Search found 117 matches

by vanman
Wed Jul 27, 2011 5:26 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Forum: New Members
Topic: Hi from NW London
Replies: 26
Views: 27361

Re: Hi from NW London

Thanks Andrew, Two minds think alike, it's gotta be good. I forgot to mention that Eskofot and Repromaster lenses are modern lenses and as they won't screw straight into a shutter they sell at really low prices. There were some on the Large Format Photography Forum about a week ago. They were in The...
by vanman
Wed Jul 27, 2011 3:32 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Forum: New Members
Topic: Hi from NW London
Replies: 26
Views: 27361

Re: Hi from NW London

Hi Joanna, I agree with Andrew, older uncoated lenses are really worth a look. You need to shade them in bright light but think of the cash. LUC and Packard shutters are readily available. Dallmeyer were making Packard design shutters over here under lisence and these are available. You can't fit a ...
by vanman
Sun Jun 12, 2011 11:03 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Inexpensive chemicals for B&W - where to buy?
Replies: 21
Views: 12539

Re: Inexpensive chemicals for B&W - where to buy?

Tony, There is a bit of initial expense but I would suggest that you buy a copy of The Darkroom Cookbook by Stephen G Anchell. Your next step is to buy a couple of sets of scales (Amazon). One set to measure 1/10 's of grams and a larger set to measure up to 500 grams. Save a selection of old plasti...
by vanman
Sun Nov 21, 2010 4:01 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Too common, apparently!
Replies: 12
Views: 5270

Re: Too common, apparently!

Those things are as exclusive as any over engineered, over weight item could ever be. I'd love one on a plinth in the front room with a couple of spot lights shining on it but I couldn't be bothered to cart it about with me. Off your perches and back in touch with reality. A Wista 45DX can take a bi...
by vanman
Mon Oct 18, 2010 6:13 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: air mail from china?
Replies: 10
Views: 5471

Re: air mail from china?

They even charge VAT on the postage & packing. How they work out the value of second hand boxes and third hand polystyrene beads I'll never know.
Vanman
by vanman
Mon Oct 18, 2010 5:14 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: air mail from china?
Replies: 10
Views: 5471

Re: air mail from china?

I would go along with the hold up being with U.K. Customs. You're dealing with a bunch of incompetent cretins who seem to operate without any knowledge of "Customer Care" in a totally unregulated manner. An "Investment in People" qualification would be a miracle.Gawd help us all if they get hit by t...
by vanman
Sat Apr 24, 2010 7:10 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: The Election Project
Replies: 3
Views: 2055

Re: The Election Project

As it's the U.K. election perhaps a British made Gandolfi would be more appropriate. Sorry to upset all you Ebony Huggers out there.
Vanman.
by vanman
Mon Mar 08, 2010 7:33 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Focus
Replies: 3
Views: 1873

Re: Focus

Hi DJ,
I thought that I posted a thank you reply earlier. I'll pop down there in the next couple of days (it's only about 10 miles away) and follow your advice.
Many thanks,
Vanman
by vanman
Mon Mar 08, 2010 10:44 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Focus
Replies: 3
Views: 1873

Focus

Has anybody been to Focus yet? Is there anything special to look out for (not Photoshop, please)?
I'm probably going today or tomorrow.
Thanks,
Vanman.
by vanman
Fri Feb 19, 2010 10:32 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Kodak 305mm Portrait lens
Replies: 7
Views: 3005

Re: Kodak 305mm Portrait lens

Hi Kintokoba,
Try a different cable release. There seems to be no standardisation. Some have "longer throws" than others. I have a few LUC shutters and only two of my many cable releases fire them. Look at some of the older second hand stuff if you can.
Best wishes,
Vanman.
by vanman
Wed Jan 27, 2010 7:43 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Damaged 190mm lens - any hope?
Replies: 25
Views: 9497

Re: Damaged 190mm lens - any hope?

Just out of curiosity what exactly did you buy and how much did you pay for it? You might only think that you've been ripped off. You mention a vintage wooden camera, if it's a B&J or an early Ansco don't be downhearted, I've got one of each and I love 'em. The Agfa Anscos are better that they are r...
by vanman
Tue Jan 26, 2010 7:34 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Damaged 190mm lens - any hope?
Replies: 25
Views: 9497

Re: Damaged 190mm lens - any hope?

Stop worrying, you'll end up with high blood pressure. Mind you, if that happens I can sell you some of the pills that I take....................cheap(:-))
Vanman.
by vanman
Tue Jan 26, 2010 6:44 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Damaged 190mm lens - any hope?
Replies: 25
Views: 9497

Re: Damaged 190mm lens - any hope?

That's what I've always done when dealing with Carol. Remember that she never asks for the cash up front, only when the job is done to her satisfaction and is ready for mailing. With old shutters the times sometimes vary from the times marked on the shutter but she always includes the results of a s...
by vanman
Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:50 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Damaged 190mm lens - any hope?
Replies: 25
Views: 9497

Re: Damaged 190mm lens - any hope?

I've bought a fair number of items from the U.S and I agree that the Customs and VAT are evil but after being hit a couple of times I learned to take these costs into account. I've never paid any UK taxes on shutter repairs and just to save hassle I usually sent cash (in dollars) to companies provid...
by vanman
Mon Jan 25, 2010 8:51 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Damaged 190mm lens - any hope?
Replies: 25
Views: 9497

Re: Damaged 190mm lens - any hope?

I've had shutters repaired by Carol Miller at Flutots in the U.S. in the past and the prices and service is second to none. Brilliant company.
Vanman.