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Thread: Wooden Wista v metal Wista v Shen-Hao for stability

  1. #1

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    Wooden Wista v metal Wista v Shen-Hao for stability

    Hello,
    I am finding my cherry wood Wista field camera a bit 'unsturdy' and am considering changing it for a more rigid field camera as I do alot of long exposures. The joints just dont seem rigid compared to a mono-rail. For ease of transport as most of my images are made on location I rather stick with a field camera.
    Any guidance please?
    Roseanne

  2. #2
    Luc Benac lbenac's Avatar
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    Re: Wooden Wista v metal Wista v Shen-Hao for stability

    Not much guidance. I love my Wista 45DX for the ease of setup keeping a small lens mounted. The trade-off is limited rigidity. You might considering something like a Chamonix 45N2 instead specially consider the winds on the West Coast.

    Sláinte to you and your Wista.
    Field # ShenHao XPO45 - Monorail # Sinar P, F2
    [CENTER]6x6 # Minolta 1965 Autocord, 6x9 # Kodak 1946 Medalist II

  3. #3

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    Re: Wooden Wista v metal Wista v Shen-Hao for stability

    The Wista metal field cameras are rock-solid. I used a VX and it was great for long-exposures. It also has a somewhat low profile which may help in the wind.

    Can't speak for the woodies you mentioned, but in my very limited experience with wooden cameras, the ones I've used weren't nearly as rigid as a metal field camera.

  4. #4

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    Re: Wooden Wista v metal Wista v Shen-Hao for stability

    shenhao makes several cameras, which one?

    chamonix 45n-2 is better though.

  5. #5

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    Re: Wooden Wista v metal Wista v Shen-Hao for stability

    I was looking at the SHEN HAO HZ 45AII.
    Will have a look at the chamonix 45n-2.
    Its a bit limited over here as to what is available 2nd hand without the international postage.
    Thank you for your suggestions,
    Roseanne

  6. #6
    Lachlan 717
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    Re: Wooden Wista v metal Wista v Shen-Hao for stability

    Quote Originally Posted by vinny View Post
    chamonix 45n-2 is better though.
    No, it's not.
    Lachlan.

    You miss 100% of the shots you never take. -- Wayne Gretzky

  7. #7
    Luc Benac lbenac's Avatar
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    Re: Wooden Wista v metal Wista v Shen-Hao for stability

    Quote Originally Posted by Lachlan 717 View Post
    No, it's not.
    You should send me your Shen-hao 617 to compare with my Chamonix 45N2. After 3 months I will be sure :-)
    Field # ShenHao XPO45 - Monorail # Sinar P, F2
    [CENTER]6x6 # Minolta 1965 Autocord, 6x9 # Kodak 1946 Medalist II

  8. #8
    IanG's Avatar
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    Re: Wooden Wista v metal Wista v Shen-Hao for stability

    I've had my Wista 45DX for 26 years and it's only recently that wear and tear means it's less rigid, it was second hand when I bought it. A strip down and rebuild and it will be almost as good as new.

    It would be easy to buy a different wooden field camera but they'll all wear over time, I also have a Super Graphic which normally lives abroad but I brought it back tho the UK and I'll use it while I restore the Wista. The Wista has had hard use and I've no complaints.

    Ian

  9. #9
    Luc Benac lbenac's Avatar
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    Re: Wooden Wista v metal Wista v Shen-Hao for stability

    Quote Originally Posted by IanG View Post
    I've had my Wista 45DX for 26 years and it's only recently that wear and tear means it's less rigid, it was second hand when I bought it. A strip down and rebuild and it will be almost as good as new. The Wista has had hard use and I've no complaints.Ian
    Hello Ian,

    Are you doing the rebuilding yourself or are using a third-party?
    I have left my Wista in France but I would love for it to receive some TLC and regain some of its former stiffness.

    Cheers,

    Luc
    Field # ShenHao XPO45 - Monorail # Sinar P, F2
    [CENTER]6x6 # Minolta 1965 Autocord, 6x9 # Kodak 1946 Medalist II

  10. #10
    Unwitting Thread Killer Ari's Avatar
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    Re: Wooden Wista v metal Wista v Shen-Hao for stability

    I love the metal Wistas, I use the RF.
    You can't go wrong: tough, durable, solid, none of the play you sometimes get with wood cameras.
    It is very precise, locks down tightly, and has all the features and movements you are likely to need in a field camera.

    The only trade-off is that you are carrying a few extra pounds, but hey, it won't blow over easily or break if you drop it.

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