>On Wed, 14 Jul 1999 CLASSICCMP_at_trailing-edge.com wrote:
>> > Are there any
>> > polaroids out there with interchangeable lenses ?
>> Not in their current lineup.
>?? the backs for REAL cameras are no longer available??
No, I was simply remarking about the Polaroid-brand cameras.
>> Of course, if you're using a camera better than a 35mm
>> (say, a Medium Format or Large Format camera) you just put
>> a polaroid back on your camera and you're there.
>Thus having interchangable lenses.
>In addition, is the "Speed Magny"? still around? That was a Polaroid
>back for a Nikon F! It wrapped around the bottom with mirrors or prisms,
>so that the back was actually facing the subject.
Never *ever* saw one of those. How big was the resulting polaroid
exposure (i.e. was there optics in there to make it larger than 24mm x
36mm?)
>> At least here in the US, if you check out the swap meets and
>> flea markets it's easy to find an older 4x5 Crown Graphic with
>> good quality lens and 4x5 polaroid back for a few hundred $.
>> I got mine with a 127mm Ektar, a truly excellent lens from the
>> late 40's.
>Arrrgggh! "a few hundred $"?!? What are they on E-BAY?!? I got my
>cameras back when prices were reasonable (60s,70s), as in $20 for Graflex.
Well, my introduction came in the late 80's and early 90's, when I started
getting into cameras and darkroom stuff. A few hundred dollars will
still (my prices are based on what I see at Camera shows and
dealers, not from E-bay) buy you a clean Crown Graphic with a perfectly
operating lens, some film holders, and a roll-film or polaroid back.
I do see real ratty ones for $10-$20 at flea markets,
with almost certain holes in the bellows and gummy shutters on the lenses,
and usually with visibly broken rangefinders. These are things that can
be patched up, certainly, but I wouldn't turn an absolute beginner onto
such a fixer-upper when for a very reasonable price you can get a clean
one.
As a step up from the Crown Graphic, you can get an excellent used monorail
view camera with full movements for just a little more money. I got
my Calumet 4x5, 20" bellows extension monorail with a bunch of film holders
and a not-so-bad 210mm Japanese process lens from the mid-70's for $250. The
process lens, not surprisingly, is *excellent* for macro work. Brand
new setups are available from Calumet photo today (see
http://www.calumetphoto.com/ ) for not a lot more money.
>I got my Linhof Technica III from one of the largest camera stores, but it
>was in a paper bag labelled "most of a Linhof $20", and I had to make some
>parts.
If someone wants to make a camera, the Bender view camera kits are an
excellent project. See
http://www.benderphoto.com/ . I wouldn't
trade my Crown Graphic or my Calumet for one, but I could see how
someone would prefer one they built themselves. The Bender camera
kits are *real* pretty when you're done, much nicer looking than my
gunmetal grey Calumet or heavily used Crown Graphic. But I'm sure
my Crown Graphic and Calumet have stood up to abuse that would've turned
the Bender into splinters.
--
Tim Shoppa Email: shoppa_at_trailing-edge.com
Trailing Edge Technology WWW: http://www.trailing-edge.com/
7328 Bradley Blvd Voice: 301-767-5917
Bethesda, MD, USA 20817 Fax: 301-767-5927
Received on Wed Jul 14 1999 - 15:13:02 BST