Rittreck Whole-Plate

[Bill_1856]

Any information on this (and Rittreck in general) would be appreciated.
Has anyone delt with this Tokyo seller?
Thanks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[john biskupski]

I got a lensboard adaptor (for Linhof/Wista size) from them, seller seemed fine, and specialises in the metal Rittreck camera and parts. The Rittreck is a great camera, look up other threads on the forum, comments are generally very positive. Be aware that it is just one chassis size (5x7 size), which can accept 4x5, 5x7, WP and 8x10 backs. The item you're viewing is the chassis with the whole plate back (actually quite rare). They also currently have a version with the more common 4x5 and 5x7 backs. The only problem the Rittreck seems to have is some bellows crumpling (the clamshell is very compact, and the bellows are very thin). Good range of movements, only thing missing is front shift (but it has rear shift). Also, the front standard needs an adaptor board (as above, or for Graphic boards) as you'll rarely find original Rittreck lensboards. If you like metal cameras, with a decent bellows length, it's a great choice.

[mattydk]

I bought one from a US seller on eBay recently, should be arriving tomorrow. Mine has the 5x7/4x5 backs plus 5 different lens boards for a lot less than the one you're linking too (then again, given the exchange rate it was a bargain that I couldn't pass up, even with the import costs!). Like John says above, there are a number of threads on the forum that praise the Rittreck system, i'll let you know how I get on with mine.

As for the seller you mention, I think you could count on him being decent enough. He responds to e-mails promptly and is very informative about the system etc. He even sells replacement bellows too!

[Bill_1856]

Thanks Guys. I was ready to pounce until I found out that it's really a 5x7 with a back extension. Guess I'll keep looking.