Should I get a Fresnel?

[rustyair]

Hi, I'm thinking of getting this Fresnel below.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Shen-Hao-View-Camera-4x5-Fresnel-Lens-BEST-/221015466753?pt=Film_Cameras&hash=item33758c6301#ht_500wt_888

I take night photography a lot these days with my Shen Hao 4x5 and 75mm f/5.6 and It's really hard to see with the original gg.

Would it be helpful?

Thanks,

[Lachlan 717]

Are you considering this to help with focusing, framing or both?

[rustyair]

I would say both.

[Andrew]

get it.... for that money it's hard to go wrong and it might help you see the corners with a wide lens

[Jim Jones]

For more discussion on this deceptively complex subject go to http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/archive/index.php/t-50729.html

[IanG]

This seller has a bad reputation and has had Ebay accounts suspended in the past. He trades as Global matter of Ohio. There's a couple of threads on this forum about his dubious business practice.

I bought a screeen off him, it was lost in the post at O'hare airport (it was tracked & insured), he did not make a claim and it then took many months before he finally replaced it and I had to pay postage again, the screen that arrived was not new and covered with scratches. Unfortunately without travelling to Ohio there was no way to make a claima against him. So buyers beware.

Ian

[IanG]

Just to add I have double checked and the items listed on ebay are also listed on the Global Matter website, with identical photographs so it is the same eller.

Ian

[ROL]

Actually, I've always thought the best Fresnel comes from Fresno.

[rustyair]

Just to add I have double checked and the items listed on ebay are also listed on the Global Matter website, with identical photographs so it is the same eller.

Ian

Thanks for letting me know. Unfortunately, I already paid him a few hours ago...Well,,,we will see!

[IanG]

Thanks for letting me know. Unfortunately, I already paid him a few hours ago...Well,,,we will see!

You at least have the protection of Ebay and Paypal.

Ian

[rustyair]

You at least have the protection of Ebay and Paypal.

Ian

I hope I won't have to deal with the protection.

[Kirk Gittings]

Good luck.

Question, are some fresnels better than others?

[rustyair]

Received mine two days ago. Works pretty good. Thanks. :)

[E. von Hoegh]

Good luck.

Question, are some fresnels better than others?

Yes they are. If I could get a Fresnel for large format that approached the quallity of those in 35mm cameras, I'd use one - if I could justify the cost.

[jfdupuis]

Just receive one from the same OP seller. The fresnel is great on my 135mm and fine on my 90mm. On my 180mm, the ground glass gets a lot dimmer and have corner inverted. On the 135mm, there is a strong dimming effect when getting out of axis. On a 4x loupe, I barely see the fresnel engraving and they are in no way interfering with focusing. If there is no dark cloth, the lens effect can really make someone dizzy. That's about it.

This is my first fresnel on a LF, so I don't have much reference to compare against.

[Henry Larson]

Yes get a fresnel. I wouldn't be without one.
HOWEVER BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT BUYING ANYTHING ON EBAY.
It has become a site for ripoffs. I know from sad experience!!!