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I have added a short update to my review, which is now here
It's so short that I'll post it here:


Update, December 2014
I have for some time been using a 150 mm Super-Symmar XL with the...

I've just successfully installed a Flextight Precision II on my system, which is Windows 7 64-bit, with an Adaptec 29160 SCSI card.
I first installed Flexcolor 4.8.9, but when I went on to 4.03, it...

Not quite sure what kind of vignetting you have in mind - bellows? In any case, it's not a problem - the only thing that will cause vignetting is lack of lens coverage. Also bear in mind that the...

Mick,

The bellows are quite stiff, even at room temperature, and sag very little. And I don't know if they will become less stiff with use, like leather. (I doubt it) You could ask Istvan if he...

Cor,
I use Ilford FP4+ - you probably know that Ilford produces FP4+ and HP4+ in ULF and other odd formats like wholeplate once a year - you have to pay and order in advance.
I thought buying from...

Well thanks for clearing that up Sal, I thought it was an international standard ...

Some of you may remember from this thread that I was considering getting either a Chamonix or Ebony wholeplate camera. I ended up buying an Argentum Explorator II camera, and I have posted a review...

Yes, I will - I've been so busy since I received it, but hope to put up a small review within the next few weeks. But I can say now that I like the camera a lot, and it's only 100g heavier than my...

Thanks to everyone for contributing!

Thanks for that Jimi. Looks interesting since they have envelopes for 18x24cm film, which is smaller than 8x10.

My new Argentum wholeplate camera will soon be arriving, and I'm wondering if anyone has come across envelopes for wp?
If not, where are you buying your 8x10 envelopes? I thought I'd buy from Light...

I did some test shots with the lens today, and photograped a house with several different lenses. By measuring the width of the house in the negatives, I calculated the focal length to be around 215...

Thanks, everyone. Yes, I think it has to go back, unless the seller can produce the right rear element.

This was a No Returns Accepted listing, but that doesn't apply in a case like this? This was...

I bought this lens on ebay, and it arrived today. It is the old version with marking inside filter ring. I also have an NW 250/6.3, and I was surprised to see that the 6.7 lens was smaller and...

That's good. Apparently the factory is closed until March, Chinese New Year.



Thanks!

The 80 degree 210 Fuji looks very interesting, but they seem to be hard to find.
And yes, I'm aware of the Ilford special order.

Well that's some story! I think I prefer the smell of Canadian maple ...

Brian,

Thanks for the input, but I think I want a dedicated WP camera.
Are Toyo still making these holders?

Songyun,

If I buy an Ebony, it will be a custom version with no back movements, and short bellows, something like the SLW810, which weighs 3.2 kg. I suppose a WP version would weigh well under 3...

Thanks again Sal, for a very detailed reply.

Thank you Richard!

I have a question to the WP Ebony users using Chamonix holders -
The Chamonix WP holders are supposed to match the exact size and location of the Chamonix camera ground glass. Would you say that...

Don't forget that the 8x10 is 900 g heavier than the WP, and you'll also need bigger and heavier (and more expensive) lenses ...



Michael, thanks very much for this. It seems that Chamonix has...

Good point!



I can't see any good reason to do so - I don't want anything bigger than WP.

Thanks for your input, Robert.
At first I was determined to get a 5x7, then a wp. Now I'm not so sure ...
The difference in quality between 5x7 and wp may be small, but I'd be surprised if it...

Michael,

I've been rereading your post, and wonder if you could explain a bit more about the spirit levels. Are you saying that with the built-in levels it would be impossible to level the camera?...

Michael,
I think the Chamonix WP is a lot more rigid than the 5x7, because the back has supporting rails. But I do worry a bit about the spirit levels, I know they have a bad reputation.

I have...

Alex,
I have asked Hugo if it's possible to have a custom front standard with separate knobs made. The Chamonix 8x10 has that. In any case the Chamonix solution is somewhat better than the Zone VI,...

Oren, thanks a lot for this.

How exactly do you lock out the tilt?

And suppose you have raised the lens to the desired position, and then want to apply a tilt - would you then be able to apply...

David,
Yes I'm aware of these adapter boards, and will probably get one. There's one on ebay now for Technica boards, but I will probably be using Sinar boards.

Thanks for this clarification Sal.
You're right in suggesting that I don't need long bellows - the longest lens I imagine using would be 300 - 360 mm. I don't actually own a 165, but I think it...

Sal,

My previous post was a bit short. What I'm referring to is the following weights for non-folding mahogany Ebonys:
5 x 7 (57S): 2,65 kg
WP: 4,6 kg
8 x 10: The three versions...

David,

Yes, the shift/swing is problematic too, but not nearly as much as the tilt/rise. I hardly ever use swings, but I imagine when using the shift, you can feel with your fingers if the front...

Yes, obviously. But the wholeplate cameras definetely seem to be relatively much heavier than corresponding 5x7s and 8x10s - especially the non-folding version.

Sal and Oren,

I have started a new thread here.

This thread is an offspring from this thread.

I have been using 4 x 5 cameras for more than 30 years, the last 13 an Arca Swiss F-line with which I have been very pleased. I print quite big,...

Sal, would it be you who bought the first Chamonix wholeplate camera? If so, would you mind me asking you a few questions?

Thank you Sal - that's smaller than I thought.

Thank you Peter.
Do you know if there are any Chamonix 5 x 7 or wholeplate cameras in Germany? (I sometimes go to Berlin) I'm considering buying one or the other, or may be a 5 x 7 non-folding Ebony.

Could somebody please help me with the exact image size on the film for 5 x 7 and 6.5 x 8.5, modern holders, preferably in cm/mm. Thank you.