Sinar question

nbagno · Apr 12, 2019

Playing with the idea of adding a Sinar 4x5 for some "studio" shots at home. I currently have a Chamonix 4x5 as my field camera. My thought is since these used Sinar cameras are sort of inexpensive these days, why not just go for the P2 version. Sound logical so far? Looking at some of the listings, I see where some of the P2's have "F" front standards. Why is that? Does it matter?

Thanks

jim10219 · Apr 12, 2019

That would be a Sinar C1 or C2. The "C" stands for combination, and is basically an F front and a P back. Sinar sold them this way, but more than likely you're seeing a combo that someone put together aftermarket.

Does it matter? Well the original F and F1 front standards have a history of breaking at the rail clip. The F2 front standard addressed this issue and is a bit nicer with geared focusing. But the P1 and P2 standards are a lot more rugged and have the nice geared movements all around. Since you're just planning on using it in a studio, you probably don't have to worry about the F or F1 front standard breaking. They are more fragile, but not necessarily fragile. So it kind of depends on if you need the geared movements on the front standard as well.

AgX · Apr 12, 2019

With p standards at both ends you not only can use all movements there are, but easily test focusing plane settings at the rear and then transfer them precisely to the front.

KenS · Apr 12, 2019

nbagno said:
Playing with the idea of adding a Sinar 4x5 for some "studio" shots at home. I currently have a Chamonix 4x5 as my field camera. My thought is since these used Sinar cameras are sort of inexpensive these days, why not just go for the P2 version. Sound logical so far? Looking at some of the listings, I see where some of the P2's have "F" front standards. Why is that? Does it matter?

Thanks

When 'working' at a local Govt. Reseach Centre I managed to get an F2 to replace an old Linhof 'hand-held ... It was a 'beautiful' instrument to work with..If I ever need to replace my much used Linhof monorail The F2 would be the #1 camera of choice for me.... the off-center swings and tilts make 'things" a LOT easier

Ken

AgX · Apr 12, 2019

Linhof and others offered off axis movements even better than Sinar.

DREW WILEY · Apr 19, 2019

P's are heavy and can be downright clumsy if you don't have a very solid stand or tripod. And beware of the fact that cobbled-together C-like versions from left over components of misc camera styles often show up, deceptively listed. There were also several generations of P's, and the older ones might be pretty worn out by now. A newer deluxe version is the 4X5 X-series. It's basically a geared P without the all of the expensive scale markings. But F2's are also excellent for studio and architectural use, and a lot more portable. Avoid the old F+. My favorite Sinar series is the Norma; but it take take some patience finding a clean one still with pristine bellows. You can interchange later Sinar box and bag bellows if necessary; but the original Norma tapered bellows is more versatile. The Norma was prior to yaw-free controls, but that feature is nowhere near as important as marketing propaganda has made it seem to be.

nbagno · Apr 20, 2019

DREW WILEY said:
P's are heavy and can be downright clumsy if you don't have a very solid stand or tripod. And beware of the fact that cobbled-together C-like versions from left over components of misc camera styles often show up, deceptively listed. There were also several generations of P's, and the older ones might be pretty worn out by now. A newer deluxe version is the 4X5 X-series. It's basically a geared P without the all of the expensive scale markings. But F2's are also excellent for studio and architectural use, and a lot more portable. Avoid the old F+. My favorite Sinar series is the Norma; but it take take some patience finding a clean one still with pristine bellows. You can interchange later Sinar box and bag bellows if necessary; but the original Norma tapered bellows is more versatile. The Norma was prior to yaw-free controls, but that feature is nowhere near as important as marketing propaganda has made it seem to be.

Thanks for the response. Have plenty of time to figure it out!

TheFlyingCamera · Apr 21, 2019

Depending on what you're doing in the studio, a Norma might well be the perfect camera for the studio - if you're doing work that doesn't require tons of super-precise, repeatable movements for tabletop macro work, then a Norma will absolutely fit the bill and look super-sexy to boot. Or go for an X or P2.

jim10219 · Apr 21, 2019

It's hard to go wrong with any of the Sinar cameras, as long as you're not hiking with them. They're all well made and have tons of accessories. I'd let price and condition dictate my decision. I don't think any of them offer something that makes them head and shoulders above the other for most people. The P series are a bit heavier, but the F series aren't exactly light either. The P series makes repeatability easier, but who shoots product photography with film these days? To me, the most important quality of a studio camera should be the ease of using precise movements, and that means finding one that doesn't have worn out locks or gears.

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