Sinar camera purchase...good buy?

[JustinBenttinen]

After doing a bit of research and wanting a large format camera for months, I came across this http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220493630375&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT camera kit and decided to give it a go. The whole kit and caboodle came to $870 (920 w/shipping). Judging from the individual prices of the parts offered, I think this was a good deal. Thoughts?

 

[DanielStone]

nice. the lenses each would go for 300~ i believe.

-Dan

 

[JohnArs]

If the cam is in good shape its a very good deal!

Cheers Armin

 

[Curt]

Hello Justin, did you win that bid, it looked like a complete system, very nice. If you didn't there are lots of kits out there.

and Welcome,
Curt

 

[JustinBenttinen]

Yeah, that was my winning bid. I just have heart palpitations when I buy something over 100 dollars sight unseen. That being said, I researched the serial numbers before buying and found that the lenses were from the early to mid 80's, are multicoated, and looked quite good in the pictures. Whew! To large format land I go! Thanks a lot guys. I needed the reassurance .

 

[JustinBenttinen]

I was sold on the wide angle and portrait lenses as well as the extension bellows for macro work. There is another that I have considered...not sure if I am crazy enough to make the leap though.

 

[per volquartz]

Its a great deal!


Per Volquartz


Dead Link Removed

 

[nick mulder]

Yeh, with those lenses its a goer for sure - someone could have bought it at that price just to play with the trade value and on sell alone...

Go Team Sinar !

 

[jeroldharter]

The 90 mm lens might be the most expensive part of the kit. The 210's are dirt cheap right now. For studio work that is a very nice camera kit with the bag bellows and fitted case included.

In my experience buying these things, a camera purchase can look like a good deal but then you've got lens boards, loupes, cable releases, filters, step-up rings, cases, etc. to buy so you end up doubling the camera's price. This is a complete kit so I think it is a great way to get started. When you have the chance, you might pick up some extra Sinar lens boards in anticipation of the inevitable lens purchases!

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Looks good to me.

 

[Q.G.]

For studio work that is a very nice camera kit with the bag bellows and fitted case included.

The "F" in the camera's type name stands for "Field"

And it really is an excellent lightweight field camera, even though not as portable as the folding types, nor as sophisticated as the Sinar P models.

 

[flash26c]

I have an F1 - I think you'll enjoy your purchase. Using the angle calculators is a good way to learn movements. Large format is a great way to photograph as it forces you to slow down and see the world anew on the ground glass.

 

[Bosaiya]

It's hard to go wrong with a Sinar!

 

[JustinBenttinen]

Wow! I am really surprised with the amazing response...on my first post, no less. Seems like I have found a great place to chat. Thanks again to everyone!

 

[edwinb]

congratulations on your Sinar kit - if you need any small parts you can identify the bits from these Sinar service manuals which you can download
Edwin

 

[thomnola]

Nice rig! If there are any issues with the camera such as stiff focussing, etc. don't fret. Just send it to Sinar and they will bring it back up to spec. Earlier this year we had our P2 serviced and, with parts and labor, it only came to a little over $300. You will use this camera until you are 100; rock solid.

 

[Bruce A Cahn]

The camera is worth about 400 in good shape, so you got a fair but not great price. It is a good camera. Best of luck with it.