Shen Hao Field cameras

mhainz · Oct 7, 2004

Does anyone here use one of these? Are they any good? They seem incredible value at about $600 for a 5x4 field camera.

kjsphoto · Oct 7, 2004

I have the 5x4 model and love it! The quality of the camera is excellent. You cannot go wrong with it. Well built and easy to get used to.

I would not hesitate for a minute

Robert Jaques · Oct 8, 2004

I use the Shen Hao 4x5 model which I purchased earlier this year.
I've been very impressed with this camera. The build and finish is excellent. For the price this camera is bargain. The only weakness is the limited bellows draw which will allow use of lenses up to t 300mm maybe a bit more. Though I have read that some guy used the Nikkor 450T with this camera. I prefer to use wide angles and normal focal lenghts so this wasn't a problem for me.

Highly recommended if you want to try Large Format.

MikeK · Oct 8, 2004

It is a great camera for the price. I borrowed one while my Wista was in the shop. The camera is very functional, compact and has a Graphlok back. The bellows draw was about the same as my Wista which is not a problem as my lonest lens for 4x5 is 10". I used a 75mm Grandagon without any problems.

When it gets time to replace my Wista this is the probable candidate

- Mike

esearing · Oct 8, 2004

I had the chance to play with an older CJ? model for a few days this week. Compared to my metal Calumet Monorail it seemed very light and delicate. But overall my impression was favorable. Knobs were a little small for my fat hands but easy to adjust. Bellows draw was good for normal and wide lenses. The ground glass screen was bright. The lensboard was a thin aluminum and the hole was slightly large for a Scneider 150mm on a copal 0 shutter but functional. Being a newer camera all the parts were tightly fitting and solid feeling when all was tightened down. It would be interesting to see how they wear over time. My only other comparison is a 20+ year old wood Anba that I held recently which was very loose. Very good backpacking camera, small and light. The spring back was the only potential problem area, I imagine this becomes a weak point over time. But this is based on my limited exposure to LF cameras so may not be an issue. Might also want to check if the knobs are captive. Once they are loosened they turn quite freely, thus potential for loss of the knob.

The newer H models have rear rise, while the C models do not. Badger is selling a reasonable kit for $1295 but if you have patience you will be able to beat that price on used gear especially if you do not need the accessories they offer in the kit.

Mongo · Oct 8, 2004

I've had mine for about a year now, and I'm very happy with it. My lenses range from 90mm to 250mm, and I use the camera mostly for landscape and exterior architectural work. I also do some closeup work and, unless I need the longer bellows or some insane movements, I prefer to use the Shen-Hao over my Cambo monorail. This is probably due to familiarity as I shoot about 25x as much with the Shen-Hao.

My camera's held up well. The knobs on the front standard are a bit on the small side for my fingers. I've been considering visiting a hobby shop to pick up some scale model rubber tires to put over the knobs; I think this will be an inexpensive solution to the only real complaint I have with the camera. (Note that the camera functions quite well as is...I'd just like slightly larger knobs on the front standard as I've got pretty big hands.)

Given the price, I think the Shen-Hao is the best deal going in 4x5 field cameras.

jandc · Oct 11, 2004

Shen-Hao has introduced the model SH512-IIAT camera in 5x12 inch format. Is this a format that is of any interest?

mikewhi · Oct 11, 2004

Uh, not to me. I have a 4x10 back for my Canham and I use that format especially since I still have 4x10 film and I can always cut 8x10 down. Holders are expenisve at about $100 each! What would a 5x12 holder cost? What film would you get for it? Do you stock 5x12, what would it cost? The ratio of 4x10 compared to 5x12 isn't much different, about 2.5:1 so I don't see what the slightly larger image gets you. I'd rather go up to 12x20 or 7x17 or something like that, 5x12 seems too odd.

HTH.

-Mike

BTW, just order a bunch of film and paper from you. Excellent service and delivery. I've got a friend shifting over to EFKE 100 and your Pro 100. Thanks for being there.

jandc · Oct 11, 2004

mikewhi said:
Uh, not to me. I have a 4x10 back for my Canham and I use that format especially since I still have 4x10 film and I can always cut 8x10 down. Holders are expenisve at about $100 each! What would a 5x12 holder cost? What film would you get for it? Do you stock 5x12, what would it cost? The ratio of 4x10 compared to 5x12 isn't much different, about 2.5:1 so I don't see what the slightly larger image gets you. I'd rather go up to 12x20 or 7x17 or something like that, 5x12 seems too odd.

