Sen-Hao compound hood

Hi friends.
Lately I was considering a compound hood for my SH 4x5, presumably their own Shen-Hao hood (to be ordered directly from SH in China).
Would be glad to hear yor experiences with one. How this one is attached to the camera ? Is it flexible enough to accomodate at least moderate movements ?
I understand this is not the kind allowing using square filters system (Cokin or Lee for instance), right ?
Alternatively, there is a device (don't know how it is called) that clips onto the front standard and is comprized from a flat panel on flexible arm that is fixed at the position to block stray rays from one side. Perhaps someone of you is using this device and prefers it to the regular bellows-type hood ?

Thanks, Alex

Shen-Hao Compendium Hood

They are flexible enough to block flare for all 4 of my lenses (90 - 210) while still allowing access to the lens shutter controls. To mount the compendium hood, you have to drill a couple of small holes into the front standard. The downside of the hood is filters - both front & rear filter locations are too big for normal 4' filters. I had to mount them in appropriate size board.

Thank you, the things are getting clearer.
front and rear filters ? What do you mean ? I was referring to the standard rectangular filter systems such as Cokin or Lee that hook up to the lens front (via an apporpriate adapter). Do you mean their hood has some kind of filters adapter to accomodate certain kind fo filters ?
What did you mount in the appropriate size boards ? Filters ?
Drilling the holes into the standard ?? Xmm, a bit reluctant, sounds harsh..

Thanks, Alex

Unfortunately, Shen Hao didn't research the fact that there are standard sizes now for almost everything. This is curious, as they were able to copy the graflok back pretty well. In any event, they do not have an opening size in the front of their compendium lens hood which will accept "normal" filters. I've been using screw mount lens filters, so it isn't a problem for me, but if you are planning on using the 4x4 Lee filters, they are too small. Some sort of adapter must be made.

As doughowk has said, there is a metal plate which screws on to the top edge of the front standard. There are three holes in the metal plate, two which use wood screws to fasten the plate to the camera. A hole must be made in the standard for the threaded part, which screws into this plate, the center hole. An electric drill with small bits and a screw driver are all that is needed for this hood to be mounted properly. There is ample movement in the hood. I use mine with the 240mm g-claron to cut down on light bouncing around inside the camera (lens covers 8x10). It is a decent deal for the money, given the limitations of filters. tim

I just happen to have made several of the gadgets with the flexible arm you speak of. Its more adjustable than a hood and doesn't interfere with filters. Actually you can use it to hold filters as well. I don't have a photo to post right now. Anyone who's interested can pm me.

Alexz said:

Hi friends.
SNIP
Alternatively, there is a device (don't know how it is called) that clips onto the front standard and is comprized from a flat panel on flexible arm that is fixed at the position to block stray rays from one side. Perhaps someone of you is using this device and prefers it to the regular bellows-type hood ?

Thanks, Alex

Click to expand...

I think it is called MultiClip/Flare Buster. The link I had for them no longer works. Perhaps a Google search would turn something up.

Thank you guys, this clarifies the situation.
Still not sure whether this would be wise choise to purchase one.
I suspect the flexible arm would only be usable for single stray rays source, while the field the flare sources can be spread around in which case something like a compendium hood will only help.