Final check before making the leap

[Bill_1856]

Before going the LF route, I suggest that you take your Hasselblad and buy (or rent) a very large, heavy tripod, and spend a week or two shooting only with the 80mm lens and keeping your camera always on the tripod, even when you're carrying it. If you're not frustrated out of your mind by then, get the LF stuff.
Incidentally, since you're in NYC why aren't you shopping at Lens and Repro (which is almost a national treasure, though their prices can be a little steep)?

[John NYC]

Before going the LF route, I suggest that you take your Hasselblad and buy (or rent) a very large, heavy tripod, and spend a week or two shooting only with the 80mm lens and keeping your camera always on the tripod, even when you're carrying it. If you're not frustrated out of your mind by then, get the LF stuff.
Incidentally, since you're in NYC why aren't you shopping at Lens and Repro (which is almost a national treasure, though their prices can be a little steep)?

Good suggestion. Maybe I will try that tripod exercise.

Does Lens and Repro sell new equipment? They don't seem to on their website. As I stated in my original post, I have bought all my camera gear used to this point and would like something new.

[Steve Barber]

For the 6x17 back, with a 4x5 camera, the 150mm lens is a little long. I liked a 120mm best with that. Also, with a 150mm using that back, you are at or near where you will start to vignette and have the width of the image limited by the size of the 4x5 back. If you only want one lens and not two, you might compromise with a 135mm. I think that may also be more usable for city scenes than the 150mm using the 4x5 back.

[ki6mf]

I have the Shen Hao with the Rodenstock 150 that Badger sells as a kit. For 4x5 its a great set up. I cant speak to the panoramic back as I don't shoot that format. Badger is very reputable and their LF set up for the 4X5 is a great piece or equipment. Badger and Midwest Photo stock Shen Hao and that is one of their advantages. If you want parts they stock them and there is no waiting for a order to be consolidated and shipped from over seas. You may want to check out the 5X7 with a 4X5 reducing back as this gives you the 4X5 option too and may also take care of the panoramic requirement. Badger will tell you if this is possible. 5X7 is a better format for large format in terms of enlargements provided you can get the enlarger and other accessories, which will cost more $$$$ than 4x5 gear, to print should you set up at home!

[jeroldharter]

...
Incidentally, since you're in NYC why aren't you shopping at Lens and Repro (which is almost a national treasure, though their prices can be a little steep)?

Hey, there is nothing wrong with Wisconsin (Badger)!

I second the Hasselblad on the trip exercise. If large format is meant for you, then you will wish you had movements on on the Hasselblad.

[venchka]

It gets more freaky. We know each other. I bought a nice 4x5 Zone VI system and 180mm Nikkor lens from Eugene.

[John NYC]

It gets more freaky. We know each other. I bought a nice 4x5 Zone VI system and 180mm Nikkor lens from Eugene.

Eugene? Is this a Eugene I know in NYC?

[venchka]

I'm currently doing the Hasselblad exercise. Backward. I hauled my Zone VI around for a year before the Hasselblad came into my life. The Zone VI is feeling neglected.

[venchka]

Eugene? Is this a Eugene I know in NYC?

He lives in Texas, north of Dallas.

[John NYC]

He lives in Texas, north of Dallas.

No, I think you might have the wrong John then. I'm going to turn on PM if I have that off and you can PM me so we can figure that out.