Sinar F1 vs. F2

[tingm]

There is a good working condition sinar F2 for sale for $1500. The only thing broken is the focusing screen, which I can replace with the one from my F1.

The price includes Sinar F2 body, rail extension, extra bellow, leather cover thing for the groundglass (like a hood for the viewfinder), a 150mm sinaron, and a hexagonal rod thingy, and a Sinar metal case. The monorail - tripod mount thing is cracked, but so is the one on my F1.

Should I get it? or get lenses instead, for the same money? I can probably get a 150mm and a 90mm for the same cash. (Right now I am renting lenses)

I'm not that happy with the F1, since the swing can never seem to lock tightly, everytime you slide in/out a polaroid film back, the standard would swing out (it doesn't hold the standard tight enough). I don't know if the F2 got rid of this problem though.

[kahheng]

Originally Posted by tingm There is a good working condition sinar F2 for sale for $1500. The only thing broken is the focusing screen, which I can replace with the one from my F1. The price includes Sinar F2 body, rail extension, extra bellow, leather cover thing for the groundglass (like a hood for the viewfinder), a 150mm sinaron, and a hexagonal rod thingy, and a Sinar metal case. The monorail - tripod mount thing is cracked, but so is the one on my F1.

Sinars are terribly made aren't they? (I am semi-kidding) You'd think they'd have gotten materials right by now. The Fs are notorious for bitty pieces either falling off, chipping off or breaking (I own an F, btw). You think that for the kind of money they want for their cameras they should make them a lot better.

Originally Posted by tingm Should I get it? or get lenses instead, for the same money? I can probably get a 150mm and a 90mm for the same cash. (Right now I am renting lenses) I'm not that happy with the F1, since the swing can never seem to lock tightly, everytime you slide in/out a polaroid film back, the standard would swing out (it doesn't hold the standard tight enough). I don't know if the F2 got rid of this problem though.

It's clear you just have a problem with the rear standard. Heavy use can cause this. Have you checked if it's repairable in your necks of the wood? Doesn't sound like bad damage if you ask me, maybe just replacement or retightening of the friction lock.

Will the F2 do this? Not if it's in good condition. My fairly old F model is fine in this regard. The F2 is a preferable camera compared to the F1 for its stronger front standard. Else they are similar.

I'd get an F2 if I need to replace my F. I like the F series for their portability and it's rigid enough for my application.

Is $1500 a good deal? Depends on how much a new one costs where you are. I find the broken screen and the cracked rail clamp big negatives at that price. Used mint F2s on Ebay are about US$1000 usually without the frills. Sometimes a little less. I think I have seen a new in box one out of HK for that price as well. Then again, I don't look at Sinars too often. So these could be one offs.

Also, do you need the 150mm lens? Would the metal case be useful to you?

What do you shoot with it Mike? Maybe another 4x5 might even be more suitable

[ratboy]

think there is a F1 on sale here in clubsnap for lower ?

buy the F1,
replace your front standard with the rear standard from that F1
and you essentially got a F2

at least that's what i think the difference is : )

[singscott]

Or pay $988 for my horseman LE May be you can call Gin Studio at 6293 9998 to ask them about replacement parts for your F. Like exchange your front lens broad stand for a F2 ones?

[tingm]

thanks for the replies. well, this is my first LF experience. all this time Sinar seems to have a good brand reputation, that's an important aspect if you live in an area where you don't have too many choices. I guess it's like buying a Nikon. They might not have the latest tech, but there surely are a lot of used parts around. (sorry, Nikon users )

I am going to shoot fashion and portraits with the 4x5. Right now I'm using a 1Ds, but I'm starting to dig the look of old 8x10 plates. So I'll guess I'll start with a b/w film in 4x5 format. I think the 150mm is a good focal length for what I'm doing.

Anyway,
Does 4x5 polaroids require a special holder? (a different one from the 120 film holder) I would assume so..

[tingm]

singscott,
you still got that polaroid film back?

[kahheng]

Originally Posted by tingm thanks for the replies. well, this is my first LF experience. all this time Sinar seems to have a good brand reputation, that's an important aspect if you live in an area where you don't have too many choices. I guess it's like buying a Nikon. They might not have the latest tech, but there surely are a lot of used parts around. (sorry, Nikon users )

I think the swing lock issue is a small problem, unless the part has worn out considerably. Just get someone to have a look at it.

