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First take on Wehman Camera.

kjsphoto

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Apr 21, 2004
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1,320
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Sub 35mm
I just received it today and let me tell you it is much better than expected. It is study, rigid and stable. Built like a tank and the plexi ground glass is super bright, unbelievable to say the least. I am completely and totally amazed. I will be taking it out for a spin over the next week and if it is everything I think it is, the Deardroff is gone!

I am just blown away by the quality and craftsmanship of the camera.

The design is phenomenal. You can tell this was definitely designed with photographers in mind.

The controls are amazing and so easy to use.

Until I really take it out for the real test that is all I can say at the moment, but wow!

Will report back over the next few days…
 
I've heard nothing but good things about this camera. It's on my wish list. I've got 5 holders arriving tomorrow, that makes 6 total but no camera. Did you get the ultralight version he made 2 of or the regular w/o all the holes?

vinny
 
I got the standard version ( no holes one ) not lightweight one but I can tell you the normal one is extremely light weight. Lighter than my Canham 5x7 by a long shot.
 
Pretty sweet isn't it. The more that I use mine, the more I like it. This is a camera that I will own forever.
 
I received mine from Bruce about a week and a half ago. Still waiting on one lens board to be drilled and shipped (it comes with two). The camera is very easy to open and set up. The slides for tilts have small offslot cuts made for quickly establishing vertical for the front standard and back, which I didn't catch at first. The camera is a great field camera.

The 2nd lightweight is already sold, I understand. I bought some 8x10 holders from the gentleman that bought it.

I don't think you can beat this for the money. And it comes with a lifetime warranty.

I got a Fuji 300-C to use with this and also an APO Ronar 480. The camera will fold with the 300-C board reversed, alas the 480 is a bit of a beast and needs to be removed.

Since Bruce hasn't built a 4x10 back for this camera I will be attempting that in the guise of an 8x10 film holder so that no actual back needs replacing. The fact that Canham makes a 4x10 holder out of 8x10 parts makes this approach really appealing. Will report back on that when I get it going (still waiting for a 4x10 Canham holder from Midwest.

I bought a Bogen 4x4 plate from B&H that does a great job supporting this.

Good stuff and Bruce was a real pleasure to chat with.

Stew
 
Hi Kevin,

I've been waiting to hear if you finally decided to go with the Wehman...sounds like you're pretty impressed. Would love to hear more after you've had a chance to use it some in the field. I'm assuming from your comments that you found this camera to be significantly more rigid than the Canham 810 you returned?
 
Scott Peters said:
but that's a 7 x 17.
Click to expand...

Bruce says that he is working on the designs for ULF sizes like 11x14 and 7x17. Let's hope those turn into products.

-dan schmidt
 
I Love mine! I had Bruce install a RRS 2 screw QR plate (Arca-Swiss type) on my Wehman. Works great!
 
I've always admired Bruces design, I'd love to so this happen.

Mike

danschmidt said:
Bruce says that he is working on the designs for ULF sizes like 11x14 and 7x17. Let's hope those turn into products.

-dan schmidt
Click to expand...
 
Anyone use the Wehman on a riess tripod?

Kev
 
I have owned a Wehman now for three years and absolutely love it. As others have pointed out, it travels real well, is very light and extremely sturdy. After talking to Bruce a couple of times, I installed the plexiglass GG and never looked back - makes the camera even lighter and never breaks I use a Gitzo Carbon Fiber tripod for both my 4x5 and the Wehman - I considered a heavier tripod initially, but after three years I see no reason for it - it confirms what Bruce told me - no need for a heavy-duty tripod with the Wehman.
 
kjsphoto said:
Anyone use the Wehman on a riess tripod?

Kev
Click to expand...

The Wehman I played with at the View Camera Conference was on a Reis. It was quite stable. There was the wooden tripod and the head it was on, one of the Reis heads.
 
So far I have shot 20 negs with this camera and all I can say is that it is awesome. I have done everything from close up with massive bellow extension to buildings using extreme front rise and the camera in all the different type is shooting scenarios is solid as a rock!

