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Thread: What is so great about a converted Polaroid camera?

  1. #81

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    Re: What is so great about a converted Polaroid camera?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dan Fromm View Post
    Gordon, I took y'r advice and looked. Why couldn't those shots have been taken with a different camera?

    Understand, I'm completely neutral about converted polaroid cameras. They don't seem to be for everyone, do seem to suit some very well.
    I think it's due to the big bright single window rangefinder that allows for fast handheld use without need for a ground glass or tripod.
    They're also one of the lightest 4x5's I know of.

    GF.

  2. #82

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    Re: What is so great about a converted Polaroid camera?

    Too true. Slow shutter speeds are the realm of smaller cameras when handheld. The same goes for focus and large apertures. I totally dig shooting my Xenotar at f/2.8, but it's a total crapshoot if the model moves an inch.

    I'm a big fan of the Mamiya 6 and 7. I never liked the wide lenses on the Fuji's.

    Quote Originally Posted by Frank Petronio View Post
    The classic old 120 folders are great and can be sharp, but the Fujis (and Mamiyas) have pretty much state of the art modern lenses that are super sharp. Of course it also depends on scanning, darkroom techniques... But given that you can gain at least a couple stops advantage with the smaller cameras, they get pretty close or better quickly.

    But yes if you shot in New Mexico sun at 1/500th @ f/16 then yeah, I'll concede that handheld 4x5 should have an edge. But once you start opening up and slowing down to 1/125, 1/60th at f/8 it gets real close and by the time you're slower or more open then it's game over, the small camera wins.

  3. #83

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    Re: What is so great about a converted Polaroid camera?

    I use the 4x5 for probably all the wrong reasons, one of which is that the cost of film makes me more selective with my shots. I just pay closer attention when I'm working at a portrait session. I could do that with any medium, it has nothing to do with the camera and everything to do with my personality.

    Then again, I like handling the camera, the film, it's just a process thing that I find pleasing. Again, nothing special about the camera in the photos I take. It's all personal choice.

    Quote Originally Posted by Peter York View Post
    In my opinion the critical factor is assessing how often you want/need the combined rangefinder/viewfinder.

    Frank is probably right on average, but many of us, myself included, won't/don't want to listen.

    The flip side is that when you nail a shot on 4x5, it is sweet vindication.

  4. #84

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    Re: What is so great about a converted Polaroid camera?

    Quote Originally Posted by Gordon Flodders View Post
    Seems to be quite a few uneducated LF's out there. Why is it Chris Usher has five converted Polaroids?

    http://www.chrisusher.com/projects.h...album-14&num=1

    Click on 'One of Us'

    GF
    Because he likes gimmicks?
    One man's Mede is another man's Persian.

  5. #85
    SpeedGraphicMan's Avatar
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    Re: What is so great about a converted Polaroid camera?

    Quote Originally Posted by W K Longcor View Post
    Since following this forum, I've seen a lot of mention of old Polaroid cameras converted to 4X5 for use as a hand held camera. There seem to even be several camera technicians doing these rebuilds on a commercial scale. Now, I'm not finding fault -- just curious. To me those old model 900, etc. were among the heaviest, CLUNKIEST camera design mistakes to ever come along. With all the used 4x5 graphics to choose from, WHY would anyone prefer to work with one of these Polaroid monsters? I mean -- they are twice as heavy as a Graphic, you still have a bellows, the rangefinder is NOT any improvement over the graphic rangefinder,etc. In my mind, there are more negative than positive features with the old Polaroids -- so WHY? Somebody please educate me on this one.
    Cheers!

    Speed Graphics Forever!!!!
    "I would like to see Paris before I die... Philadelphia will do..."

  6. #86

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    Re: What is so great about a converted Polaroid camera?

    Quote Originally Posted by E. von Hoegh View Post
    Because he likes gimmicks?
    Ding Ding Ding

  7. #87

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    Re: What is so great about a converted Polaroid camera?

    Quote Originally Posted by SpeedGraphicMan View Post
    Cheers!

    Speed Graphics Forever!!!!
    Yes indeedy!!
    One man's Mede is another man's Persian.

  8. #88
    SpeedGraphicMan's Avatar
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    Re: What is so great about a converted Polaroid camera?

    Quote Originally Posted by E. von Hoegh View Post
    Yes indeedy!!
    Ha Ha!

    I believe most people get a converted Polaroid because they are unfortunately ignorant about the intuitive beauty of a Graphic!
    "I would like to see Paris before I die... Philadelphia will do..."

  9. #89

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    Re: What is so great about a converted Polaroid camera?

    Quote Originally Posted by SpeedGraphicMan View Post
    Ha Ha!

    I believe most people get a converted Polaroid because they are unfortunately ignorant about the intuitive beauty of a Graphic!
    And have more money than experience.
    One man's Mede is another man's Persian.

  10. #90
    SpeedGraphicMan's Avatar
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    Re: What is so great about a converted Polaroid camera?

    Quote Originally Posted by E. von Hoegh View Post
    And have more money than experience.
    Hear Hear!

    Too bad vintage Gowlandflexes can't take off as a fad!
    "I would like to see Paris before I die... Philadelphia will do..."

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