Ready to Buy ... 7 x 17

[Rick Olson]

Well, I have finally amassed all of my support equipment for a new 7 x 17 camera, including 16 x 20 drums, motor bases, developing trays (seed trays) and a near new 355mm G-Claron. Now, all I need is the camera. This is where I am hitting a wall. I just got the new VC magazine and read the article by Michael Mutmansky on the Chamonix and Ritter cameras. Great article and nice cameras. I know there are other options like the KB Canham and the Shen-Hao. My photography will consist of scenic landscapes and railroad archeaology (old rail yards, out buildings, steam engines, etc.) I will need the ability for modest movements and I do want a newer camera.

I appreciate any user experience you can offer. This will be an expensive purchase, but I am not unwilling to pay more for a better camera. It's not like purchasing a 35mm, where I could run down to the store and check them out. This is an expensive purchase on faith, and that's where you come in!!

Thanks,
Rick

[alec4444]

Hmmm, well, if you ever hope to take a 7x17 vertical shot you'll narrow your choice down to one camera....that's Richard Ritter's 7x17. (I suppose you could customize another camera, but as far as out-of-the-box is concerned...)

I'm also toying with the idea of getting into this format, and if I were purchasing new (I won't be) and money was no object (it will be) I'd probably choose a Lotus. I'd take the extra rigidity over the weight, I like the hardware, and they have a great reputation.

--A

[Daniel Grenier]

Although I am not familiar with the cameras mentioned, I must say that I am more than pleased with my 7x17 Wisner. It is not overly heavy, has all necesary features and more (i.e rear rise, front shift, removable bellows etc...). The hard part is picking a camera without first seeing and using it - which is, unfortunately, a likely event as comparing cameras first hand prior to buying is near impossible in the ULF market.

Good luck.

[Ted Harris]

Rick,

You don't say where you ae located so either of these options might work ... or neither. If you come to the View Camera Conference in Louisville in June you will be able to see and 'play with' the Ritter and Chamonix cameras(I am ssuming the Chamonix will be there and I know the Ritter will be) and you will alo likely see a Canham 7x17 at the Trade Show. Additionally, if you sign up for the preconference Landscape Workshop you are likely to get a lot of field time with the Ritter camera (if you want it) as Richard is one of the instructors and will have his 7x17 there as well. Finally (blatant self promotion) come to any Fine Focus Workshop and Richard always has a 7x17 with him. I know that at the May workshop there will be at least one other person who is an ardent 7x17 user. Details at www.finefocusworkshops.com.

[alec4444]

The hard part is picking a camera without first seeing and using it - which is, unfortunately, a likely event as comparing cameras first hand prior to buying is near impossible in the ULF market.

Agreed. That's party why I think organizing free meetups like we did in NYC is really kind of nice....you get to see all kinds of cameras and (at the NYC thing) some pretty cool lenses too. Don't get me wrong; I'm sure the workshops like Ted has are great too ... as are the conferences. But if you're considering buying one of these you probably want to save some money for a lens too, and hey: free is free.

--A

[RichardRitter]

This is how I tested to see if the rail system for my 7 x 17 would hold up to a 20 x 24 back. See photos.

You could always think about renting a camera.

[John Bowen]

Rick,

If you are anywhere near Richmond, VA just drop me a note and we can get together so you can take my Ritter 7x17 for a test drive. I think if you had a chance to test drive one, you'd likely buy one. No, Richard doesn't pay me and I'm not a dealer, just an enthusiast who believes that the more folks that get involved with ULF the better it is for ALL of us.

[David A. Goldfarb]

This is how I tested to see if the rail system for my 7 x 17 would hold up to a 20 x 24 back. See photos.

Ahh... the old Lester Bogen method...

[Rick Olson]

Wow, Richard! That's impressive! I am looking for a durable camera, so that display is a plus.

John .. thanks for the option to test drive. Unfortunately, I am in Southern California, but I will take your comments to heart.



Rick

[Oren Grad]

Ahh... the old Lester Bogen method...

Not only that, he doesn't sell anything he wouldn't use himself.