't see used ones on the market.
I originally was interested in selling my Wisner and acquiring a lighter camera; what you describe is a quantum leap in advantage. I may wind up keeping what I have until I can get the model you describe.
Thanks,
Steven

Steven
Thanks for the update. The SU seldom appears on the used market, there is absolutely nowhere to go in 4x5 from there! My RSW broke when the tripod toppled over, so I needed a camera quickly having to bite more than one bullet. I fully understand that it is a significant purchase. My wife was less than impressed! But then again, she is over this now whilst I continue to be impressed every time I use the camera.

There is a more detailed article about the asymmetrical movements, amongst others on Dead Link Removed but it rather makes a meal describing something that is just so right and works.

I suspect you will consider it worth the wait, another downside is that it is not a light camera.

Baxter Bradford said:

Steven
Thanks for the update. The SU seldom appears on the used market, there is absolutely nowhere to go in 4x5 from there! My RSW broke when the tripod toppled over, so I needed a camera quickly having to bite more than one bullet. I fully understand that it is a significant purchase. My wife was less than impressed! But then again, she is over this now whilst I continue to be impressed every time I use the camera.

There is a more detailed article about the asymmetrical movements, amongst others on Dead Link Removed but it rather makes a meal describing something that is just so right and works.

I suspect you will consider it worth the wait, another downside is that it is not a light camera.

Click to expand...

Baxter,
Many thanks, and, again, apologies for the negligence.

SLNestler said:

What I've learned so far, is that the Shen Hao may, in fact, be good enough, but that I really need to get the feel of each camera.
I'm in touch with someone near here who has an Ebony, and I hope to see it soon.

Click to expand...

I don't know what your budget is, but I wouldn't rule out the Toyo 45AII it is quite a camera, very durable.

It all comes down to your personal value of higher levels of craft and materials. Any view camera is just a box that holds the lens and film where you want them to be. Then there are the factors of tradition, elegance, craftsmanship, and pride of ownership. As a precision craftsman myself, I understand and appreciate the subtle differences between these cameras, and the beemer vs. Kia debate. Both will take good photos if the operator is good. Both get you to the same place down the road. I own an Ebony and a BMW. I am fortunate, and I worked hard to make my business successful. If I had a Toyota and a Shen Hao, I'd be happy, too. I just love making photographs.

I own a Zone VI 10x8, had an ebony RSW45 and await my walker 5x7XL. The Ebony is leagues ahead of any woodie I have ever used or fiddled with. In simple terms, I never had to pay particular attention to a niggle or had to compensatoe for anything. It performed faultlessly wihout exception. Conversely my zone VI is OK, but has design issues and glitches that whilst perfectly usable prevent the process being the slick pleasure of the ebony and can catch me out if I rush. I fully expect teh walker to be like the ebony in use (having played with one) but without the cuddle factor (but with a 'my camera is bomb proof' factor). If you can afford it, I think the difference is worth it every time. The price difference bewteen the 5x7 walker and an ebony was about £2000+, so the decision was easy. However teh competative RW45 is very close in price to other folders from Wisner, Canham etc. I have not once heard of design issues with ebonies, only complaint at the price (which is not applicable to the RW45UB). Conversely I have heard constant complaints about both Wisners and Canhams with fit and finish issues (wisner), wobbly stadards that dont lock (Canham) and the list goes on. The use has to find solutions and send things back and compensate etc. I would never buy a product that requires this relationship. Arguabley some of the cheaper simpler Wistas are better in this respect.

The only niggle common to all ebonies is that they smash if droped onto a hard surface as the ebony is so hard and rigid. The wood does not absorb the impact and so the joints pop. They are however, easily (professionally) repaired in most cases (speak to Mike Walker as he does this repair job a lot). When I win the lottery, I will replace my zone Vi 10x8 with an Ebony.