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Ebony or Linhof Master Technika?
- Thread starter routlaw
- Start date
carstenw
Active member
Tex, why waste time shooting 8x10 when you can shoot 11x14? or 20x24? 
4x5 is a sweet spot for many. A kit weighs about the same as a modest MF kit, and the film is readily available. 5x7 film is harder to find, and you might have to cut down from 8x10 yourself, and the prices of the cameras are noticeably higher than 4x5 in many cases, and sometimes not all that far from 8x10. 8x10 is another sweet spot, with enough film available, and plenty cameras, but cost becomes a major issue, as does weight. Anything larger than 8x10 is for freaks
I would love an 11x14 camera myself. Maybe one day I might stretch to an 8x10 camera if I like 4x5 as much as I expect.
4x5 is a sweet spot for many. A kit weighs about the same as a modest MF kit, and the film is readily available. 5x7 film is harder to find, and you might have to cut down from 8x10 yourself, and the prices of the cameras are noticeably higher than 4x5 in many cases, and sometimes not all that far from 8x10. 8x10 is another sweet spot, with enough film available, and plenty cameras, but cost becomes a major issue, as does weight. Anything larger than 8x10 is for freaks
I would love an 11x14 camera myself. Maybe one day I might stretch to an 8x10 camera if I like 4x5 as much as I expect.
bensonga
Well-known member
On the topic of Ebony cameras (I have the 45SU)....the only thing I was disappointed with are the Ebony lensboards. The Ebony lensboard I received has a fake wood grain look which doesn't even come close to matching the dark (almost black) finish of the Ebony wood itself. It's probably a better match for their cameras made of mahogany.
Even so, the Ebony lensboard looks a bit tacky to me (very much a fake wood grain look). I quickly ditched the Ebony board and bought five of the Wista lensboards....they are beautifully made and finished.
The Wista lensboard is also $15 cheaper than the Ebony lensboard and about 1/3rd the price of a comparable Linhoff Technika lensboard.
Everytime I pull this camera out of the closet and set it up (like today) I think I'd be crazy to every sell it....such a beautifully handmade piece of equipment.
Gary
Even so, the Ebony lensboard looks a bit tacky to me (very much a fake wood grain look). I quickly ditched the Ebony board and bought five of the Wista lensboards....they are beautifully made and finished.
The Wista lensboard is also $15 cheaper than the Ebony lensboard and about 1/3rd the price of a comparable Linhoff Technika lensboard.
Everytime I pull this camera out of the closet and set it up (like today) I think I'd be crazy to every sell it....such a beautifully handmade piece of equipment.
Gary
Last edited:
Professional
Active member
Sorry to say that and forgive me about it, i want Ebony or any LF in 8x10 size, but only NEW completely, not into "like-new" or second hand, i respect all of you as i know you are experienced and trusty, but i really want to be first hand to use my gear [i mean new from store or manufacturer, not from another shooter using it even few times ;-)]
I don't shoot 810 anymore - 11x14 now
from personal experience I would not waste the time or energy shooting 45 again - a dinky little GG and miniscule film - a Sony 900 is a much better and less expensive alternative
57 is ok but there is a limited selection of cameras, limited film and limited holders
810 is where the fun begins - if it is too much trouble just stay at home and watch television
from personal experience I would not waste the time or energy shooting 45 again - a dinky little GG and miniscule film - a Sony 900 is a much better and less expensive alternative
57 is ok but there is a limited selection of cameras, limited film and limited holders
810 is where the fun begins - if it is too much trouble just stay at home and watch television
Tex, why waste time shooting 8x10 when you can shoot 11x14? or 20x24?
4x5 is a sweet spot for many. A kit weighs about the same as a modest MF kit, and the film is readily available. 5x7 film is harder to find, and you might have to cut down from 8x10 yourself, and the prices of the cameras are noticeably higher than 4x5 in many cases, and sometimes not all that far from 8x10. 8x10 is another sweet spot, with enough film available, and plenty cameras, but cost becomes a major issue, as does weight. Anything larger than 8x10 is for freaks
I would love an 11x14 camera myself. Maybe one day I might stretch to an 8x10 camera if I like 4x5 as much as I expect.
Professional
Active member
Gary, you guys wouldn’t been seen with me. My gear is not color or wood coordinated like you fashion conscious shooters.
Lighten up! Have fun!
Lighten up! Have fun!
Pro, IMO most LF shooters rotate gear on a continual basis - there is not a perfect camera and needs/attitudes change with experience. Also most high end LF gear has been well maintained. Buying new IMO is not a viable alternative.
Professional
Active member
bensonga
Well-known member
I do try to have fun Tex, even when I'm out with my little bitty 4x5, instead of sitting in front of the TV.
I know it's easy to fire off smart one-liners.....I've done it myself in years past, but I finally learned (mostly) that there are real people on the other end and it's not worth being disrespectful of other people's feelings and views, just to get off a cheap shot.
Sorry if my views on the Ebony lensboards rubbed you the wrong way.....I'll be the first to admit I don't like tacky looking gear stuck onto the front of an otherwise beautiful camera, when something equally functional looks better. I am guilty as charged.
Gary
I know it's easy to fire off smart one-liners.....I've done it myself in years past, but I finally learned (mostly) that there are real people on the other end and it's not worth being disrespectful of other people's feelings and views, just to get off a cheap shot.
Sorry if my views on the Ebony lensboards rubbed you the wrong way.....I'll be the first to admit I don't like tacky looking gear stuck onto the front of an otherwise beautiful camera, when something equally functional looks better. I am guilty as charged.
Gary
If that type of interpretation of the situation and self righteous response makes you feel better, have at it - perhaps you should continue pontificating.
In reality it was all in jest - I apologize if I hurt your feelings.
BTW, Ebony lens boards are available in mahogany or ebony to match the camera body.
In reality it was all in jest - I apologize if I hurt your feelings.
BTW, Ebony lens boards are available in mahogany or ebony to match the camera body.
bensonga
Well-known member
Sorry if I misunderstood your point of view Tex. It is difficult to know when someone is speaking in jest on the web. I've been misunderstood too many times myself.
Ahh.....makes sense, although Badger Graphic (where I purchased my 45SU) only seems to have the mahogany fake wood grain boards on their website. Odd that my ebony wood model would come with the mahogany lens board. Oh well, I'm happy with the Wista lensboards.
Gary
routlaw
Member
Tex, this comment is interesting. Can you show me proof of a Sony 900 outperforming 4x5? I would love to see these results. Presumably then the Nikon D3x (single shot not stitched frames) would be better than 4x5 too?
If memory serves me correct 39 mpix MFDB photographers on this forum claim their backs fall just shy of 4x5 quality. Look forward to your reply.
Thanks
Rob
Professional
Active member
I have that 39 MFDB and also 2 film MF [6x6 & 6x7], with all that i dream everyday to go with LF, not 4x5 but 8x10.
Lars
Active member
Why? (Serious question)
Professional
Active member
Why about what?