I have a Sinar f and a calumet. they both look to be made well. But, which is a better camera?
what are monorails used for, mostly studio?
what is a decent field camera to get without breaking the bank? Something solid and light. I've never used a 4x5. do field cameras have the adjustments that a monorail do. what is typically the focal length range that can be used on a field camera?
thanks
1. The Sinar is part of a much larger "system" since almost all Sinar parts from different models are interchangeable. If you were only going to keep one, I would keep the Sinar (assuming both are in equally good condition).
2. Monorails can be used anywhere, and they are the most flexible view cameras in terms of movements. If you had to pick the conditions where monorails have a clear advantage over most other view cameras, it would be studio and architecture. Most good field cameras have almost all the movements of a monorail, but usually you can't push the movements to the same extremes (but mostly you don't need to). The one movement rare on a field camera is rear rise, but you can work around that with a combination of other movements.
3. The Sinar F was designed to be Sinar's most portable camera (the "F" was for "Field"). If you have never used a 4x5, I would use the Sinar F for everything. Once you have experience, you can make a judgment about what camera features and compromises work best for you.
4. The most typical field camera (i.e. folding view camera) focal range would be 90 to maybe 300. Most field cameras can't go shorter than 90 (unless you use a recessed lens board to extend the wide angle range) or longer than 300 (since that is the limit of bellows extension). The Sinar can handle literally any lens, since with a bag bellows you can have the standards just about touching (for really short lenses) and by adding bellows, frames, and monorail sections, you can make the thing as long as you want.
interesting. the Sinar is like new.
Regarding field cameras, a few years ago I bought a mint Toyo 45 AII with lens for around USD 1000. That price was very good, considering the condition of the gear. I am of the belief that this camera in very good condition can be found for under USD 1000 with patience. The 45AII is a solid, packable and easy to use camera that makes great images.
looks like a really nice camera. before digital was as popular (maybe 15 years ago or so) i was looking at some field cameras and I remember looking at the toyo. correct me if i am wrong but at that time I thought ~ $3500 what it was going for new.Originally Posted by chassis
I have a bunch of lenses (4x5) and accessories that were used on a monorail setup. can these lenses be used on the field camera? What are the range of focal length that can be used on your toyo? can the polaroid backs be used?
Schneider – Kreuznach Symmar Synchro – Compur – P 1:5.6/135 1:12/235
Schneider – Kreuznach Symmar-s 5.6/300
Schneider – Kreuznach Symmar-s 5.6 / 150
Schneider – Kreuznach Symmar super angulon 1:8/75
Schneider – Kreuznach Xenotar 1:2.8/150
Synchro – Compur carl meyer near uv oa750 f2.8 5cm
May I suggest:
http://www.largeformatphotography.info
(It's the "LF Home Page" button at the top of this forum.)
I've only had my Sinar F a few days but I find it very portable. You can fully disassemble them - remove the front and rear standards from the rail - and put it in a backpack. However I have spent several hours hiking with it on a tripod, over my shoulder, with the dark cloth as a shoulder pad. With the tripod duly extended and a long monorail, you will look a bit like Christ carrying the cross, but it balances pretty well.
I have a Manfrotto 055 carbon fiber tripod that works well and isn't too heavy. I have an Acratech large leveling base on order, which should fit both the tripod and the bottom plate of the Sonar F perfectly. With a small bag for the light meter, film holders, etc, its really not much different than going out with the same tripod and my D800 DSLR and lenses.
In general, monorails can accommodate more focal lengths than field cameras. However it varies depending on a lot of things, primarily how big the bellows and how close you can move the front and rear standards together. For long lenses, you need long bellows. For short lenses, you need short bellows like a bag bellows. Typically a bag bellows is needed for any lens shorter than 100mm but it varies by camera. Many field camera have difficulty with lenses 300mm or longer but again it varies. It helps to know the specs of the specific camera and also the lenses in question.
All of your lenses could be used on the Sinar F but you'd need a bag bellows for the 75mm. You've got some really nice lenses by the way, that Xenotar 150/2.8 is worth a pretty penny. You would have a tough time using the 300mm on many field cameras due to the weight and focal length but it can be done. A 300mm f/9 might be a better choice due to the lower weight though.
Definitely consider the weight before going into field cameras. The metal Linhoffs and Toyos are rather heavy, but also more stable and durable than lighter wood cameras. Horses for courses. Also one other note, the Sinar F is indeed one of Sinars lightest models, but the Sinar Alpina/A1 was even lighter. However, to keep weight down, the Alpina/A1 uses a different rail and is less interchangeable than the F/F1/F2/F3/X/P1/P2/P3 models, which came in 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10. Parts are readily available, plentiful, and inexpensive, which is what attracted me to Sinar personally. Plus, I love having all of the movements of a monorail!
Sounds like you have the portability of your camera down. I do have a bag bellows for the w-angle.
the Xenotar 150/2.8 does fetch a pretty penny and it is in good shape. the 300mm i have is a tank.
thx
I'm no lens expert, but the 75mm and 150mm lenses should work. I use a 58mm Schneider Super Angulon XL, 150mm Nikkor and no-name meniscus around 11" (280mm) with no problems. The 11" lens needs the 4" extension back.
I own a Sinar F and a Toyo 45AR. Both are excellent cameras. If I had to pick one it would probably be:
1. Toyo 45AF for landscape only as the movements are too limited for architecture or studio use.
2. The Sinar F for general overall use.
The Sinar F does not have to be disassembled for carrying, in spite of the inconvenient carrying brief case that Sinar sold for the camera. You do have to disassemble for that brief case. Which is fine when I go on a location commercial shoot but for landscape photography the camera folds up.
To fold the camera:
1. Move the standards to the ends of the standard 12" rail.
2. Disconnect the bellow from the rear standard.
3. Fold the rear standard forward and loosen the rise/fall knob so you can drop it down to sit just above the rail.
4. With the standard bellows attached fold the front standard backward to ride against the folded rear standard.
5. Make sure the rise/fall and tilt knobs are tightened.
6. Depending on the depth of the rear elements of the lens you can probably leave it attached but check to make sure it doesn't hit the ground glass when folded back.
7. Drop the folded Sinar F into a back pack.
Hope that helps.
Rick
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks