'Fulfilled en masse'? Not hardly I'm backer #20 for a basic Rezza kit and have seen nothing. The last two updates indicated only a few kits had gone out and that shipments had been halted in early July and would resume next week. (this information from a post by the Creator in the comments section yesterday-and a update, also yesterday)
Still, nice to hear you are happy with the kit, is the focusing helical smooth? That is my main concern since the one on my Travelwide never worked right. My Travelwide is just a 65mm pinhole now, I gave up on the helical.
Sorry, yes I should have said "about to be" fulfilled. I am a bit optimistic perhaps since I already have my camera . I have been helping test lenses, hence I received mine early.
As for the helical smoothness, I don't know what exactly you would call smooth. The helical works fine but it feels kind of like you are pushing it through small ball bearings. It is certainly nothing like a well-damped older Nikkor lens or something. It's hard to describe but I wouldn't call it smooth. I have no problem with it myself.
I do find the Mercury discussions interesting but it might be better to start a new thread. This one is specifically oriented to the Travelwide and the information you are providing on the Mercury may be missed by those who would be interested.
Just a thought.
The Viewfinder is the Soul of the Camera
If you don't believe it, look into an 8x10 viewfinder!
Dan
Thanks for the info Corran. I got in contact with Zach at Mercury, who is extremely responsive and helpful, and have put in a pre-order for an LF package:
* Mercury body 4x5 kit
* 2 RS20 and 1 RS40 lens kits, and an additional RS40 Graflok back
* 4x5 Ground glass
I intend to test this out with the following lenses:
* Rodenstock/Caltar II-N 65mm
* Schneider Angulon 90mm
* Schneider Symmar-S 135mm
* Calumet 210mm
Pretty excited!
To distract myself while waiting I'm starting a sliding box 4X5. Never have attempted this so it will be ultra basic using a simple +5 diopter (200mm) series 6 close up lens. Easy to mount using retaining rings and a thin black paper with a 1/8 inch hole will be f64, or close enough as makes no difference. Ill exchange that with a 1/2 inch hole (f16) for focusing and 'low light'. With photo paper as a negative at ISO 6~12 and f64 then even in midday sun I should be able to just time exposures......one one thousand, two one thousand, three one thou........................
http://www.largeformatphotography.in...attach/jpg.gif
The Instax Wide back can be used. Since the lens to film distance is increased, I'm able to use the 100mm F/6.3 WF Ektar. An Olympus VF-1 finder works well.
Lomography sells the back. There is some modifying needed. I can't give a step-by-step, but if you're handy and have some epoxy, tape, etc. you can do it. Good luck.
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