[hongsien]

Originally Posted by tingm thanks for the replies. well, this is my first LF experience. all this time Sinar seems to have a good brand reputation, that's an important aspect if you live in an area where you don't have too many choices. I guess it's like buying a Nikon. They might not have the latest tech, but there surely are a lot of used parts around. (sorry, Nikon users ) I am going to shoot fashion and portraits with the 4x5. Right now I'm using a 1Ds, but I'm starting to dig the look of old 8x10 plates. So I'll guess I'll start with a b/w film in 4x5 format. I think the 150mm is a good focal length for what I'm doing. Anyway, Does 4x5 polaroids require a special holder? (a different one from the 120 film holder) I would assume so..

Hi Ting,

If you are using it for fashion and portraits, you really don't need the rail based view camera,as you don't need the movements. Unless you want to play with the 'depth' of focus, which you can 'change' with the tilt and swing movements. I would suggest you to get a field camera, as they can do swing and tilt as well (and you won't need that much movement to get a good effect).........

Also, it is more portable, and can be used outdoor much easier. You probably still need a tripod though, unless you shoot on medium format film, then you can use F16 or less. For 4x5 people typically use F22........but it is not a rule!

You won't get rear movements, but then again, when do you want to change the shape of your model? :-)

Hong Sien

[hongsien]

Just re-read your posting: you already have an F1 Sinar, I believe you can just keep it,and try to repair the swing of the rear panel......take it out or send it to a camera rapair shop. They should be able to do it.........alot cheaper than buying another camera, better use the funds for lenses.....

Hong Sien

[tingm]

Hi Hong,
I guess most people would recommend a field camera for portability. But it's much easier to find stuff for the Sinar in Indonesia because of the brand recognition. Almost all the pro who shoots large uses Sinar.

Besides, we always travel to location shoots using a car, and I have assistants to help me with the big camera. So, it really is not that big. Plus, the Sinar camera with its lens is still much lighter than the Canon stuff with its 1kg lenses.

[hongsien]

Originally Posted by tingm Hi Hong, I guess most people would recommend a field camera for portability. But it's much easier to find stuff for the Sinar in Indonesia because of the brand recognition. Almost all the pro who shoots large uses Sinar. Besides, we always travel to location shoots using a car, and I have assistants to help me with the big camera. So, it really is not that big. Plus, the Sinar camera with its lens is still much lighter than the Canon stuff with its 1kg lenses.

Yeah, its true! I am now in Guangzhou and found they make several accessories like WA bellows and reflex viewers for Sinar! But none for Arca :-(

To be honest: I don't like Sinar as the panels are flimsy (hopefully they are still parallel) which is important for some critical work, worse than Cambo, and not worth their price I believe.....

HS

[tingm]

Originally Posted by hongsien Yeah, its true! I am now in Guangzhou and found they make several accessories like WA bellows and reflex viewers for Sinar! But none for Arca :-( To be honest: I don't like Sinar as the panels are flimsy (hopefully they are still parallel) which is important for some critical work, worse than Cambo, and not worth their price I believe..... HS

They are, aren't they?! For all the hype of swiss-made equipment, it does seem a little overhyped. I guess I probably need to try the P2 and see if the quality is there. Sinar probably has a very good marketing team. Flimsy standards, yet everybody's buying one

[hongsien]

Originally Posted by tingm They are, aren't they?! For all the hype of swiss-made equipment, it does seem a little overhyped. I guess I probably need to try the P2 and see if the quality is there. Sinar probably has a very good marketing team. Flimsy standards, yet everybody's buying one

I am selling my Arca Swiss F-line Basic if interested, I used to have an M-line but sold it off. I will be using Cambo, good enough for most works, no need to be fancy.........the bellows is fancy enough ;-)

P2 is damned expensive (and heavy)! Unless you can get a used one at a good price in JKT? But it can accept digital back with no problems, not flimsy at all :-) I believe the Arca Swiss M-line is as good, and lighter.........

When wil you be in SG again? Lets meet up one day.........

HS

[kahheng]

Originally Posted by hongsien I am selling my Arca Swiss F-line Basic if interested, I used to have an M-line but sold it off. I will be using Cambo, good enough for most works, no need to be fancy.........the bellows is fancy enough ;-) P2 is damned expensive (and heavy)! Unless you can get a used one at a good price in JKT? But it can accept digital back with no problems, not flimsy at all :-) I believe the Arca Swiss M-line is as good, and lighter......... When wil you be in SG again? Lets meet up one day......... HS

I don't think a P2 is necessary. Most people would find an X or used P in good condition sufficient.

[hongsien]

Originally Posted by kahheng I don't think a P2 is necessary. Most people would find an X or used P in good condition sufficient.

I have seen a china copy of the Linhof 67 camera, but didn't check its 'flimsiness', all cameras have this to some degree........wil do that next time I am there.
HS