[Konvas] Large format/plate cameras

[Dan Cordle]

Hi Rita,

 

I second HW's suggestion of the Hasselblad. A good used 500cm with an 80mm Planar 2.8 lens and one 120 film back can be had on ebay for $800 or less. You can also get a newer Mamiya RZ67 Pro II with lens and back for a similar price. I use both and think they are marvelous. Each has distinct advantages, but if I could only choose one, I'd probably go with the Has, since it is smaller, lighter and works without batteries. You could instead go with a camera like the Kiev 66 (hasselblad clone), and have the option of using a wide variety lenses at low cost, however, the kiev does not have the leaf shutter that the Has does, or the same quality of lenses to use.  That said, the kiev is not at all a bad camera when in good condition. Check out: http://www.araxfoto.com/  He refurbishes new and used cameras.

 

As far as large format, it seems like the rage these days is to produce the lightest camera possible, regardless of where they're made. While there are companies that provide kight (and costly) camera that don't flop about with the bellows extended, I suspect that the cheap light cameras are not a good bet for getting sharp images (unless one never shoots in a breeze). The flopiest award would probably go to the Bender camera - which you have to build yourself from a kit.

 

I currently have with a 5x7 Ansco that was made around 1935 -1940. It's heavy, rigid and easy to use. I got it, plus two lenses for too much money - $400. In a pinch, you can even use the Ansco as an enlarger. If I wanted a lighter camera and was willing to spend the money, I'd probably go for one of the cameras made by Kieth Canham http://www.canhamcameras.com/ 

 

Best

Dan Cordle 
(646) 235-8957 
www.dancordle.com


 


From: Speedbirdmgh at aol.com
Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2009 07:36:46 -0400
To: cinema at konvas.org
Subject: Re: [Konvas] Large format/plate cameras


Anybody selling medium/large format cameras on this list?
 
Also anybody done any business with mainland China as they selling all types of large format cameras some described as Brand New!
 
Are there any Russian medium/large format cameras you can recommend.
 
Appreciate your help.
 
Rita
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