Fotoman

[rebbot]

Wonder if anyone have any experience with fotoman camera bodies? I cannot seem to find much information over the internet.

They seem to be quite highly rated by a couple of photographers. Am looking at the 612, 617 and 624 bodies.

Cheers!

[ibs]

Can't answer your question but I was looking at fotoman too a while back. From what I read, the built quality is really good. It's even got a brief mentioned in Lee Frost's pano book and commended for its 'any lens also can' versatility.

But after comparing price vs features, I went with Gaoersi instead. Fotoman although China-made is pitched at first world market with first world prices. It's cheaper than your horseman/linhof of course but I got Goersi for a fraction of the price with more accessories and feature than fotoman.

Anyways.. slap on one of those german LF format lens on anything.. picture sure kao wan

[rebbot]

Originally Posted by ibs Can't answer your question but I was looking at fotoman too a while back. From what I read, the built quality is really good. It's even got a brief mentioned in Lee Frost's pano book and commended for its 'any lens also can' versatility. But after comparing price vs features, I went with Gaoersi instead. Fotoman although China-made is pitched at first world market with first world prices. It's cheaper than your horseman/linhof of course but I got Goersi for a fraction of the price with more accessories and feature than fotoman. Anyways.. slap on one of those german LF format lens on anything.. picture sure kao wan

I see. I just purchased a brand new set of Fotoman 612 with 75mm f6.8 Rodenstock Grandagon N and 120mm f5.6 Nikon AM-ED. I thought the price was quite okay compared to Gaoersi.

[ibs]

Congrats on your purchase If i'm shooting 6x12 solely, I'll prolly buy the fotoman as well for the quality. Although the Gaoersi costs lesser, has shift capabilities, comes with a ground glass and an interchangeable back. The one without the interchangeable back even costs less than half of the fotoman. But the fotoman just looks sexier..

Originally Posted by rebbot I see. I just purchased a brand new set of Fotoman 612 with 75mm f6.8 Rodenstock Grandagon N and 120mm f5.6 Nikon AM-ED. I thought the price was quite okay compared to Gaoersi.

[jianghai_ho]

I'd get the Gaoersi... I've got the shift and removable back one, and it's worth it just for the removable back so I can focus with the ground glass. I use it with my 90mm. It's great, except the helical is not quite smooth, and lens cones cost a pretty penny.

[rebbot]

Originally Posted by jianghai_ho I'd get the Gaoersi... I've got the shift and removable back one, and it's worth it just for the removable back so I can focus with the ground glass. I use it with my 90mm. It's great, except the helical is not quite smooth, and lens cones cost a pretty penny.

Fotoman series comes with the shift adapter (SA-612 Shift Adapter offering 50mm of total movement i.e. +/- 25mm) and ground glass as well though the back is not removable. I will probably report on what my early impressions are if anyone is remotely interested.

Cheers!