Choosing ULF, how about R T Ritter fields ?

[John Bowen]

Glad to read all positive comments. One particular point that can raise questions is front standard dimensions.
Seems ok for "standard" modern lenses, but...
Any advises that can help, pro&cons ?
thanks all,
MAC

My ULF kit lens kit consists of:
300 Symmar
305 G Claron
355 G Claron
360 Symmar
450 Fuji
450 Nikon (my most used LF and ULF lens)
19" Red dot Artar
600 Fuji

They are ALL mounted on 4x4 boards. My 1st field camera was a Zone VI (made in VT) 4x5 and my 1st 8x10 was a Wisner followed by a Zone VI 8x10. I already had adapter boards to mount the 4x4 boards on the Zone VI 8x10, so I asked Richard to make my 7x17 and 8x10 cameras so the front standard would take the same boards as the Zone VI 8x10. This kept me from having to purchase additional lens board adapters.

The front standard handles all of these lenses well. Granted, when the Monster 360 Symmar is raised to the top of the front standard you need to be sure EVERYTHING is locked down tightly :-)

A suggestion. Give Richard a call and ask him if he has any ULF owners located near you. I've yet to meet a Ritter owner who wouldn't gladly show off his camera to another photographer.

[Miguel Coquis]

Glad to read all positive comments. One particular point that can raise questions is front standard dimensions.
Seems ok for "standard" modern lenses, but...
Any advises that can help, pro&cons ?
thanks all,
MAC

..... coming back from my last exhibition (http://macoquis.caraldi.com/) and ulf workshops;
now I can say I am glad to work on the field with RR camera and really appreciate front standard size modification and the real generosity on camera movements !!!.
Takes some time, as many things do, to start enjoying it.
Nice job Richard !!!

[John NYC]

What size format did you end up going with Miguel? Love the image of the woman holding the Jesus(?) likeness, by the way. What lenses are you using?

[Miguel Coquis]

Thanks for your appreciation, John
RR 14x17"
CZJ 300 mm f:3,5
Pre Schneider 420 mm f:4,5 fast, clear light lens !!!

[John NYC]

Thanks for your appreciation, John
RR 14x17"
CZJ 300 mm f:3,5
Pre Schneider 420 mm f:4,5 fast, clear light lens !!!

Wow, great setup! And you obviously have the skills to make the most of it. Cheers!

[rlee2010]

I don't know if they'd work in Europe or not. But it's an interesting DVD, and shows a lot of the functionality of his cameras.

[Bengt Fredén]

I have both Richard's DVDs and they work fine in Europe (PAL 50Hz system)! They are very informative - Richard shows how the camera is set up on a tripod, quick format back changes, and all of the camera movements. The second DVD shows some basic repair of LF cameras in the field.

I was particularly impressed with the use of hard plastic instead of glass in the big ground glasses/ focusing screens. Is there anyone with experience from a Ritter 11x14" with such a plastic ground glass, by the way? Do they flex a lot when a loupe is used or are they as rigid as glass?
regards,
Bengt in Stockholm, Sweden

[RichardRitter]

How much pressure are you wanting to put on the ground glass with the focusing loupe? At the point where the plastic or glass is going to flex the camera will be wanting to tip over.

[Miguel Coquis]

...elementary my dear Watson !!!

[evan clarke]

Not to go against the crowd, but I have been using a Chamonix 11x14 for almost two years now and just love it. I have made about 300 sheets with it and it is almost as easy to use as my 4x5 gear (all my smaller gear are Arcas)