Tell me about WISTA 45 N

[tweenkle]

Hi everybody.

I saw a Wista 45 N for sale, but it seems difficult to find litterature about it.

How does it compare to other Wista 45 (SP, RF,...) ?
How old could it be ?

What are the pros and cons ?

What is a fair price for a gear in good condition ?

Thanks.

[Bob Salomon]

http://chemicalcameras.wordpress.com/wista-45n/

This is an old version of the current metal Wista VX or SP cameras (all metal Wistas are no longer made as the manufacturer of the body casting has gone out of business and the tools were destroyed).

[tweenkle]

Thanks Bob.

Is it a good idea to buy the Wista N or not ?

If yes, at what price ?

Thanks.

[Bob Salomon]

Thanks Bob.

Is it a good idea to buy the Wista N or not ?

If yes, at what price ?

Thanks.

Not if you might need service and parts at a later date. So it better be real cheap.

[tweenkle]

Thanks.

Is 250$ cheap enough ?

[engl]

Keep in mind that you are taking advice from a representative of a Linhof distributor, who obviously would have a chance of selling you some parts if you went with a Linhof instead of a Wista.

But the point is still valid, you might not be able to get spare parts for a Wista. A lot of amateurs use cameras for which spare parts can not be bought from the manufacturer, or cameras which cost less than say buying a new Linhof bellows. If your income depends on your camera, get something with manufacturer support.

As for the Wista, I'm sure someone who has used the camera will chime in. Wista metal field cameras always seemed genial to me, although the 45N is older and missing front swing.

[tweenkle]

Thanks engl.

My income doesn't depend on my camera. It's just a toy for me. It would be my first LF camera. The one I saw (only pics) looks very nice. It is sold with a Apo-Symmar 150, which seems to be a good lense and with a few fidelity backs.

[engl]

If you don't buy that, let me know where you found it. 250$ for a Wista metal field with a good lens and holders is a steal At least if the condition is good. All movements should work without issue, bellow light tight, shutter working, lens mold-free etc.

[tweenkle]

When I said 250$ it was, in my mind, the price for the Wista alone. I was mentally adding the price for the lens and fidelity. Like 250+400+50 = 700$.

Does that sound fair ?

I also have to say that I'm in France and so is the gear...

[IanG]

$250 if it's in good condition is worth it, the rest at $700 inc the Wista is still OK.

Just look how much a new Wista is, or even a cheap Chinese camera.

Ian