I've owned a Wisner, and I used an Ebony for a couple of months. My preference was the Ebony hands down.
I've owned a Wisner, and I used an Ebony for a couple of months. My preference was the Ebony hands down.
“You often feel tired, not because you've done too much, but because you've done too little of what sparks a light in you.”
― Alexander Den Heijer, Nothing You Don't Already Know
How are the new Deardorffs compared to the vintage ones? Are they still considered a well built camera? I do love the look of them and the potential to go up to 5x7 should I choose to.Originally Posted by Luis-F-S
Rob
People have had no end of trouble ordering the "new Deardorffs" and you should investigate that situation on this site before putting any money down on one. I won't attempt to recap all the problems here, but actually getting one as promised has been an issue.
A used Deardorff 4x5 Special (5X7 camera with front swings and at least a 4X5 back) in decent user shape is not hard to find and they still work fine. I use a pre-war 5X7 and it works just fine, but then it sat in a trunk for many decades before I got it.
You can start here: http://www.largeformatphotography.in...-Barry-Cochran
I'd far rather own an Ebony than the old Dorff 4x5/5x7 Special, since I've had the opportunity to buy the latter in clean condition at a rare sensible price. It might have been the cat's meow in its era, but that era is long gone. Cult lenses and cult cameras are often only that, and rarely worth the extra expense "collector" status when newer designs have essentially outpaced them anyway. Some of these newer cameras are half the weight of the Dorff and probably more rigid and
precise.
As used to say, I only can say this louder but not better. It could not be politically correct, but I agree, absolutely.
You pretty much confirmed my feelings. Think I'm gonna go with an Ebony.
I have a Wisner Technical Expedition, about 4.5 lb on account of using American cherry. Long bellows draw--22". I am content with it. I like it.
Peter Collins
On the intent of the First Amendment: The press was to serve the governed, not the governors --Opinion, Hugo Black, Judge, Supreme Court, 1971 re the "Pentagon Papers."
It's nice to have that extra long bellows; but if I had owned a Wisner Expedition it would have been reduced to splinters long ago. They're pretty, but need to be pampered.
I came late to this thread, but it is really funny that i was looking at Ebony SVxxti or TE version in the past, but they are now discontinued anyway as brand new, and luckily Chamonix brought something as alternative nowadays, so i will say Bye-Bye Ebony forever.
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