Gaoersi 617 camera: any experiences?

[lutherasmith]

Greetings,

. I'm using an older 150mm lens which wouldn't focus at infinity and the seller sent me an extension ring at no charge and was very helpful.



Regards, Pete

What 150 are you using that covers the 6x24?

Thanks,

Luther

[Photomax]

There are a lot of informed threads on the Gaoersi 6x17 etc on this English web board:

http://www.photo-i.co.uk/BB/viewforum.php?f=32

Max

[AVCHD]

May I use 220 film in Gaoersi 6x17 or 6x24?

[Photomax]

No, I don't think so.

AFAIK, the camera needs the paper backing...

Max

[Pete Caluori]

Hi Luther,

I'm using a older 150 G-Claron which "almost" cover, but not quite fully stopped down. Primarily, I use it with the 6x17 masks installed and in this case it fully covers at f22, with the standard tilt adapter installed I need f32 to cover at 6x17. I have a 150 Computar, which should cover 6x24 (actually it's supposed to cover 8x10 inches) but I haven't had a chance to try it.

WRT using 220 film, this is not possible. There is a sight window on the back of the camera that is used to read the markings on the backing of 120 film, so you know how far to advance the film. 220 film contains no such markings and I'm sure the film would be fogged by light entering through the sight glass. This is a simple, but effective camera.

Regards, Pete

[laurentvenet]

Hello Pete.
Yes. i also like my 6x17 gaoersi panorama. I am now taking five (6x15) full size negatives, they still look a panorama, and my five exposures vertually fill up the whole 120 film.....have you measured your negatives yet (anyone)....You will find that the 6x17 negative setting is in fact (6x16)....and the 6x15 negative setting is in fact (6x14) and the 6x16 negative setting....is just over the 6x12 setting....So i have set my format knob ,,,,to the last number...on 615.....number five.....this will give you a true 6x15 negative......Very interested in your standered tilt adapter....what must i have to do, in order to make one of these tilt adapters....Thank you....regards Tedward

Hi Tedward.

I received my Gaoersi from ebay last week and tried it this week end. I'm not very confident with format changing and counting views on back transparent window.

Sorry to ask, but I did not catch how you obtain 5 full 6x15 shots. When doing as explaine on Gaoersi web site, I can shot 4 6x17 shots (it's in reality 6x16 ) and some big gaps appears on the film between each shots.

I was wondering :

- do you turn knob on 6x17 format ?
- for the first picture, shall I align "1" number on film / paper with 6x17 mark on the back window
- for the second and next pictures, how many pictures should I go further : 3 ,
-"2 3/4" , "2 1/2" ?

Thank you very much,

Laurent

[Mick Noordewier]

I'm interested in the newer GF 617S model, the one with shift and a removable back. The older shift model (without removable back) allowed a change from 6x17 to 6x12 mid-roll. Does anyone know if the GF 617S also allows format change mid-roll? If so, how is this accomplished?

-Mick

[cookseytalbott]

I have the non-shift version of the camera and am using it with a Schneider 90 f8.

I found that it was necessary to use the center graduated ND filter and I got the true blue Schneider rather then the Heilopan. I also use a 86mm Circular Polarizer attached to the center filters outer flange with a WA lens shade on the polarizer.

This is a robust camera that is all metal/all mechanical with good machining. No magic here as this is a box camera with a helicoid focusing lensboard. I have wanted a Technorama for years but there is no way I would pay their terrible price.

I got this direct from Paul at Gaoersi for 960.00+60.00 shipping, exchange rates change so the price may change as well. Took 2 weeks from Hong Kong to California.

Established LF workers will have no problem with the level of procedures that are necessary, focusing, lens cap, film advance etc.

I am about 20 rolls of 160NC film in and am very happy with the results.

I got the hyperfocal focusing numbers from the schneider website and determined that f32 focused on 10 feet gets infinity to 4.5 feet in focus.

The two filters kill the shutter speed a little at 32 so I am interested in trying the 400 film which would get it up to the shutter speed that I normally use. I will have to evaluate if the grain is too destructive.

The image produced with the blinds set to 617 is 6 1/2 inches long x 2 1/8th inches high.

I lug my stuff around a lot and this is as good as it has ever been in terms of weight and toughness. I have done a lot of 4x5 and 6x7cm and this is much lighter then either of those kits.

Soon I will finish and post on my site some of the images I have been making with the camera and a more comprehensive review.
Cheers,

Cooksey
http://www.cookseytalbottgallery.com

[SuperK]

How much time does it takes to replace a lens with adapter in the field? Any expirience?

[cookseytalbott]

I would say all of a minute.

It has 4 knurled screws with retainer rings (so they don't fall out and get lost).

Very easy.

I have been enjoying the camera and even got it up into the mountains on my last trip. I felt the strain of two cameras but it is lighter then any of my other roll film cameras.

Cheers,

Cooksey
www.cookseytalbottgallery.com