Gary Suitter
6-Feb-2007, 11:17
First of all I would like to thank this site and its many contributors for providing such a wealth of information and opinions.
Being new to large format I've spent countless hours pouring over the numerous posts, on this and other sites, comparing the various features, quality and prices of different field cameras and their owners likes and dislikes of each varying model. More often then not, Ebony came up on top.
While viewing the various cameras and comparing all the specs, it was love at first sight when the SV45Te first appeared on my computer screen. The beauty of the Macassar ebony heartwood contrasted with the titanium hardware I thought was a beautiful sight to behold and with all the movements I'm thinking I will ever need. The beauty of the camera, its features, versatility and build quality I hear so much about convinced me this was the camera for me. Then after the sticker shock, it was back to realty and the search continued for a more affordable camera with adequate movements and quality, till I found a used SV45Te at an affordable price.
Though others have suggested beginners should start with a entry level camera and work their way up, I'm feeling a high quality camera with longer then average bellows and full features (minus Asymmetrical tilts) will be easier to use and more versitable allowing me to concentrate more or my image then equipment. Also the total cost, in the long run, of working my way up would be considerably more then the used SV45Te (I'm sure this would hold true ever at the price of a new one if one could afford it). In the event the Ebony, or large format photography, may not be right for me I'm sure I'll have no problem finding an eager buyer without having to take a financial loss on the camera.
Ebony may or may not be the end all of cameras, Gods gift to photography as some photographers may preach. And I realize that the quality of my images depends so much more on my abilities as a photographer then the equipment I use. But I'm feeling and hoping that the SV45Te will be a camera that offers me reliability,ease of use, versatility of movements and years of service. We shall see!
Being new to large format I've spent countless hours pouring over the numerous posts, on this and other sites, comparing the various features, quality and prices of different field cameras and their owners likes and dislikes of each varying model. More often then not, Ebony came up on top.
While viewing the various cameras and comparing all the specs, it was love at first sight when the SV45Te first appeared on my computer screen. The beauty of the Macassar ebony heartwood contrasted with the titanium hardware I thought was a beautiful sight to behold and with all the movements I'm thinking I will ever need. The beauty of the camera, its features, versatility and build quality I hear so much about convinced me this was the camera for me. Then after the sticker shock, it was back to realty and the search continued for a more affordable camera with adequate movements and quality, till I found a used SV45Te at an affordable price.
Though others have suggested beginners should start with a entry level camera and work their way up, I'm feeling a high quality camera with longer then average bellows and full features (minus Asymmetrical tilts) will be easier to use and more versitable allowing me to concentrate more or my image then equipment. Also the total cost, in the long run, of working my way up would be considerably more then the used SV45Te (I'm sure this would hold true ever at the price of a new one if one could afford it). In the event the Ebony, or large format photography, may not be right for me I'm sure I'll have no problem finding an eager buyer without having to take a financial loss on the camera.
Ebony may or may not be the end all of cameras, Gods gift to photography as some photographers may preach. And I realize that the quality of my images depends so much more on my abilities as a photographer then the equipment I use. But I'm feeling and hoping that the SV45Te will be a camera that offers me reliability,ease of use, versatility of movements and years of service. We shall see!