David Willis
27-Aug-2001, 01:56
I wrote a review of the Shen Hao when I first received it. It was brand new and I was still assembling everything for my LF kit, so I couldn't really put it th rough the paces. I recently returned from a trip to Canada and had the opportun ity to use the Shen Hao there (Grandpa's ranch in Southern Alberta, Glacier, Wat erton, etc.) Here are my impressions.
This is a great camera. It sets up easily and works very well. The rear shift is still a little tight, but it is loosening up and can be moved pretty well. I t's a wonderful feature. The rear swing works fine and has loosened up nicely.. The controls work very well. Sometimes the weight of the lens has a tendency to swing the front tilt down too far when I'm adjusting it (I use a Caltar S-II 150/5.6 in a copal 0). It's not really a big deal. The camera worked great. T he negatives are nice and sharp. I still wish the round nut that tightens to ho ld the rear shift and swing secure was tapped in more places than one so I could choose the location for the post. I'd rather have it be tight when it is swung all the way to the right instead of sticking out at a 40 degree angle, but it's something I can live with.
I showed the camera to one of my friends who is the photographer for one of the local community colleges and also teaches a variety of classes there and other u niversities in town. He thought it was a great deal at $500 and a good deal for $1000. He has used several field cameras including Tachihara, Zone VI, and Hor seman.
Anyone looking to purchase a field camera should really consider the Shen Hao. I'm very pleased with my purchase.
Dave
This is a great camera. It sets up easily and works very well. The rear shift is still a little tight, but it is loosening up and can be moved pretty well. I t's a wonderful feature. The rear swing works fine and has loosened up nicely.. The controls work very well. Sometimes the weight of the lens has a tendency to swing the front tilt down too far when I'm adjusting it (I use a Caltar S-II 150/5.6 in a copal 0). It's not really a big deal. The camera worked great. T he negatives are nice and sharp. I still wish the round nut that tightens to ho ld the rear shift and swing secure was tapped in more places than one so I could choose the location for the post. I'd rather have it be tight when it is swung all the way to the right instead of sticking out at a 40 degree angle, but it's something I can live with.
I showed the camera to one of my friends who is the photographer for one of the local community colleges and also teaches a variety of classes there and other u niversities in town. He thought it was a great deal at $500 and a good deal for $1000. He has used several field cameras including Tachihara, Zone VI, and Hor seman.
Anyone looking to purchase a field camera should really consider the Shen Hao. I'm very pleased with my purchase.
Dave