The other day I was about 8000 feet with pretty good wind and the camera preformed with 0 problems. Negatives were tact sharp with no sign of movement.

This camera was definitely designed by a photographer. The controls are a snap to use and it can be focused with one hand on. At first I was leery of the way it did rear swing but after using it I actually prefer it to traditional swings like on a deardroff or a Canham.

All the rear movements are designed to e able to quickly adjust while under the dark cloth with extreme ease. I have nothing negative to say about this camera at all.

As soon as a find a 4x5 back I will be selling my Canham as I prefer this camera over the different ones I have used.

It is simply an amazing camera. I use the Riess tripod and the combination gives you a rock solid system. My only regret is that I didn’t get one sooner.

It is simply an amazing camera and built like a tank, but a tank that is super light weight.

I will report back again as I use it more but so far it is just a pleasure to use.

Kev
 
Kevin,

Thank you for posting this update. I have been waiting to here how your camera has been working. I have been looking at Wehman for more than a year now, and think after reading this I may have to start saving my pennies.

Thanks!

Gary
 

I am considering a Wehman as well.
 
Hello Kevin,

Thank you from me, too, for the update on actual field use of the Wehman. Please keep us posted. Guess I'm going to have to discuss a new purchase with the wife very soon!
 
Hi Kev,

Glad you are enjoying the camera. Since you are accustomed to the 5 X 7, do you think that you might also like a 5 X 7 back or do you think that the proportions for 8 X 10 and 4 X 5 will be acceptable for all your shooting?

Rich
 
naturephoto1 said:
Hi Kev,

Glad you are enjoying the camera. Since you are accustomed to the 5 X 7, do you think that you might also like a 5 X 7 back or do you think that the proportions for 8 X 10 and 4 X 5 will be acceptable for all your shooting?

Rich
Click to expand...

Having a factory made 5x7 back for this camera would be great. I wish it were a standard option. As is one has to locate a back and have it adapted. Perhaps purchashing a Canham back would be the way to go. I have mixed feelings about using a 4x5 back. Would I be able to use wide angle lenses such a 65, 75, or 90 mm S.A. with the WEhman and an add on 4x5 back?
 

I have 4x5 and 5x7 backs for my Wehman (PLUS THE 8X10). My 110mm and 90mm lenses are no problem on my Wehman, but I haven't tried anything shorter.

I recently bought a 47mm S.A. XL - I hadn't thought about trying it on my Wehman - but it sounds interesting.

I'll need to make a Copal 0 lens board...
 
Hello Rich,

I am also looking for a 5x7 back as well! I am trying desperately to find a 4x5 back so I can use my roll film back with it. The camera is just simply amazing.

Also I have been using the plexiglass ground glass and it is just awesome. I have used it in both dim and bright light and so far it has been very easy to focus. I am planning on trying it in a dimly lit interior and see how it goes for that. But as of now I am not sure if I will go back to a glass ground glass or not. I will have to do more shooting is more diverse types of light to make a final decision.

---------------------------------------------
Don

I have just for fun put my Fujinon 90 SWD on the Wehman and was able to focus at infinity! I was blown away because with the Canham 5x7 you have to use a recessed board. I do not have a 75MM lens to test with, but the 90 does work.

I will continue to report back as I use it more and learn its intricacies.


Kev
 
Tom what 4x5 back did you get to use? I am tryign to find one that will take my 6x12 roll film back.

For the 5x7 back what did you use for that?

Kev
 
kjsphoto said:
I have just for fun put my Fujinon 90 SWD on the Wehman and was able to focus at infinity! I was blown away because with the Canham 5x7 you have to use a recessed board.
Kev
Click to expand...

That's interesting. I have to use a recessed lens board to shoot with my 90 mm SA on my Calumet C-1.
 
I have used a 90mm Dagor on my Wehman to make circular images. I had to run the back standard as far forward as it would go to keep the front of the bed out of the shot. This probably wouldn't be an issue with a 4x5 back though.
 
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