Shen Hao 617 Arrived!

[Richard Man]

Not sure if I ever introduced myself here. Anyway, I am a confirmed pano-nut. So much so that I have 2 XPan-II: Dead Link Removed

I just took delivery of a Shen Hao 617. This is my first view camera, and I am having a blast:
Dead Link Removed

I think the Shen Hao and the XPan make a killer combo!

// richard
// blog: Dead Link Removed

 

[thegman]

Looks awesome, and great pano shots on your blog.

 

[Jeff Bannow]

Nice. How did you decide on that model Shen-Hao over the others? I've been thinking about getting one myself.

 

[Tim Gray]

Very cool. Nice website. I just got an XPan myself and am looking forward to shooting with it. That 6x17 camera looks neat. Does it fold up small?

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Great shots, I wish I had one!

Jeff

 

[Richard Man]

Thanks all for the comments.

@Jeff - the only one available from Badger Graphic at the time was the PTB617 rather than the TC617, and after looking at the spec, I thought the PTB is better: it's lighter and folds up, and only lose some movements that are probably not important. I like pano format a lot so I know I don't want a 4x5 or 5x7 with a 617 back - that's wasting a lot of the camera features that I don't use.

@Tim, yes it folds up to the size of a hardcover book. Of course you still have the rollfilm holder and the lens....

Thanks again!

 

[jon.oman]

I too think that your images are great! You should have fun with this new camera.

 

[Panoman617]

Very Nice!

 

[LJH]

Start saving for the 7x17...

 

[Kekhotep]

I'm considering purchasing a Shen-Hao TFC 617-A this weekend. Are you happy with yours after all of these years?

 

[Richard Man]

Blast from the past!

Yes, I am. I like view camera so much that I bought 3 4x5 cameras since then So have not shot as much with the 617. Still highly recommended!

 

[Dr Croubie]

I'd highly recommend one of the DaYi 617 backs (although my first few rolls had light-leaks, I've worked around that).
The one I have is Graflok for 4x5, it sits back from the regular GG (and has its own GG), there's also a version for 5x7 that fits flush with the normal GG. Then changing to 4x5 is as simple as changing back to the regular GG.

Definitely isn't as light as a dedicated 617 like a ShenHao, Fuji G(X) or Technorama though, but they're only $500 plus whatever 4x5 you want.

 

[LJH]

I'm considering purchasing a Shen-Hao TFC 617-A this weekend. Are you happy with yours after all of these years?

I am, however, I never use it now.

I only shoot B&W, so have the 7x17" to use. I much prefer the massive camera to the (relatively) tiny 6x17cm.

I'm currently weighing up selling the original Shen Hao 617....