MPP as a first camera?

**rugenius** · 28-Dec-2009, 13:06

IMHO there are better deals on the LF forum classifieds than this Ebay auction described in the thread.
Even if you paid $300, you might find it was $300 too much.
The seller description of lenses are needing TLC.
I.E. probably not worth owning.
The seller description of the "light tight" bellows was "unsure".
I.E. the camera is probably not light tight (an essential).
Lastly,... The seller had the following quote:
"the outfit is in a poor/unclean state and will require a lot of TLC !! BUT IT IS CHEAP! Thanks ..."That says it all.

Sure,... take a risk... then unload it again on Ebay if you don't like it.
What you will be paying for is 100% risk
A pair of worthless lenses
A camera that needs TLC

My advice is find another camera to bid on...
Or,... For a couple of hundered dollars more you could get a decent camera right off of the LF forum.
You can experiment and get lenses cheap off of Ebay certainly better than included in that auction for god's sake. Lots of bargains also in the LF forum.

My2cents,
Bill

**William McEwen** · 28-Dec-2009, 13:13

I suggest you consider a 4x5 Sinar Alpina. It's a monorail, but it's light and portable, and every one I've seen has been a good bargain. I used one for five years and sold it when I moved up to 8x10. If I were to return to 4x5, I would get another Alpina in a heartbeat.

**rugenius** · 28-Dec-2009, 13:38

Here's a few examples of decent 4x5" starter cameras (approx $300 to $425, press, mono-rail, and wooden field) all purchased on Ebay:
The possibilites are really endless BTW...

**Dave Dawson** · 28-Dec-2009, 14:29

Dan, Here is an offer I don't think you will be able to refuse.....You can borrow my Mk VII MPP for a couple of months to try one out

It has a 150 mm and a 90mm Angulon and some DD's.

Why am I prepared to lend it to you? Well with the offer being 'on here' you would be foolish not to bring it back wouldn't you?

Cheers Dave

**Paul H** · 29-Dec-2009, 03:03

Nothing wrong with the MPP Microtechnical cameras, but you really want to be looking for a MK VII or MK VIII. Make sure the cam is matched to the lens (and then you can also shoot it handheld too).

You are probably better off buying from someone like Peter Loy (I got my MK VII from him) or similar. Having said that, Ebay UK seems to have a steady stream of MPP's, so just wait a little until a good one comes up.here's a link to one that looks to be a much better bet.

**Captured City** · 29-Dec-2009, 07:02

Thanks to everyone for the advice!

I decided not to go for that particular MPP. I asked the seller some questions on ebay and as rugenius pointed out, his responses did not fill me with confidence. I have looked at all the links posted, but im reluctant to order from the US because the shipping adds another 15-20% to the cost then on top of that import duty and VAT add a further 20-25% so suddenly a $300 camera could cost as much as $500.

Dave - that is a wonderful offer and one I may just take you up on (although I will be slightly terrified of breaking/losing it!). Im away at the moment but will be back in London in January so unless an amazing offer on a camera presents itself i'll be in touch.

In the mean time, thanks again for all of the advice. Hopefully i'll be snapping away soon.