neil poulsen
28-Aug-2009, 05:43
My assumption had always been that F-Metric conversion kits would fit only on F-Metric cameras. But, F-Metric conversion kits fit just fine on Classic F (non-metric) cameras. So, if you'd like geared rise on your non-Metric F, consider picking up one of these conversion kits. I just bought the 4x5 171mm version on EBay for a reasonable price.
A detail is that one loses the centimeter scales for calibrated shift. For F-Metric cameras, this scale is on the function carrier; for F (non-metric) cameras, this scale is on the standard.
However, the center-marks (small vertical line) to read the scale still remain on the F-Metric standard and on the F (non-metric) function carrier. So, one can match these two center marks to zero the camera's front and back shift. I don't use shift that often, and rarely (if ever) use calibrated shift, so it's no loss for me. If I ever need calibrated shift, I can carry a small ruler.
Another minor consideration is that, compared to the original non-metric camera, this combination narrows the camera by about 3/4" and fits more conviently into my backpack.
A detail is that one loses the centimeter scales for calibrated shift. For F-Metric cameras, this scale is on the function carrier; for F (non-metric) cameras, this scale is on the standard.
However, the center-marks (small vertical line) to read the scale still remain on the F-Metric standard and on the F (non-metric) function carrier. So, one can match these two center marks to zero the camera's front and back shift. I don't use shift that often, and rarely (if ever) use calibrated shift, so it's no loss for me. If I ever need calibrated shift, I can carry a small ruler.
Another minor consideration is that, compared to the original non-metric camera, this combination narrows the camera by about 3/4" and fits more conviently into my backpack.