Re: [pinhole-discussion] medium format pinhole
I've tried a number of inexpensive medium format conversions to pinhole. Most can be seen at: http://web.pdx.edu/~harveyt/pinholecams.html For normal focal length 6x6, the easiest (e.g., working shutter with Time/Bulb setting, cable release function, and tripod socket) is the Agfa B2 Speedex Jr. For 6x9, just about the best (in my opinion) is the Agfa Clack.I have converted several Clacks, though none are shown on my site. Nice camera to use, incredibly easy conversion. For complete step-by-step Clack conversion instructions, see: http://www.kosara.net/photo/lochlomo.html Somebody mentioned it here recently, for superwide focal length any folding camera with the entire lens/bellows/shutter removed works great -- see the Ansco Viking 6x9 for just one example. Other cameras shown include an Ilford Sporti and Kodak Cresta (too many light holes to fill once shutter/lens is removed); an Ensign Ful-Vue (magnet makes an easy shutter but film loading is not much fun); and a Ferrania Eura (nice project, but original shutter not retained). The twin-lens cameras were fun projects, but I never enjoyed using them. All in all, I like the Zero Image cameras better than the conversions, but the project cameras are much more cost effective. Tom
Re: [pinhole-discussion] Re:About Casado Pinhole
Handmade Photographic Images - http://GLSmyth.com DRiP Investing - http://DRiPInvesting.org George, I wondered about two George Smyths a while back when exploring some DRiP investing information on the Motley Fool site, then I just saw that the two are, in fact, the same. Now, back to investing research having taken a break to check my pinhole related e-mail. Tom
Re: [pinhole-discussion] Question about Pinhole Factory
At 10:39 AM 11/1/2002 -0500, you wrote: Is anyone familiar with the Pinhole Factory is England? See http://www.pinholesolutions.co.uk/pinhole_factory.html The Silver Gem and Silver Jewel pinhole cameras look like copies of the Zero 2000 and Zero 2000 multi-format camera. Are they in fact one in the same? Thanks, R.J. A while back I contacted the Pinhole Factory to ask the same question. ZeroImage cameras? Copies? And why the significantly higher prices? They answered my e-mail only to refuse to tell me anymore about the cameras. My sense was that they did not want to admit that they copied the designs of the ZeroImage cameras. And they are copies, not ZeroImage cameras being sold by an English company. From www.zeroimage.com, -- Imitations or copies of this item can found in England. Please be advised that we do not have any authorized dealer or manufacturer of our products in England!!! At the prices they are charging for the Silver *** cameras, they could buy them at retail price from ZeroImage and still be making a substantial profit. Tom
[pinhole-discussion] Agfa Slowex Pinhole Camera
Currently on eBay -- an Agfa B2 Speedex Junior, 120-format folding camera converted to pinhole use: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=1351108131 Auction closes on Sunday, May 12, 6:24 pm, Pacific Time. Truth in advertising - it is mine. Tom
Re: [pinhole-discussion] camera body for zone plate
I've been using a converted Lubitel camera for my studio based zone plate work. I like the camera, but its layout is causing me some trouble. It's great having a viewing lens, but the placement of the viewfinder on top is inconvenient given my lighting set-ups. I often find myself check to jowl with a blazing quartz light. Also, having to unscrew the camera from the tripod every time I need to change film is annoying. I'm looking for another cheap medium format camera to convert to zone plate -- preferably one with a rangefinder style viewfinder on the back. I've heard that the Agfa Sporti is a possible candidate. Does anyone know what the focal length of this camera is? Any other cameras come to mind? Thanks. You are probably thinking about the Ilford Sporti. With the lens removed and snout left in place, it is about 50mm. With the snout cut out, and a plate flat on the front, it is 40mm. You can see a 40mm version at: http://web.pdx.edu/~harveyt/pinholecams.html The problem is no real shutter -- not too bad for slower pinhole use, but maybe too slow an operation for zone plate. Another possibility is an Agfa Speedex Jr., with cable release provision and a shutter that has Time and Inst settings, 90mm. One can be seen at above website. There are several other conversions shown, including a cobbled together zone plate that uses an old Kodak shutter. My favorite, not shown, is the Agfa Clack. An extremely simple conversion, cable release, Bulb and Inst shutter, 6x9 format, 70mm. Of all the cameras I have tried or considered, this is the best. The only problem for zone plate use is the lack of real speed settings on the shutter. See a Clack conversion (with instructions) at: http://www.kosara.net/photo/lochlomo.html I have completed the Ensign Ful-Vue pinhole conversion shown on my site. It is currently listed (closes 4/22) on eBay at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=1346689470 Someone mentioned Isolette/Speedex folding cameras. The major problem with some of them is bellows deterioration. They do have real shutters. Tom
