Sinar P2 Help

[michaelsims]

Hello!

I pick up for almost nothing what I thought was a Sinar P2 8x10 Changing kit to go with a P2 4x5. It turns out I think not only did the seller not know what it was, I too misidentified it. Can anyone confirm that this is actually a Sinar P2 E rear. I know I could still use it on the P2 however I actually will use it in the field so I don't want the Booster 2 attached. It does not look like it can be removed like the Booster 1.

On another topic if this is the P2 E is there a market for it? I can find almost no literature or parts for sale.

Thanks in advance200927200928200927200928

[rcjw]

Hello!

I pick up for almost nothing what I thought was a Sinar P2 8x10 Changing kit to go with a P2 4x5. It turns out I think not only did the seller not know what it was, I too misidentified it. Can anyone confirm that this is actually a Sinar P2 E rear. I know I could still use it on the P2 however I actually will use it in the field so I don't want the Booster 2 attached. It does not look like it can be removed like the Booster 1.

On another topic if this is the P2 E is there a market for it? I can find almost no literature or parts for sale.

Thanks in advance200927200928200927200928

A Sinar P2 E rear is nothing more than a Sinar P2 or F2 metering back. Normally one should be able to remove the metering probe (booster) by releasing the silver metal lock on the side near where the probe enters the rear and pull it out.

The Sinar P2 E incorporated Sinar's final analog film computer aided movement sensor and exposure system. It is to be tethered to a PC computer, running Sinar's proprietary software (see picture links below).

Given its price at the time (see below) the system is nowadays quite rare and interest relatively low. Digital technology/gear in general is not very future proof, as for example can be observed with Sinar's own digital developments (e.g. shutters).

Here's some info from an old B and H Photo catalog:

This computer aided, user-friendly camera allows you to concentrate
on the creative aspects of photography, while the system
handles the technical details. By using a wand to point to select
areas of the image, the computer display will give you the exact
settings for swing, tilt, focus point, and exposure information.
When not using the computing system, the camera is
operated like a standard Sinar p2. However, the Sinar e
standards have extensive (and patented) internal features,
such as sensors, to keep constant track of all camera movements
and ultrasonic sensing of the bellows draw.

Sinar e 8 x 10 Camera (SC. 490.18; SB. 21-9004)
Consists of all * items from above, plus special Front Standard e 8x10
(431.12), Special Bearer e (433.12), Carrier frame 8x10 (433.58),
Tapered Bellows 8x10 (452.58),Metering Back e 8x10 (462.38). Special
Bearers meet the special requirements of 8x10˝ camera.
Item # SIE810 .................................................................... $38,025.95

It seems there's currently one system for sale in Poland:

https://archiwum.allegro.pl/oferta/sinar-e-zestaw-i6741397977.html

Here are a few more pictures:
https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk00tT_w8n10thPBP1XAc-DYa1Q2R4g:1586794332167&q=sinar+e&tbm=isch&source=univ&client=firefox-b-d&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjT-v_D5eXoAhXJDOwKHTyoCZ4QsAR6BAgKEAE&biw=1451&bih=720

Take care.

Richard
The Netherlands

[rcjw]

On second thought, the methering back is special:
Metering Back e 8x10 (462.38)
That might explain why the booster cannot be removed.

[michaelsims]

Richard,

Thank you for the response. I ended up getting in touch with one of the Sinar reps that used to demo the P2E and he confirmed the same findings you just posted. It is non removable in the sense that it comes apart. He told me that they have one and while the wand it removable the cord and lower block is not but he said just cut it off and it works fine. He also confirmed that there is no market for parts unless the camera is complete and only then for someone who wants to collect.

[rcjw]

Hi,

If you would like to sell it as a 8x10 format change kit (back + bellows), there is a demand for that, e.g. given the renewed availability of 8x10 Polaroid film.

Cheers,
Richard