More questions from someone who went to LF

ggriffi · Jun 25, 2005

I have just taken the plunge into LF (Omega 45E) but haven't actually used it yet as I still need a couple of items. My questions right deal with a couple of equiptment issues that I might have. First, the lens end of the bellows has a couple of spots where the fold? doesn't compress and looks kinda like it has been pushed in. Can/should I take the lensboard out and try to push these back out? Second, I currently have a bogen 3221 tripod that I am planning on using. As it sits here next to me with the camera mounted it appears pretty solid but thats not outside in the elements. Do I have enough tripod for now?

Thanks in advance and I just hope that since I've taken the plunge, I can come up for air and not drown

g

David A. Goldfarb · Jun 25, 2005

Yes, if the bellows has become deformed, you can try to fix it by removing the back or the lensboard and manually adjusting the pleats so they fold properly.

I'm not sure how heavy a 3221 is, but if it's the tripod you have, then try it out. You'll know when you need a bigger tripod. The head is often a weak point, particularly if it's the stock head with a smaller legset. Many of the Bogen heads have the platform sitting too high on a relatively thin metal support for a heavy camera with a long rail, that can be a big source of leverage.

Troy Ammons · Jun 25, 2005

I have the bogen tripod and it is barely adequate with my Sinar. Its not too bad unless you are in wind or are using a lot of draw. The problems I have with the bogen is the center post setup is not stiff enough. I would use it for a while until you figure out what you need.

bobfowler · Jun 25, 2005

3221 sticks are fine for the 45E, the question is what head are you using? A 3047 3-way head will work well as will any of the heavier ball heads. I would avoid lightweight heads such as the 3025.

jimgalli · Jun 25, 2005

I think your bogen will be fine. I've got a 3221 that's held up the Deardorff 8X10 many times. your 45E is much lighter. Usually a bellows will pop back into it's original form and be fine. Sometimes it helps to pop them back into shape and let them spend the night under a couple of phone books.

ggriffi · Jun 25, 2005

Bob,

I do have the 3047 head but I am planning to get the 3/8" plate as I have the 1/4x20 right now.

Jim,

I will probably tackle that tomorrow, and I can't wait to use that Fuji lens.

g

bobfowler · Jun 26, 2005

ggriffi said:
Bob,

I do have the 3047 head but I am planning to get the 3/8" plate as I have the 1/4x20 right now.

Jim,

I will probably tackle that tomorrow, and I can't wait to use that Fuji lens.

g

No need to get the 3/8" plate, the 1/4" will hold just fine.

noseoil · Jun 26, 2005

I use the 3/8" plate for my 4x5 Shen Hao, but for the 8x10 B&J beast I only have 1/4" inserts in the camera base. Seems completely bass-ackward to me, but it works well enough. I still want to get one of the larger plates for the 8x10, but for now it works well enough. The 3047 head is plenty stout for what I do, but I am careful with the 8x10 not to be in a hurry and tighten things for a shot. tim

ggriffi · Jun 26, 2005

I just feel that the 3/8" thumbscrew would be a little more stout than the 1/4" thumbscrew. Thats why I wanted to go with that one.

g

jjstafford · Jun 26, 2005

ggriffi said:
I just feel that the 3/8" thumbscrew would be a little more stout than the 1/4" thumbscrew. Thats why I wanted to go with that one.

g

One would think so, however the Linhof Technika I have has only 1/4", and it actually does work out just fine.

bobfowler · Jun 26, 2005

ggriffi said:
I just feel that the 3/8" thumbscrew would be a little more stout than the 1/4" thumbscrew. Thats why I wanted to go with that one.

g

I use the 3297 large plate (supplied with both 1/4" and 3/8" screws) for my 5X7 Eastman and 4X5 Toyo cameras. It will fit any head with the hexagonal QR system.

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