HTH.

-Mike

BTW, just order a bunch of film and paper from you. Excellent service and delivery. I've got a friend shifting over to EFKE 100 and your Pro 100. Thanks for being there.

Thanks

I had spoken to Shen Hao about this and just wanted an opinion. They are planing a 7x17 version also.

George Losse · Oct 11, 2004

jandc said:
Shen-Hao has introduced the model SH512-IIAT camera in 5x12 inch format. Is this a format that is of any interest?

I can think of four very positive things to say about the 5x12 format.

1 - It uses lenses available for the 8x10 format. So if you were shooting 8x10 your not having to buy additional lenses. Or
2 - Film could be cut down from 12x20 without too much trouble. And maybe, if enough people buy these cameras, then some forward thinking retailers could have film cut in this size.
3 - Holders are available from S&S.
4 - You would be shooting a panoramic format with about the same trouble as shooting an 8x10 camera. I can tell you shooting an 8x20 is nothing like shooting my 8x10. I'm one of those guys that talks about the 8x10 as the small camera which is easy to carry around.

Now if you asking if I'd be interested in buying one......... ?
That's a different question.

jandc · Oct 11, 2004

George Losse said:
I can think of four very positive things to say about the 5x12 format.

1 - It uses lenses available for the 8x10 format. So if you were shooting 8x10 your not having to buy additional lenses. Or
2 - Film could be cut down from 12x20 without too much trouble. And maybe, if enough people buy these cameras, then some forward thinking retailers could have film cut in this size.
3 - Holders are available from S&S.
4 - You would be shooting a panoramic format with about the same trouble as shooting an 8x10 camera. I can tell you shooting an 8x20 is nothing like shooting my 8x10. I'm one of those guys that talks about the 8x10 as the small camera which is easy to carry around.

Now if you asking if I'd be interested in buying one......... ?
That's a different question.

Good points George, thanks. Film is no problem as we could have our films cut to this size.

sanking · Oct 11, 2004

mikewhi said:
Uh, not to me. I have a 4x10 back for my Canham and I use that format especially since I still have 4x10 film and I can always cut 8x10 down. Holders are expenisve at about $100 each! What would a 5x12 holder cost? What film would you get for it? Do you stock 5x12, what would it cost? The ratio of 4x10 compared to 5x12 isn't much different, about 2.5:1 so I don't see what the slightly larger image gets you. I'd rather go up to 12x20 or 7x17 or something like that, 5x12 seems too odd.

I pesonally like the 2.4:1 aspect ratio of the 5X12, which is almost identical to 7X17, quite a bit. And a 5X12 print does look quite a bit larger to me than a 4X10, especially in a contact print.

And the logistical difference between 5X12, when compared to 7X17 or 12X20, is really quite large. It would be quite feasible to backpack a 5X12, but very difficult for 7X17, and virtually impossible for 12X20.

As for holders, costs depends on your camera and type of holder. Current price Wisner of 4X10 wood holders, according to information I got from Emile de Leon, is around $200 per unit. S&S holders in 5X12 size are available for just a bit more.

And 5X12 is not only is a nice size for contact printing, but a negative this size can also be scanned and printed much larger with very little loss in image quality.

Sandy

esearing · Oct 11, 2004

JandC,
While you are talking to Shen-Hao ask them to add built in bubble levels (if possible) or an additional top mounted system that does not require drilling.

Dave Parker · Oct 11, 2004

Well, if it means anything, there must be quite a few of these cameras still in use, I sell quite a few pieces of 5 x 12 ground glass, on average about 1-2 a week..

Dave Parker
Ground Glass Specialties
Satin Snow(TM) Ground Glass
www.satinsnowglass.com

sanking · Oct 11, 2004

Satinsnow said:
Well, if it means anything, there must be quite a few of these cameras still in use, I sell quite a few pieces of 5 x 12 ground glass, on average about 1-2 a week..

Dave Parker
Ground Glass Specialties
Satin Snow(TM) Ground Glass
www.satinsnowglass.com

That surprises me a great deal as I had the impression that the 5X12 format was quite uncommon. I know of only three or four people using the format and have only seen two or three banquet cameras of this size for sale on ebay in several years.

