Want to Buy WTB 6x17 Camera

[illumiquest]

I've been shooting a lot of widelux but would like to move up to a bigger format and something which can focus. I'm tempted to get an Xpan for the portability but also want much larger negatives to work with. I'd like to find a relatively affordable 6x17 camera. I don't need a lens since I have several already but if you're selling something with a lens I'd consider it. I looked at the old modified torpedo cameras but think they're too bulky for me.

My budget is under 1k lower the better

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Jeff Bannow]

Take a look at my APUG listing here:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

It's a 6x12, but a great camera.

 

[LJH]

ecbuyonline2008 on eBay has new Gaesori's for just a bit more than your $1k limit.

3C-Store has the Da-Yi 617 Shift II for about the same. I have one of the latter cameras, and can tell you that it's a really good camera! I started with a 90mm cone on it, but now mount a 72mm on it. A little heavy compared to my Xpan, but a great camera to travel with. I like the twin film pressure plates in the holder; keeps the film nice and flat.

 

[L Gebhardt]

I have a DaYi 6x17 back for a 4x5 camera. I paid $500 for it a few years ago. I'll sell it for the same, and throw in the PayPal and shipping fees. Still in excellent condition. Works well with lenses up to 180mm. You will of course need a 4x5 camera with a universal back (graflok). The nice thing about using the back over a dedicated camera is you can use movements.

 

[illumiquest]

Still looking. I think I'd prefer a point and shoot like the Fuji G617 which works better with my run and gun style of shooting. Anyone?

 

[LJH]

Still looking. I think I'd prefer a point and shoot like the Fuji G617 which works better with my run and gun style of shooting. Anyone?

Can you explain how the G617 differs from, say, the Gaoersi in terms of being able to "...run and gun..."?

They're both point'n'shoot, non-metered, non-linked range finders. Do you mean its lever advance? If so, having used both extensively (well, the DaYi v the G617), there is little difference in time needed to advance the film.

 

[AlbertZeroK]

I have a G617 that has a broken shutter and a small scratch on the inside of the lens (you should be able to move the scratch to the unused part of the lens). $700 and it's yours.

 

[illumiquest]

Sorry, I thought you were talking about the other chinese camera which has the bellows and focusing screen which seems a bit clunky. The Gaorsi actually looks pretty good.

Can you explain how the G617 differs from, say, the Gaoersi in terms of being able to "...run and gun..."?

They're both point'n'shoot, non-metered, non-linked range finders. Do you mean its lever advance? If so, having used both extensively (well, the DaYi v the G617), there is little difference in time needed to advance the film.

 

[LJH]

Sorry, I thought you were talking about the other chinese camera which has the bellows and focusing screen which seems a bit clunky. The Gaorsi actually looks pretty good.

Having shot with Technoramas, Fuji 617s and Gaesori/DaYi's, the latter strike me as the most rugged. Obviously, they don't have the finesse of a Linhof; however, I have never seen a shot taken by finesse.

If you're thinking of using this style of camera for a rough'n'rugged style of shooting, it is my belief that the Gaerosi/DaYi would take more punishment than the Linhof and Fuji's.

FWIW, I think that the Fotoman cameras fit into the middle of these styles of cameras, about on par with the Fuji's for build quality and strength/ruggedness.

Also FWIW, I have never regretted buying a cheaper body and more expensive glass to put on it. YMMV.

 

[thegman]

I had a Gaoersi for a little bit, kind of regret selling it now. They feel like they were built by a blacksmith more than a camera company, but what you get for your money is actually very impressive. Image quality will of course depend on the lens you put on it, and I do wonder about film flatness, but it's probably fine.

I now have a Fotoman 69, which is more graceful affair, although the actual Fotoman bit is only a bit of metal and a focusing cone, the rest of it is Horseman for backs, Schneider for the lens, Copal for the shutter, Leica for the finder. I would not hesitate to buy another Fotoman though, the dMini looks lovely.