So I've got this 24-inch Red Dot...what to do next?

Kimberly Anderson · Nov 26, 2005

I have this very nice 24 inch Red Dot Artar, and am thinking of what to do with it.

I bought it several years ago when I was shooting my 8x10 'Dorff...sold the camera but kept the lens.

I was planning on getting a 12x20, but am falling in love with the 7x17 format.

I know the 24 inch will cover 7x17, but I have no experience with any cameras of that format, which ones are good, which ones are good to stay away from, and if you could fabricate/modify an existing LF camera into a 7x17 (if it's worth doing at all).

Kind of a loaded question, but I think you guys know where I'm going with this.

I like the idea of getting an older model 7x17, the look and feel of the vintage cameras. Really miss my 'Dorff as a piece to just enjoy looking at. I have met Canham, enjoy his personality and the quality of his cameras, but don't enjoy the price or the wait (if you know what I mean).

Is there a good resource for the different 7x17's offered (other than just asking here I s'pose)?

Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions. I'm just dipping my toe into the water, but the ULF itch is startin' to get bad.

scootermm · Nov 27, 2005

http://www.canhamcameras.com/
http://www.wisner.com/
http://www.lg4mat.net/ Richard Ritter seems to be working on ULF cameras as well.
http://www.fiberq.com/cam/ekc/fsbanq.htm (F&S 7x17)
http://www.fiberq.com/cam/gundlach/banq.htm Korona 7x17

you might be able to find those bottom two on ebay. but the F&S wont manage a lens that long unless you fabricate some sort of extension rail.

but in regards to new ... seems canham might be your best bet... theres also the cameras Jim Chinn is working on at present may be an option.

hope that helps.

nworth · Nov 27, 2005

The first question is whether the bellows extends that far.

smieglitz · Nov 27, 2005

The second question is how large the lensboard is.

ChuckP · Nov 27, 2005

Hope you also read the Large Format Photography Forum. Some recent 7x17 questions there.

Kimberly Anderson · Nov 27, 2005

ChuckP said:
Hope you also read the Large Format Photography Forum. Some recent 7x17 questions there.

Yeah, APUG has been a tremendous resource. I've been following the various ULF threads there, the recent 7x17 flurry has been very interesting.

Thanks for the links...

steve simmons · Nov 27, 2005

Richard Ritter is designing a new series of ULF cameras. The 7x17 will be the basic format but they will be convertible to other sizes as well. They will probably not be available till next spring but worth checking out. He previewed the 7x17 at the last View Camera conference and may be back at our next one in June 2006.

Ritter's phone is 802-365-7807 and his web site is

www.lg4mat.net

steve simmons

sanking · Nov 27, 2005

Michael Slade said:
I like the idea of getting an older model 7x17, the look and feel of the vintage cameras. Really miss my 'Dorff as a piece to just enjoy looking at. I have met Canham, enjoy his personality and the quality of his cameras, but don't enjoy the price or the wait (if you know what I mean).

Available used. Folmer & Schwing, Korona. Deardorff probably made them also, but I have never seen one for sale. These cameras have limited bellows draw and movements, usually nothing on the front but rise and fall, and shift and tilt on the rear.

More recently, 7X17 cameras have been made by Phillips, Canham, Wisner, and more recently Shen-Hao. Most these have extensive movements, and in some cases a lot of bellows draw.

You will not be able to use a 24" Artar with any of the vintage 7X17 cameras because they don't have enough bellows draw. Same is true of the Shen-Hao and some Wisner models. Emile de Leon could comment more about the features of the varoius Wisner models. The Phillips and Canham have plenty of bellows draw for your lens, and of these two the Canham has the most.

Sandy

Ole · Nov 27, 2005

Lenses like that is one of the reasons I bought my Russian 30x40cm (12x16") camera. With a bit over 80cm bellows and a universal lens mount, anything up to about 750mm or 30" focal length can be used - or at least played with.

But it's not very portable at 15kg (30 lb).

Scott Peters · Nov 27, 2005

7 x 17 availability

I know about a month or so ago, Dick Phillips had one 7 x 17 left. You may also want to post a wanted ad here. Also, check with Fred at VCS, as I believe he knows of someone who may sell a 7 x 17. Check with Emile on the Shen hao 7 x 17. Not quite sure what the bellows draw is on the Shen. The Phillips will go to 26".

sanking · Nov 27, 2005

Scott Peters said:
I know about a month or so ago, Dick Phillips had one 7 x 17 left. You may also want to post a wanted ad here. Also, check with Fred at VCS, as I believe he knows of someone who may sell a 7 x 17. Check with Emile on the Shen hao 7 x 17. Not quite sure what the bellows draw is on the Shen. The Phillips will go to 26".

That is less bellows draw on the Phillips than I realized. By contrast, the Canham 7X17 has some 36+ inches of bellows draw.

Sandy

Kimberly Anderson · Nov 27, 2005

Seems to me what I do really want is a Canham, but I can only afford a K1000.

Hmmm....maybe it's time to shuffle some gear.

So I've got this 24-inch Red Dot...what to do next?

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