Sandy

Bob F. · Oct 11, 2004

The Shen Hao is undoubtedly well made for the price. My only wonder though is the robustness of the wood used. Although naturally oily and hence protected from rot, teak is not the hardest of woods and my 3 month old, lightly used, 4x5 Shen is already showing a number of small dents and chips. It is also possible that I am just clumsy...

If it was readily available in a harder wood (I have read somewhere that it can be made to order in other woods, but I have no 1st-hand knowledge of that) it would easily take the low-cost crown and the Tachihara and others might as well not bother!

Cheers, Bob.

P.S. Does anyone know what finish is applied to the Shen Hao wood? Mine could do with touching up in a couple of places.

jandc · Oct 12, 2004

esearing said:
JandC,
While you are talking to Shen-Hao ask them to add built in bubble levels (if possible) or an additional top mounted system that does not require drilling.

All the 4x5 Shen Hao cameras we have sold have bubble levels. I am told by the factory that the 5x7 and 8x10 cameras also have them. What model are you refering to that doesn't?

jandc · Oct 12, 2004

Bob F. said:
The Shen Hao is undoubtedly well made for the price. My only wonder though is the robustness of the wood used. Although naturally oily and hence protected from rot, teak is not the hardest of woods and my 3 month old, lightly used, 4x5 Shen is already showing a number of small dents and chips. It is also possible that I am just clumsy...

If it was readily available in a harder wood (I have read somewhere that it can be made to order in other woods, but I have no 1st-hand knowledge of that) it would easily take the low-cost crown and the Tachihara and others might as well not bother!

Cheers, Bob.

P.S. Does anyone know what finish is applied to the Shen Hao wood? Mine could do with touching up in a couple of places.

Bob,

The factory tells me the finish is plain lacquer. According to them it is easily touched up.

Regardng other woods, they are possible but the lead times are long.

John

jandc · Oct 12, 2004

sanking said:
I pesonally like the 2.4:1 aspect ratio of the 5X12, which is almost identical to 7X17, quite a bit. And a 5X12 print does look quite a bit larger to me than a 4X10, especially in a contact print.

And the logistical difference between 5X12, when compared to 7X17 or 12X20, is really quite large. It would be quite feasible to backpack a 5X12, but very difficult for 7X17, and virtually impossible for 12X20.

As for holders, costs depends on your camera and type of holder. Current price of Wisner of 4X10 wood holders, according to information I got from Emile de Leon, is around $200 per unit. S&S holders in 5X12 size are available for just a bit more.

And 5X12 is not only is a nice size for contact printing, but a negative this size can also be scanned and printed much larger with very little loss in image quality.

Sandy

Sandy,

Thanks for your comments. I have not had any requests for 5x12 film until after Photokina where Shen Hao introduced their 5x12. So I had a feeling that the format was not very popular. I too am suprised by Daves information regarding his sales of 5x12 glass.

John

jandc · Oct 12, 2004

By the way, Shen Hao emailed me last night and indicated that the 7x17 cameras are planed for early 2005.

Dave Parker · Oct 12, 2004

I was quite surprised when we started taking orders for the 5 x 12 format, as I had not seen one for several years and did not realize that there was anybody still using that format. Actually I am quite surprised at the number of ULF and Banquet format cameras we do take orders for, there is still quite a few of these formats being used I guess.

Dave Parker
Ground Glass Specialties
Satin Snow(TM) Ground Glass
www.satinsnowglass.com

mhainz · Oct 13, 2004

Shen Hao in Australia

Thanks for all the discussion. I don't suppose they'd have a website that anyone knows of? Or if there's an Australian distributor?

jandc · Oct 13, 2004

mhainz said:
Thanks for all the discussion. I don't suppose they'd have a website that anyone knows of? Or if there's an Australian distributor?

http://www.shen-hao.com/

Bob F. · Oct 13, 2004

Thanks for the info John. A trip to the local DIY store for some semi-matt lacquer is in order then...

Cheers, Bob.

Jorge · Oct 13, 2004

Satinsnow said:
I was quite surprised when we started taking orders for the 5 x 12 format, as I had not seen one for several years and did not realize that there was anybody still using that format. Actually I am quite surprised at the number of ULF and Banquet format cameras we do take orders for, there is still quite a few of these formats being used I guess.

Dave Parker
Ground Glass Specialties
Satin Snow(TM) Ground Glass
www.satinsnowglass.com

So how much is a 12x20?....I think my Korona still has the original GG, I swear I have no idea how they could use these to focus on banquet guests.....it is horrible.

Shen Hao Field cameras

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