Sinar F2 question

[Chuck_P]

I want to do field photography, archetectural stuff as well as still life table top stuff. Since I'm not going to start collecting multiple 4x5's for different types of photography, I'm searching for one camera that will successfully meet my needs-----understanding fully that one camera may not be perfect for every situation. But there must be one that will can be considered adequate for both field (more of the close-in stuff than big landscapes) and still life stuff. Am I asking too much or is this reasonable?

I keep getting drawn to the F2. I feel that it will do well for the still life stuff but I would like some opinions from others that have used it regarding its field use as I have described, and I really like the yaw free capability as I see that only as a plus regardless of when it will actually be needed. My forum search found the descriptive word,"clunky", a few times. Why do some think it is clunky? It's weight, at 8lbs. does not seem bothersome.

Before I buy anything, I will be making trip to Midwest Photo to look at some hands-on.

Thanks
Chuck

 

[mikebarger]

I use a F in the field and can't complain. However, I do tend to use the Hassy more than 4x5.

I carry the F on the tripod over my shoulder and a bag for supplies, not going near as far off the road as with the Hassy. It is doable.

Mike

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Monorails (aside from ultralights like the Gowland and Toho Shimo) are generally bulkier than folding flatbed cameras, but an F/1/2 is quite manageable in the field. You can pack them in 3 different ways, depending on whether your priority is compactness or readiness. They have levels, scales, and detentes to make setup fairly quick, and the swing/tilt calculator and DOF calculator along with yaw-free movements are nice conveniences.

You can keep the weight and bulk down by mounting your lenses on smaller lensboards and using a lensboard adapter, if you plan to carry several lenses.

 

[Logan Group]

I use my Sinar F2 in the field all the time. I do a lot of shooting that requires a lot of movements so it's the obvious choice. Similar to what Mike posted I have a backpack with all my gear and just walk around with the camera already mounted on a tripod which I just rest on my shoulder. I usually cover the whole rig with my dark cloth when walking. Just be sure to tighten everything down really well before you start traveling with it (on both the camera and tripod, I left my rear standard loose once and its slid off the rail!) and you should be fine.

As for Sinar's being "clunky" I guess that's just a matter of opinion. I don't find it "clunky" at all. All Sinar's IMO are very thoughtfully designed and very ergonomic. Like any other fine tool you have to work with it for a while to really get used to and understand all it's features. I have a Zone VI as well but almost never shoot with it, not because it's not a great camera but because it's movements don't usually fit my needs most of the time. And even if I know I won't need the extreme capabilities of the Sinar I like having the Sinar just in case I find a subject in which I do need such extreme movements.

Also I would try to get an F2 has the geared fine focus on the front standard. Both F1 and F2 have geared and fine focus on the rear standard.

Hope this helps...

 

[Shmoo]

The F2 is a well thought-out 4x5 monorail. It's heavier than a field camera, but a solid performer. It is built with other system components in mind that you'll acquire along the way...bag bellows, extension rails, compendium shade rail/clips, etc.

The DOF and swing/tilt calculators are a great convenience as are the geared front AND rear standards on the F2. If you're faced with the F1 vs the F2, go with the F2. The additional geared standard is worth it.

It can be collapsed into a more compact shape if you don't want to leave it on the tripod, which I prefer to do (it doesn't take much to set it back up)...I don't think my back is as good as the rest of these guys.