Help choosing camera!

[ThePenguin]

I need some advice regarding choosing equipment. I currently have a Pacemaker Speed Graphic with the Aero-Ektar 178/2.5 and it's a wonderful combination. But I rarely use it, I think it's to heavy to bulk around with.

I will use the camera for mostly landscapes and nature, but maybe also some architecture. And I got really interested in a panoramic camera (6x17) but I also like the 4x5 format. How is it to use a 6x17 adaptor on a 4x5 camera? Do you get good results comparing to a dedicated panoramic camera? I will use the camera on a tripod. Now I'm trying to figure out witch camera I should choose and what (lets say 3) lenses to get and I'm hoping YOU can help me

Thanks!

 

[TareqPhoto]

I answered you somewhere

 

[John Kasaian]

How much you wanna spend?

 

[Gerald C Koch]

In today's increasingly digital world film for panorama cameras will become harder to find. We have already seen this for 8x10. Just something else to ocnsider.

 

[Steve Smith]

Film for panoramic cameras is just ordinary 120 for the 617 and similar cameras and ordinary 35mm for the X-Pan.

And didn't Kodak recently offer Ektar 100 in 5x4 and 8x10 sizes?


Steve.

 

[A Sabai]

If you're not looking to spend much keep the speed graphic and get some new lenses a 6x17 back.

 

[ThePenguin]

Thanks for the advice! But if I'm going to use a 6x17 back, isn't it better to buy a 5x7 camera and buy a 6x17 and 4x5 back to that one? Won't I have trouble to focus to infinity?

 

[Steve Smith]

The 6x17 backs for 5x4 cameras usually have a ground glass adaptor which extends past the back. It has to do that otherwise the camera's body would cast a shadow on the sides of the film. I don't know about 6x17 roll film holders for 5x7 cameras.

http://www.kgcphoto.com/Reviews_&_Tutorials/shen-hao_6x17_back.htm


Steve.

 

[Christopher Walrath]

Why not make a mask for the 4x5 ground glass so you can view a panoramic format then print from those negs in the same fashion? Just an affordable idea.

 

[TareqPhoto]

Why not make a mask for the 4x5 ground glass so you can view a panoramic format then print from those negs in the same fashion? Just an affordable idea.

I can have 6x12 out of 4x5 but not 6x17cm, for some like me i want to have panos as 6x17 or 6x24, 6x12 is not that much panoramic result to my opinion, maybe will try 4x12cm and see.

 

[Ian Grant]

I prefer my dedicated 6x17 camera, a major disadvantage of the extension backs is you can't use shorter focal length lenses and I now only use a 75mm on my Gaoersi 717.

As I've just finished restoring a British half plate camera I may make a 6x17 back for it, the advantage is the camera is lighter than all my 5x4's and it wouldn't need ant additional extension. I'll be tapping Steve's brains I think as he's nearly completed a 6x12 camera

Ian

 

[Steve Smith]

I'll be tapping Steve's brains I think as he's nearly completed a 6x12 camera

It's complete enough to run a film through but I still need to get the shutter fixed. It works but one of the shutter blades fell out. I keep finding other things to spend my money on... like bills and food.


Steve.