Sinar f2 4x5 camera

[Louie Devincentis]

Hi Gang.
Looking for advise. I am looking at a Sinar 4x5 F series camera with 4 film holders, Rodenstock Sinornar 135mm f5.6 lens and dark cloth lightly used no scratches on ground glass or lens. This camera seems to be kept clean with no marks, rust or dents. The sellers is looking for $400.00 CAD. Is this a fair price or and I overpaying for this item.

cheers.
Louie

[Frank Petronio]

It's a good deal. The lens is worth $250-plus in good condition, as is the camera.

The one place that sometimes fails is the clamp that goes under the rail to hold the front standard onto the rail. It relies on a plastic latch that sometimes cracks. Even so, a piece of tape will usually remedy the issue if caught with it.

Otherwise fire the shutter and make sure nothing is sticky, tight, or loose. Let common sense be your guide.

[Leigh]

F or F2 ???

What color is the base rail? F is chrome, F2 is black.

Similar but the F2 is a much later design.

- Leigh

[rdenney]

At that price, an F is a bargain and a later all black F1 would be even more of a bargain. An F2 at that price would be robbing the seller.

Rick "who would price an F2 at $500-600 in the current market--with no lens" Denney

[Alan Gales]

I'm a small time Seller on Ebay. It's a good deal!

[Louie Devincentis]

Hi Leigh.
The base rail is chrome

[Leigh]

OK. It's likely an F.

Still a good deal, and a very serviceable camera.

Good luck with it.

- Leigh

[Alan Gales]

I bought an F without a rail clamp (the original owner had broken it) because I wanted the Sinar shutter that came with it. I was able to mount the F onto a tripod using the clamp off of my Sinar P. If you buy the camera and the rail clamp ever fails you can always upgrade to a later one.

[Leigh]

It's my understanding that all the accessories for the basic camera lines (P, X, C, and F) are interchangeable except...
The 8x10 metering back requires a different standard and bellows than the 8x10 non-metering back.
The 4x5 MB is the same as the 4x5 non-MB.

Sinar put(s) great emphasis on maintaining that compatibility.

- Leigh

[Louie Devincentis]

Thanks everybody for your input. I did purchase the camera and I hope it works out. I am wondering though, if I want to buy extra film holders is there a specific type to buy or is it they are pretty well standard? Also is there a preference of film holders to buy? Thanks again for your help, I am almost there I just need a developing tank and film holder and away I go.

Have a great day.
Louie