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Which Board? => Main Forum => Topic started by: gothamtomato on February 26, 2008, 01:48:33 AM

Title: 4x5 rangefinder
Post by: gothamtomato on February 26, 2008, 01:48:33 AM: Hi,

Does anyone know of a 4x5 rangefinder that allows focusing & paralax correction? Basically, a 4x5 that you can hand hold (or close to it). Do any of the old Graflexes do that?

But not the Littman. I know about that one but it's $5000.

Thanks!
Title: Re: 4x5 rangefinder
Post by: Skorj on February 26, 2008, 01:53:31 AM: Not what I would call a true 4x5 RF, but more a 4x5 capable RF, the Mamiya Universal and Polaroid 600 SE take a 4x5 back rather nicely:

Polaroid 600 SE Review (http://filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=779.0).

> ... not the Littman
If you do not want to buy a Littman Lunatic, there is an alternative called the Razzle! Much easier on your wallet, and without all the phychic burden of the `LL`.
Title: Re: 4x5 rangefinder
Post by: Sandeha Lynch on February 26, 2008, 08:40:05 AM: I'm workin' on it ...
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a119/Sandeha/neretta/th_IMGP4593.jpg) (http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a119/Sandeha/neretta/IMGP4593.jpg)

But you'd be better off with a Razzle. His waiting list speaks for itself !!
Title: Re: 4x5 rangefinder
Post by: david b on February 26, 2008, 10:49:24 AM: The various Speed Graphic / Crown Graphics et al are eminently hand-holdable (if not exactly svelte) - that's exactly what they were designed for - and it's possible to pick up cheap refurbished models quite easily. I don't think they have parallax correction though. Or at least not all the various range.

If you want that then you'll have to speak to Mr Razzledog. Or do your own Polaroid conversion!
Title: Re: 4x5 rangefinder
Post by: gothamtomato on February 26, 2008, 12:16:13 PM: I've never heard of the Razzle. Is there a website?
Title: Re: 4x5 rangefinder
Post by: LT on February 26, 2008, 01:02:20 PM: you could always get one of these http://www.fotomancamera.com/product_list.asp?id=190 (http://www.fotomancamera.com/product_list.asp?id=190) then adding the accessory rangefinder ... no paralax correction though
Title: Re: 4x5 rangefinder
Post by: david b on February 26, 2008, 02:44:54 PM: Quote from: gothamtomato on February 26, 2008, 12:16:13 PM
I've never heard of the Razzle. Is there a website?

http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~razzle/
Title: Re: 4x5 rangefinder
Post by: Francois on February 26, 2008, 04:15:55 PM: Quote from: david b on February 26, 2008, 10:49:24 AM
The various Speed Graphic / Crown Graphics et al are eminently hand-holdable (if not exactly svelte) - that's exactly what they were designed for - and it's possible to pick up cheap refurbished models quite easily. I don't think they have parallax correction though. Or at least not all the various range.
I have a Crown graphic that has both rangefinder and viewfinder with parallax correction. You focus using one eyepiece and compose using the other. When you buy these, you have to make sure you have the right lens for the right cam. Very few people know that! The cams are a small piece of tin hidden behind a cover under the top of the camera. You open-up the bed using the hidden button under the leatherette on top. Open up the spring loaded cover just under viewfinder. Put the focusing to the closest distance to remove tension. You can pull the white metal cam right out from its track to change it... not user friendly at all.

The Linhoff models are much easier handling. Cams are on the camera bed.
You can always get something good from old press cameras. They're rugged but not the lightest things in the world...

Here is how to change the cam and what they look like.

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