Gaoersi 617 camera: any experiences?

**suchar** · 16-Nov-2008, 02:54

Hi,
I have a question. Is it possible to attach a ground glass to Gaoersi 617 when the film is already on? AFAIR, it is impossible to do in Fotoman 617.

Chris

**butterflydream** · 16-Nov-2008, 05:11

Even if you could, how can you focus through the film?

**suchar** · 16-Nov-2008, 06:11

Originally Posted by butterflydream

Even if you could, how can you focus through the film?

Of course that's the key point, I don't know why I didn't think about it. Sorry for this stupid question. Anyway, thanks for response.

What about changing the lens mid-roll? As I've just read on Fotoman's site, changing the lens mid-roll in Fotoman 617 equals to losing one frame (there is no way to "cover" the film during this operation). Is it the same in Gaoersi? I hope this question is, hm, better than the previous one...

**IanG** · 16-Nov-2008, 08:23

The lens can be easily changed mid roll with a Gaoersi, just insert the darkslide, you don't lose any film or a frame at all.

Ian

**bsimison** · 16-Nov-2008, 13:23

Originally Posted by IanG

The lens can be easily changed mid roll with a Gaoersi, just insert the darkslide, you don't lose any film or a frame at all.

Ian

It depends on the specific Gaoersi model. I have the G17S Shift model and there is no dark slide provision for switching lens cones mid-roll. Make sure you know which model you're buying.

**cookseytalbott** · 16-Nov-2008, 14:06

The GF does not have a removable back. The model that allows the back to be removed weighs more so I passed on it. I tend to carry my stuff and weight is an issue.

I have found the finder to be a little less then precise but the lens falloff and general off axis dimness of the f8 lens and center filter/polarizer make ground glass viewing a pain so while I lugged the ground glass and a focusing cloth at first I now just go with the finder.

I added a 55mm polarizer to the finder with some adhesive putty to allow me to preview and then set the polarizer on the taking lens.

Here is a picture of my setup from a spot that is at about 10,500 feet up the side.

http://cookseytalbottgallery.com/photo_blog.php

This shows the polarizers, center filter, lenshood etc. I have a velcro pad on the side that my cable sticks to because it prevents the camera from sitting stably on a surface when it is routed through the handle.