First Option: Have here be there when you pick it out. Cameras are a bit like clothing. What suits one doesn't suit another.
Second Option: If you absolutely have to buy it without here direct involvement: buy it from a store that will let her return it, preferably for cash back, if she is not satisfied. My local pro-store will do this, even if it is used.
OK, we can get you over the lens hump without making anybody mad. Caltar 150 either the Caltar SII which was a Schneider product (my personal favorite) or Caltar IIN which is a Rodenstock product and every bit as good (some would say better) will only set you back $250-$275. These are modern premium quality lenses with no compromise in quality. Sounds like from what you describe she actually might enjoy a 210MM even more, but most folks do begin with the 150. Don't buy anything to begin with that does not say COPAL on the shutter. You mention Ebay is a concern but if someone has lots of good feedbacks and NO negative, and they will give you a trial period with a $ back guarantee, well I've had 0 problems but I do understand other folks with certain personalities just can't stomach the thought. And for that matter I also notice some of the best used dealers with prices very near what Ebay will fetch.
Don't let anybody talk you into buying anything on the spot, especially from a salesperson who looks like they haven't eaten in couple of weeks, and works on commission.
Your heart's in the right place, but what you want to do screams _gift certifica te_ (or something of that sort) rather than you making a purchase.
Imagine your girlfriend knows _nothing_ about computers, wants to buy you a co mputer, and asks around what to buy. She'll get an answer or two or three, but w hat do you think the chances are that she'll buy you exactly what you want? Just think; she could get a screaming deal on a nice, used computer...say, a 286. <g >
So..if you have a _good_ local dealer, perhaps you could buy what amounts to a gift certificate or open an account for her, something of that sort. You need a _professional photo equipment dealer_, not the local Ritz or whatever. Where ar e you?
If that won't work out, call up the guys at Calumet Photographic 1-800-CALUMET and explain what you have in mind. Calumet is a long-time good, reliable dealer who won't push something far beyond what's appropriate and won't take you to th e cleaners. There are of course plenty of other good dealers, (Robert White in t he UK, Darkroom Innovations / The View Camera Store, Badger Graphics etc) some w ith higher or lower prices than Calumet, but there's more of a need to know what you want.
Another thing; Mamiya America Corp (Toyo view cameras) and some other distribu tors run special deals for bona-fide students and teachers. In the case of MAC ( if it hasn't changed in past year or so) you can buy items for very significantl y lower prices, in many cases below common used prices. Perhaps Linhof, Sinar, A rca-Swiss offer the same sort of programs.
Forget what I said before, John's idea is better.
You'll still be a swell boyfriend.
Dear Andrew
To go over a bit of ground other have discussed, Ebay can be a terrific avenue to get good quality cameras at reasonable prices. Your disadvantage is that you have not tracked prices, so you might be a bit more vulnerable than people who have been pricing cameras on the new and used market.
Going to a dealer like Calumet or looking at their web sites or those sites of other good dealers like B&H or Helix Photo or Samy's will help your learning curve and perhaps help in the end decision. Look at a magazine called View Camera and they have many advertisers who are selling new and used equipment.
I happen to shoot Sinar. As Ellis has pointed out, there are several interesting Sinar cameras available on Ebay. An advantage of buying their products (and I am certain other users of other cameras may have the same thoughts) is that they are selling a "system" which means all the cameras can be upgraded and interchange with parts and accessories. You and your girlfriend over the years can start with an older P and upgrade it to become a P2 or maybe you start with their F camera and that too can be upgraded as need and available fund allow. That also means that new items are designed so they are usable by older and well as the newest of cameras in their line. I find that buying good equipment (even if it costs a bit more at the beginning) over the years is an investment which pays off.
I wish you the best in your search. You will find the contributors here on this forum are an excellent repository of aid, assistance and ideas.
Regards,
John
Andrew,
I still think suprising her would be awesome! It is true that you may not get what she wants but if you buy it new from a honest large dealer like Bager graphics, you can get it exchanged (or refunded) at the cost of shipping.
After your girlfriend receives her present, you can tell her (besides other sweet things) that you wanted to suprise her even though you were concerned that it may not be what she would buy for herself. Then tell her that you are perfectly comfortable with her choosing something else if she would like.
Frankly, though, if you get her an Arca-swiss F and an 150mm Rodenstock S lens, the chances are good that she will keep it. Badger (talk to Jeff) has good prices and is very honest. Just let him know your situation.
I know you girlfriend will think very highly of your gift (whether or not she keeps it!)
Merry Christmas! -Nick and it is OK with you if she
Andrew,
One last thing. Realize that just getting her the camera would be enough. You can let her pick up the lens and accessories. The great thing about LF equipment is that it is totally mix and match as you may have found out in your research. Best of luck!
-Nick
I agree with the Sinar's and another good one is the Cambo line found at www.calumet.com. A Cambo SCX was my first studio camera and I love it. SC's are nice too and can be gotten at Ebay for pretty short money. As you have found out, there is alot of good people around here with alot of good info but everyone is going to have a different preference. For studio stuff though, I would recommend more in the 210mm range. It will give you a better perspective in my opinion. You might think of a good light meter (strobe capabable) like a Sekonic 408, Minolta V or there abouts, a Polaroid holder, film holders (you can never have enough!!!), a good loupe will be a good stocking stuffer and is very much needed, a very good tripod is also needed (Bogen & Gitzo's are good). Hope this helps a little. Cheers
I have and like the Arca-Swiss a lot for a higher end camera. Plus, it's convenient in the field, unlike cameras like the Sinar-P. As a less expensive alternative, the Cambo N series provides a lot of flexibility, all the accessories one's likely to need, etc. Not so good in the field, however.
What are your misgivings regarding EBay? Perhaps you're not into the thrill of those last second bids, getting them in just under the wire before anyone else realizes that they've been outbid. In this case, the Buy-It-Now option is the one for you. Good values can be had using this option.
Or, if it's the stress of not knowing if you'll receive the goods you've just paid $100's of dollars for, then make sure that, whomever you select from which to purchase, they have lots of good feedback AS SELLERS with minimal or no negative responses. The only bad deal I've had on EBay was one that, from the minimal feedback they had received, was questionable.
Good luck.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks