Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/11/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Phong... the questions I asked are meant to help any aspiring LF user to focus in on the camera best suited for him ( her). Having said that, if weight and cost were no object, the hands down best 4x5 or 8x10 camera I have ever seen is the Linhof Master GTL. Lots of movements that are really smoooooooth, all vernier adjusted. Very stable at around 30 pounds for the 4x5. ARCA and Cambo makes an equivalent as well. But overall, for a little under $10K, you can get a wonderful camera from Linhof, new. Used they sell for around $2500-4000. Now the lenses will be $1000-2500 each, new ( we are all used to that having Leica optics). The 8x10 CFH are around $50 each. You need a dozen. Moving up to 11x14? Cameras are either old and cruddy, fixed up somewhat and not rigid, or new and $4500. Holders are a real shocker.. 5 recently sold for $2200. And lenses? Figure the same price, but not new.... $1000-2500 used. Are you a REAL MAN? 16x 20 should do it for you...... the camera is around $8K, lenses are $2000, and film holders are custom made for your camera at around $500 each. Not big enough yet? 20x24 is the right size for you? Expect the Mercedes or BMW purchase to be on hold until you pay off the camera....and those film holders? .... $9K for the camera box, $600 per film holder. Film costs ... if you have to ask......... No, assuming you have a panoramic eye, prices are around the same. But film just got to be an even bigger nightmare.... I shoot 4x5. It cures the problems with cost, film availability and especially enlargers. Most LF cameras are used with contact printing, as enlargers are both REALLY $$$, and big... Like big enough to not fit through the front door of your house. Frank Filippone red735i@earthlink.net - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html