Sanity check: Sinar Norma in a Nature Trekker?

[Laurent]

Hi all,

i'm trying to get back to LF, and am pondering my options.

I'd like to keep the budget realistic, so if I could avoid having to buy a new backpack that would help.

I know 'cause I did it in the past that my Nature Trekker will fit a field camera + some lenses and holders quite easily.

But I'm afraid this may be untrue for a 4x5 Norma, could you confirm/comment?

Thanks!

 

[xkaes]

Monorail cameras can be brought into the wild -- especially if "the wild" is not far from the car. A few were made to do this with either very short rails or turning standards. The other option is to take everything apart when you want to move.

Most people opt instead for a field camera -- either metal or wood -- because most field cameras have more than enough movements for field work. And they don't have to be expensive when bought used.

The important thing is figuring out -- and getting -- the features that you need.

http://subclub.org/toko/4x5table.htm

 

[abruzzi]

I know nothing about the backpack or the size of it, but a 4x5 norma can be made somewht portable. I could definitely give some measurements in different ways of folding. IME experience there are really two ways to compact one. First is the one in the Norma docs which is to move the standards to opposite ends of the 12 base rail, disconnect the bellows from one of the standards, then use the tilt adjustments to fold both standardstowards each other.

The other approach is to keep the bellows in place, make sure the frames are dropped as low as they go (fall), then push both staandards together. This can possible made more flexible by sliding the standards off the 12 base rail, and onto a 6 inch externsion rail. This may require removing the rail clamp from between the standards. I used the offcial approach, the it doesn't come close to the compactness (or weight) that you'll get from a folding wooden field camera like a Chamonix, Shen Hao, etc.

 

[Brae]

For a nice budget option that is light and foldable I would look at the Sinar F or F1… F1 is nicer and you can get a nice one for about $250usd. I figured out a system with mine to extend the standards out to the ends of the 12” rail then rise the standards up remove bellows from the rear standard side and folded front standard onto the rail with the bellows under it, then press down so it compresses (gently) against the rail. After that I fold the rear standard down on top of the front and I got a cat labs ground glass protector. I have a 40 liter backpack and an f stoppers large size cube with my lenses and meter + film holders fit in the bottom and the sinar sits horizontally across the top of the pack. The whole package zips up inside the pack and is actually lighter than the toyo 45a or wista 45spI used to pack around. I should mention I leave the F series tripod mount attached to my tripod and strap that to the side of the pack.

 

[MarkS]

I have put my 4x5 Norma into the same Tamrac bag that holds my other 4x5, a Zone VI. it did just fit; the bag is 30 years old and has pack-away backpack straps. Its outside dimensions are roughly 14"x12"x19".
To do this, I used Abruzzi's second method posted above, and rotated the rail clamp to be as compact as possible. Sadly, the old Sinar needs maintenance now, so it's semi-retired. It lives in its own bag with a 500mm telephoto lens attached, and I don't use it far from the car.
I used an F2 on the job for many years- they are fine cameras too. To make an F-series camera more compact, find a Norma rail clamp to replace the larger F-series clamp.

 

[abruzzi]

I will say that there is nothing like using a proper monorail out in the field. For a while that was a Norma for me, but I ended up with an Arca Swiss F-Classic as my main camera, so now the Norma doesn’t get much use.

 

[DREW WILEY]

I've trekked well over 15,000 miles in the mountains carrying Sinar gear (plus all the other necessary backpacking supplies). Various configurations of 4X5 Sinar F (mainly a modified F2, then later, my favorite, the Norma). I keep them fully assembled for quick setup, including a long rail section (I like long focal length lenses). An older bellows serves as a compendium shade. All that just drops right into the top compartment of a large true external frame backpack, with the rail ends protruding a little either side. My goosedown jacket doubles as camera cushioning. No need for heavy thick redundant "camera pack" padding.

In my 60's I did switch over to a little Ebony 4x5 folder for those longer backpacking trips, but kept using the Norma or else 8x10 for dayhikes. If you can find a 4x5 Norma with its original tapered bellows still in good shape, they're more versatile than the subsequent square "box" bellows. Avoid the early F+ Sinar - the front rail is less durable than the F2 version.

 

[xkaes]

Drew's approach gives "fast" access, for sure, and will work with lots of monorail cameras in an external frame backpack, but it's still going to weight more than twice what most field cameras weight. When I'm hiking, especially for long hikes, excess weight is a non-starter. My "under four pounds" Toko does everything I need.

 

[Laurent]

Thanks for your replies, they give me food for thought!

I one had a Sinar F, but my hate/love/hate relationship with it ended in a trade and I've got my Rolleiflex since then.
I played with the idea of a Norma because it has so good reputation, and because I really like the idea of a very capable camera.

HOWEVER:

- My sixties are not so far (59 this year) and I may have to put this in my reflexion.
- Anything photogenic for me is usually reached by foot or bicycle. I may come to the basecamp by car, but do not really use the car to approach my subjects.
- ADHD may well create an issue if a camera has too much possibilities, so limiting them may help me making decisions.


Adding to that the fact that photography equipment is regularly a hot topic at home (ADHD again, I'd be flooded with cameras all over if I was not happily married) seems to point in the direction of a folder, which would also save me from buying a new backpack when I have an almost empty Nature Trekker (currently working at emptying it via classifieds, I only have two lenses in it)

But you really helped me (I also measured the backpack and can't see how it would host a Norma plus a few essentials like lenses and film...)

 

[DREW WILEY]

A true external frame classic backpack will easily handle a Norma and a whole lot more, and be more comfortable to carry. I don't know what is available in Europe. I pick up classic old US made Kelty Tioga packs from garage sales listing (there were different sizes, and the old 70's ones were made far better than current offshored ones). Some turn up never used at all. But there were numerous brands back then. They'll even hold your equipment safer due to the adaptable box -style design of the compartment.

But if you insist on a this or that "official" camera pack, an F1 would fit in a lot better than a Norma (or an F2 if you shorten the rod risers, which are way longer than realistically needed).

I'm almost 77, and it's not so much my knees and back which are an issue yet, but my finger joints. So yes, I must confess that I resort to that little Ebony folder more and more often (as well as my Fuji 6X9 rangefinders). But I still sometimes shoot an 8x10 folder too.