[pinhole-discussion] Twin lens conversions on eBay
I have the following two cameras listed on eBay. The auctions close on Sunday, April 14. Ciro-Flex Twin Lens Reflex converted to pinhole: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=1344932757 Ricohflex Twin Lens Reflex converted to zone plate: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=1344934984 Excuse me if making fellow pinhole enthusiasts aware of cameras for sale is against list etiquette. But I'd hate for anyone interested to miss this wonderful opportunity! Even if you are not interested, there are some pictures and descriptions of the converted cameras. Sincerely, Tom Harvey
Re: [pinhole-discussion] Leslie Davis website
--- lad...@aol.com wrote: I invite all members to take a look at my new pinhole website a provide me with your opinions. It can be found at www.lesliedavisp at ??? I would recommend offering larger images. The thumbnails look interesting, but I can't really see enough with such small pictures. Cheers - george Wonderful site and images. Thanks for letting us know about it. I have no problem getting larger images with either Netscape or Explorer (both on a Mac). Tom
[pinhole-discussion] Pinhole Planet new cameras
http://www.pinholeplanet.com/Home/home.html I just ran across a new pinhole camera listed on eBay. The manufacturer's website is listed above. It is under construction, so not much to learn yet. You can actually see the camera on the eBay listing at: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=1333483183 This wonderful thing is a hand made pinhole camera produced by pinhole planet. It's a 4x5 dual focal length pinhole. This camera has both wide and super wide modes, 12mm and 24mm. The body is hand crafted in solid oak. Designed around a laser-drilled pinhole lens and integrated shutter slide for maximum exposure control. The camera accepts all 4x5 backs but can be used without one with a little more hassle. That is all I know. I am not affiliated in any way with the maker or the seller. It does look interesting. Tom
[pinhole-discussion] New cameras
Zernike, I have two questions about your cameras. 1) Does the Polaroid 545i back work with the 4x5 camera? 2) How does the new Zero 2000 differ from the original? Is the name plate inside or outside? Larger/clearer red window? Other? Best of luck on the Silver Gem issue. Thanks, Tom
RE: [pinhole-discussion] Re: Sxx Gxx
Perhaps it is best that discussion of this topic take place outside of the discussion list. I see no need to call additional attention to the cameras, nor to get the list in the middle of possible legal action. E-mail addresses are available for the principal players. Tom Zernike Au zern...@zeroimage.com wrote: GP, JK GK, It's o.k. to left their URL there, just don't mention their name again or we may in trouble (legally), someone is hearing! I think some of the member still interesting in seeing the SG, how they resemble to Z's Z2000. S KKA :-) or Z:-) hey on the QT could you give me the URL on this SOB ? chip
Re: [pinhole-discussion] Polaroid Pinhole Kits
I am in Japan where they released Polaroid pinhole camera kits mid last year, and am thinking about buying one. Is it worth buying one, or is it cheaper and just as good to make one from an old back? I am a complete Polaroid beginner (only used a day lab a few times), can anyone recommend the best sites to check out to learn about building a polaroid-pinhole? What old camera models would I be looking for to get the back? Cheers, Louisa See the following site for Polaroid pack film camera models -- and lots of other information on Polaroid cameras and film: http://www.rwhirled.com/landlist/landdcam-pack.htm The rigid body Colorpack and Super Shooter models (but not Square Shooter) are easily found on eBay and in thrift stores, are inexpensive, and are easily converted to pinhole use. You just need to be sure to get the 100-series film cameras, not the 80-series ones. These are definitely cheaper than a $100 new Poloroid pinhole camera. The cameras are also cheaper than separate film backs. Without very little work, you can convert one to a normal focal length pinhole camera. The June/July 1998 issue of Camera Arts has an article on cutting one down to make a wide-angle body. And the Polaroid Big Shot camera can be nade into a telephoto camera.
