Zone VI ultralight camera users

[Mike A]

I have a Zone VI Ultralight on hold at Calumet and was wondering what the specs were on this peice of equiptment? I can't seem to find a reliable spec sheet.

If anyone can tell me there experiences with this particular model I would appreciate it.

Mike

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

4x5 or 8x10?
I've got one of their 8x10's, and can pass you the specs for it if that's what you're looking at.

 

[Monophoto]

Mike -

I have the 4x5. The image below is the specifications portion of the one-page instructions that comes with the camera.

My experience have been very good. I have found it easy to set up and zero out, and generally rugged enough for anything I want to do. I've had mine for almost exactly six years.

I did purchase the optional fresnel and found that it provided a welcome improvement in ground glass brightness. I considered purchasing the bag bellows, but after a discussion with the Calumet rep at the View Camera conference a couple of years ago, decided to let that pass. Eventually, I made my own bag bellow but that was more of a "lets see if we can do this" project than something I really needed.

I bought a Caltar 210mm f5.6 with the camera, and later purchased the Caltar 90mm f8 on the auction site. Have been pleased with both lenses.

I've had a couple of minor frustrations - neither of which is a serious flaw in the design and each is something that I've learned to live with/work around. My sense from conversations with others is that every view camera has quirks that you just have to learn to live with.

One suggestion - when you first get the camera, spend a few minutes practicing how to open and close it without dragging the metal hardware over the bellows. Eventually, it becomes second nature, but at first it's a bit awkward. Actually, the practice time counts as fondling the new toy and is probably something that you would do anyway.

 

[Mike A]

4x5 or 8x10?
I've got one of their 8x10's, and can pass you the specs for it if that's what you're looking at.

Sorry guy's, it's an 8x10.

Scott, It was your recomendation in another thread that led me to purchase the Zone VI, thank you.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Mike- I just posted over on LF Info to your question. I'll look when I get home tonight and see if I still have the owners manual (I think I do, in the original box). In short, the camera has 34" bellows draw max, 4 1/2" minimum I think. Takes a sinar-sized lensboard (Not quite 6"). Dry weight is 9.8 lbs. Bellows are non-interchangeable because they are so flexible. One thing to watch out for with long lenses is bellows sag - theres a little metal loop on top of the bellows to help pull them up so they don't vignette.

Glad I inspired you to get one- they're great cameras. I'd call them definitely a peer to the Canham woodfield, even if they're not quite as techno-sexy. It's as easy to work with as my little Shen-Hao, just bigger .

 

[Mike A]

Mike- I just posted over on LF Info to your question. I'll look when I get home tonight and see if I still have the owners manual (I think I do, in the original box). In short, the camera has 34" bellows draw max, 4 1/2" minimum I think. Takes a sinar-sized lensboard (Not quite 6"). Dry weight is 9.8 lbs. Bellows are non-interchangeable because they are so flexible. One thing to watch out for with long lenses is bellows sag - theres a little metal loop on top of the bellows to help pull them up so they don't vignette.

Glad I inspired you to get one- they're great cameras. I'd call them definitely a peer to the Canham woodfield, even if they're not quite as techno-sexy. It's as easy to work with as my little Shen-Hao, just bigger .

Thanks again Scott I'll PM you over on LF later today.

mike

 

[Jon Shiu]

Hi, I have Calumet catalogs with the specs if you need more info. I can scan and email it if you need it.

Jon