oscartb wrote:
I have 2 Sinar monorails (F2 and P2). The F2 was free (came with a lens I was buying) and the P2 I bought because I always wanted one and the price was so low I couldn't resist. Monorail's total lack of portability means nobody wants them so you can snatch up a nice Sinar or equivalent for a few hundred dollars, and less prestigious models for much less.
One thing to consider with dipping into 4x5 is the peripheral costs - developing, scanning, and accessories will be more expensive than the camera. My Sinar P2 cost as much as my focus loupe!
I'd recommend it, but do watch out - if the large format bug bites, it can get expensive fast!...Show more →
Thanks for the info! I've read many a horror story on the large format bug, so I'm keeping it in check. I saw a great video from a guy on YT talking about his large format journey, and that format creep is real. I believe him.
I've already got a flatbed and develop B&W at home, so it shouldn't be too much of a lift to get going. I went ahead and committed $20 to get three dusty film holders that my local lab has had sitting around for a few months, so I'm considering the project underway
Tina Kino wrote:
..a sidenote - do you guys see this pattern in the glass (left of the bird in this instance)?
You only see it when shooting the windscreen at an angle, with a polarizing filter (which I use for these kind of shot, as without you'd basically see 90% reflections) - I suppose this is some kind of foil inside the (safety-) glass of some (not all) car windscreens.. was just wondering why it's got this peculiar pattern..
I believe this is a result of tempering. Something to do with internal stresses refracting light... or something. I looked it up some years ago because it's so visible with polarized sunglasses.
I just took a look at the Mamiya and it's a lot like a smaller version of a Nikkormat. Having owned a lot of 'Mats,I found having the shutter speed dial behind the lens mount made changing speeds with the camera at eye level was really easy. Looks like you're having fun with it!
Shooting a tiny and swell lens like the 21mm f/4 Color-Skopar is so fun. It feels great on the camera. But...basically guessing at framing...is dumb. The pankcake-esque Nikkor 20mm f/4 on any F camera is so much more photographically rewarding.
_jim_ wrote:
Shooting a tiny and swell lens like the 21mm f/4 Color-Skopar is so fun. It feels great on the camera. But...basically guessing at framing...is dumb. The pankcake-esque Nikkor 20mm f/4 on any F camera is so much more photographically rewarding.
Sonnar-7 wrote:
Salvaging what I can from those 35mm Phoenix shots before casting the leftover rolls into Mount Doom.
Apparently, Phoenix rising from the ashes left a lot of crud in the emulsion. Treat yourself and get some Portra. The pain of the price will fade when you see the images.
madNbad wrote:
I just took a look at the Mamiya and it's a lot like a smaller version of a Nikkormat. Having owned a lot of 'Mats,I found having the shutter speed dial behind the lens mount made changing speeds with the camera at eye level was really easy. Looks like you're having fun with it!
To me the size of the Mamiya reminds me of my old Pentax ME Super. As for changing shutter speeds, I'm still a little clumsy and need to look at the dial. I am having fun with this camera. It's as much about finding a decent camera that few are aware of and having it produce very decent images. And all for very little money.
