How does current Zone VI compare to Wisner Traditional?

[BradS]

Not that I can afford either one right now but, I was dreaming...

Somebody told me that the current Zone VI ultralight 4x5 was essentially the same design as the current Wisner traditional. Now, I'm aware that Mr Wisner was involved in the original Zone VI labs design but was under the impression that the design of the Zone VI camera had evolved away from the original design over the years...

Are the two comparable?

 

[Dave Wooten]

Brad,

Have you checked Ron's website for the current specs on each of the camera sizes? Ron also makes a "pocket" 4 x 5 and I believe a 5 x 7.

If it is the ultra light you are looking for I could be wrong but I do not believe the ultra light was the original model....it is not the traditional nor the tech.


Just e mail RWisn@aol.com and ask!

All the best
Dave

 

[BradS]

Brad,

Have you checked Ron's website for the current specs on each of the camera sizes? Ron also makes a "pocket" 4 x 5 and I believe a 5 x 7.

Just e mail RWisn@aol.com and ask!

All the best
Dave

Hi Dave,
Yeah, I've looked at both websites extensively. Problem is, I have to change my pants everytime I do. In anycase, specs on the page are one thing. How the camera "works and feels" in the field is another. Probably just my confused mathematician's mind but, I was thinking that if the designs are substantially similar, then the handling might be too...

Anyway, I would email Mr. Wisner if I were anywhere ready to buy but, right now, I have only something like $200 of "secret stash" saved up for the 4x5 wood field camera I've been dreaming of.

I notice that Ebony, Wisner and Zone VI each offer similar 4x5 wood field cameras at around $1500. So, I've kinda been looking at those three.

 

[Dave Wooten]

Casey's Cameras in Las Vegas has a used Wisner 4 x 5 in their show as of yesterday....it is beautiul....895.00. That is definately worth it.

 

[Dave Wooten]

At Casey's you need to talk to Wayne Kodey....owner.

 

[Tom Stanworth]

I have a Zone VI 10x8 ultralight the latest design which I got used. It is very similar to a Wisner traditional in every respect apart from materials. I dunno what others are like, but mine is well made with very accurate machining indeed (I have heard them slated constantly). Materials are very light so do not have that robust feel of heavier wood and brass (mine is aluminium), but I suspect force required for breakage would be enough to make any camera need a trip to the repair man It is rigid enough, in that force required to 'flex' it would translate into a very strong wind; strong enough to induce enough vibration to prevent shooting anyway. Final point tho, is that whilst functional I have no emotional bond to it as it is not beautiful and does not have the slightest bit of personality like something hand made. I can deal with this just fine if the images are great tho I wanted light weight and used value. It is certainly light and being virtually unused, good value.

Having handled Wisners and various others and owning an ebony, the Ebony is simply leagues above the rest in quality. The Wisner to me felt positively home made and crude in comparison. The exceptional finish, function and rigidity of the Ebony products is constant both across the range and from example to example. I have never heard of a 'dog' tho of course the odd fault gets thru like any product, tho rarely. In the US I feel that the Mahogony RW45 with universal bellows to be by far the most appealing std 5x4 folder on the market and I would not entertain the idea of anything else of similar cost such as the Zone VI or Wisner, personally.....to me there is a night and day difference in quality. Having said that I have seen some 5x4 Zone VIs go VERY cheap used, even when 100% mint ($350). Ebonys hold their value too well for good used bargains it seems.

Tom