Reasonable price for Wista Field 45? And advice.

[wburgess]

Hello,

Firstly, this is my debut post on this forum. It's been a great resource in my beginnings of large format photography.

I've been deciding on my first camera and have stumbled across a Wista Field Cherry (I'm not sure which model).

It's in mint condition and is going for £390. No lens/boards/holders.

Is this a good price?

Also do all models of this camera have revolving backs?

I will principally be using the camera for portraits, and think these wooden cameras have a certain charm that entice the eyes of the subject.

Best,

Will

[oldlincoln]

That's what I paid for mine ($650 US) but it came with a #0 lensboard. Mine does not have a revolving back, you have to pop it loose to turn it.
Regards.
Eric

[Lenny Eiger]

I have one of these, its a great little camera, very light. The only downside against the more expensive brands, is that it has a paper bellows. Mine is a mess, I need a new one. However, it's fairly easy to puncture it, or to get a small pinhole. I would check it carefully. However, if the bellows is in good condition, I'd say go for it.

Good luck,

Lenny

[wburgess]

Thanks for the replies.

I've bitten the bullet and ordered the camera, genuinely extremely excited!

I'm looking to do portraits with the camera, would a rodenstock sinonar 180 be a good starting point?

I know lenses for portraits are a very personal thing, but you have to start somewhere!

[Tim Meisburger]

I believe it is essentially a Tachihara rebadged Wista, so anything you can find about the price of Tachiharas should be relevant. It sounds like a good price to me, and its a great camera.

[Tim Meisburger]

Well, a day late and a dollar short. You posted while I was writing.

I think you will enjoy it.

For lenses for this camera, I would recommend 210, 135, and 90. The 210 is good for portraits, but actually I prefer the 135 (if I need a tighter shot I get closer. Anything in that range would be fine, so if you have a deal on one the 180 would work well for portraits.

[wburgess]

I've found a 180 sinonar-n for £125

What are the quality of rodenstock lenses like... Why are most of them so cheap!?

If it's anything like my enlarging rodenstock, I will be happy!

[Chuck Pere]

Prices do seem to be dropping for common lenses. You might want to check if your Sironar N is multicoated. Marked MC on lens. Also pricing varies greatly on condition. Don't pay top dollar on lenses with glass flaws or dented rims. They may work fine but should be priced well under what a good version would cost. I've had a 210 Sironar N MC for many years and it works fine. Nice sharp lens and good for 5x7 too.

[wburgess]

Prices do seem to be dropping for common lenses. You might want to check if your Sironar N is multicoated. Marked MC on lens. Also pricing varies greatly on condition. Don't pay top dollar on lenses with glass flaws or dented rims. They may work fine but should be priced well under what a good version would cost. I've had a 210 Sironar N MC for many years and it works fine. Nice sharp lens and good for 5x7 too.

Thanks for that Chuck.

I ended up buying a Sironar N MC 210mm in great condition for £150.

It's all arriving tomorrow so exciting times.

Only thing I'm missing is a Wista copal 1 lens board... Don't know if I can hold out a day without one, might have to make the journey down to mr cad.

Again, thanks for the help. The portraiture monthly topic is a constant source of inspiration.

[Lenny Eiger]

I've found a 180 sinonar-n for £125

What are the quality of rodenstock lenses like... Why are most of them so cheap!?

If it's anything like my enlarging rodenstock, I will be happy!

Are you kidding? Rodenstock lenses are considered to be the finest. That said, the reason Sironar N lenses are cheap is because there is a Sironar S. This lens has a little wider circle of confusion (about an inch or so). However, I think most of us would be hard pressed to find differences in any other quality between the two.

Of course, Nikon and Schenider lenses are excellent as well. The truth is they are all good.

Lenny

[wburgess]

I just find it amazing the bang for buck you get with larger format lenses. Obviously the larger negative helps.

As an update, received the Wista. Quickly noticed that on both sides the wood had split above the rails, decided to send it back. Seems like a weak point to me, especially with large extension and a heavy lens.

So excitement went quickly to disappointment, however a Chamonix 45n-2 I was watching on ebay was about to end. Won it and it arrived the next day.

Wow, what a step up in camera. Very solid and smooth to use. Bellows is also a much better construction. Great camera.

Took my first negative and I'm in love. I just need to remember to clean out my trays before using them, especially after not using them for months. The negative was sprinkled with grit!

[Luis-F-S]

Thanks for that Chuck.

I ended up buying a Sironar N MC 210mm in great condition for £150.


Much better choice than the 180. Unfortunately (or fortunately if you're buying) LF equipment has taken a real hit as of recent times. The rarer, more desirable lenses still hold their own, but something pretty common in the 210 range are pretty cheap. Great lens though. L