Re: [pinhole-discussion] Camera conversions link fixed
I uploaded a gallery of 120-rollfilm cameras converted for pinhole and zone plate use. These include a couple of formats, different focal lengths, and several shutter options. The url is: http://web.pdx.edu/~harveyt/pinholecams.html Guillermo, Thanks for noting the needed fix on the Ensign Ful-Vue. It should show up now, though it is not very exciting. Tom, excellent stuff! a very good way to educate me on some of the possible cameras to convert to pinhole. I will certainly keep my eye open for some of those at eBay stuff or photo fairs. For the inevitable question of what this has to do with pinhole photography, I may be mistaken, but I have heard that question just once or twice throughout the life of this list (5 or 6 years I believe). I'd say, we some times touch topics that are seemingly very peripheric to pinhole but nevertheless worth discussing IMO. Clearly this post is right in the center of the hole, pinhole, that is. I know, and I shouldn't have made the comment. Or I should have said it with tongue-in-cheek. I am on several lists and when the topics do stray, the issue occasionally arises -- but I've learned quite a bit from those tangential conversations. On this list, I deleted a whole bunch of the 4x5 film holder posts until I opened one and discovered discussion of the Zero Image 4x5 camera which I am interested in! Tom Anyway, thanks again. Guillermo PS: EnsignWork.jpg is not showing up when ensign.html try to display it.
[pinhole-discussion] Re: Diana! and eBay
Guillermo - I too learned a lot. I will still wait for ebay's reply to my request for info but the explanations offered so far make sense. I think part of the problem is everyone's amazement that anyone would pay that much for a Diana. I for one hope there was no hanky-panky and just someone with a lot of bucks to spend. Ray If you examine the other auctions that megan8585 has bid on, it is clear that she just wants a Diana. She is not bidding on other items and is bidding on items for sale from a variety of sellers. I do not think that this is a case of shill bidding. However, shill bidding can be a problem on eBay -- and eBay does very little enforcement of its own rules. By far the biggest problem with eBay purchases is inaccurately described merchandise. With old cameras, it is hard to tell if the seller is being deliberately obscure, is actually not knowledgeable, or is being outright deceptive. I have quit buying things for long periods after a chain of 30-40% disappointments -- though in most cases the seller has made things right with full or partial refunds. The great benefit of eBay is that you can find just about anything you are looking for -- and if you are patient, you can get items for a good price. For example, I have bought two Ferrania Eura cameras for $13 each (including postage), have seen them sell for $100+, and have sold one for $60. I recently bought a Eura and a Diana (not mint) for $49 and then sold the Diana for $33. So Dianas do sell for less than $200! Unconstrained desire, however, can be expensive. There are sources other than eBay for many items, as people have mentioned, and some may be fun (camera shows, thrift stores, etc.), but you cannot always find what you are looking for. The only other way to purchase some cameras that I have been interested in seems to be from European dealers at prices that are usually no better than typical eBay sales prices. And, yes, this is about pinhole photography. The cameras that I look for on eBay that I can't find elsewhere are often 120 rollfilm cameras for conversions to pinhole use -- Eura, Agfa Clack, Ilford Sporti, folding cameras, etc. Tom
Re: [pinhole-discussion] DIana Camera Ebay
Hey guys I am wondering if any of you know where I can get some information on a full-vue camera made by the spencer co. it holds 2 1/4 film. In my searches I fear that I am not looking in the right direction. Any Info would be much obliged. Christine Could you mean the Spartus Full-Vue? A twin-lens reflex, 120 camera? There are 10 on eBay now. Nicely adapted to pinhole use; only problem is that they do not have a tripod socket. Tom
[pinhole-discussion] Re: Colin - Zero Image 4x5
Also, just received my Zero Image 4x5 camera. Very elegant camera that is fun and easy to use. Kudos again to you Zernike. Just wish I had ordered the shutter that works with the cable release. Can this be added afterwards? How do you connect it? Colin Colin, Care to give us a mini-review of the camera? Did you get multiple extensions and extra pinholes or zone plates with the turret? How does the film back work? Tom
