Hi, guys,
I've been trying to sell my EOS 1V for some time, but to no avail. However, a few days ago somebody offered to trade his new Ebony 23S for it. I was a little reluctant, firstly because I already had a large format camera which I loved, and secondly because the 2x3" format didn't really attract me. But in the end I said what the heck, I have nothing to lose.
So, I traded my EOS 1V HS plus 50mm f/1.4 for the following setup: Ebony 23S, Schneider 100mm f/5.6, Horseman 6x9 rollfilm back, Ebony darkcloth. Everything is absolutely like new. The guy had bought everything new and then changed his mind. He hadn't yet had the chance to use them. My 1V and lens were also like new.
The first impressions are mixed. On one hand, after having worked with a 4x5 camera, I don't like the small 2x3 ground glass at all. I mean it's OK, it's nice and bright, but it's smaaaaaaalllll... On the other hand, I can't believe how small and lightweight this camera can be. It looks and feels like a point&shoot compact in comparison to my 4x5" Calumet. Also, although I had read about the build quality of the Ebonies, I didn't expect this quality to strike me so strongly. It's incredible. The only time I had this feeling was when I first laid my hand on a Leica M7. So, I may not like the 2x3 format, but I love the camera.
Another bonus is that it takes RB67 film backs. I already had two of those.
Now I have a couple of questions.
First, the ground glass has no holes in the corners. How can I check for vignetting? I believe the vignette becomes visible in the final picture long before becoming noticeable on the ground glass. Other than looking at the diaphragm through the corners of the glass, is there any way of making sure that I won't have any vignette? Any trick?
Second, does the Schneider 100mm f/5.6 cover 4x5 with at least minimal movements? I'd like to use it as a wide angle on my Calumet if it were possible.
Thanks.
Bookmarks