Re: Tilt bellows

DEL_COL@AB.WVNET.EDU
Mon, 01 Feb 1993 17:42:17 -0500 (EST)

View cameras, another name for what John is talking about are indeed
available. They range in price for a bare bones model--no lens, film
holders, dark cloth, and all the other costly goodies they require--of
about $350 US to top of the line computer controlled-auto-exposure
metering, electronic shutter jobs from Sinar and others that can set you
back $10K++ without any trouble. The lens are expensive too, BUT they
allow superb image control--no converging verticals, etc.

They are slow to work with, heavy and awkward to boot, but much of the
prduct illustration work seen in magazines is still done with them--that
huge negative and total control of perspective, etc. can't be beat.

I have a very old, VERY used Linhof Technika that I use for scenic
photography, but I've really got to be in the mood for serious work to
lug 6 lbs. of camera, 2-3 lbs of film holders and a massive tripod out
to the boonies for a grand total of total of maybe a dozen shots before
having to go home and reload in a drak room or changing bag.

A relatively cheap way to get into view camera work is to get a used
Graphic press camera. They don't have quite the wide range of movements
that a true view camera does, but they are much more portable and can be
had fairly cheaply through ads in Shutterbug and similar publications.

On another matter, I'm still looking for Nepenthes cuttings. (I know
somebody out there must have some--you gotta prune 'em eventually) =-}

J. Del Col