Greetings from foggy Worcestershire

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 11:25 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Just Thought I say Hello

Ive owned various cameras since 1975 35mm and medium format Im considering buying a LF kit so I need some pointers
Yours Tony

Paul Sanders · Post by **Paul Sanders** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 10:42 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Don't spend a fortune, it is very easy to rack up a huge bill. Have a good look round ebay and various second hand sites (Robert Whites, calumet and teamwork) read plenty of reviews on the various lf websites.

I went to Whites in the end and bought the entry level Ebony RSW with a 90mm F5.6 lens. This does evrything I need, it has enough movements for landscape work although it does have limited bellows extension so not great for 1:1 close ups. The 90mm is about the equivilent to a 28ishmm - it is fine for pretty much everything I do but just occassionally I would like a bit more width and sometimes just a bit more length! But beggars can't be choosers.

I spent about £1700 in total getting my kit together - but I did buy a new camera with a S/H lens, I could have saved even more with S/H body.

If I can be of any further help please let me know but most of the people on this forum have more experience and idea than I do about lf kit.

joolsb · Post by **joolsb** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 12:24 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

I went the same route as Paul - Ebony RSW45. It lacks all but the most basic of movements (front rise/fall and front tilt only) but what you do have is enough for most situations. That said, back tilt would be nice. The main advantages of this minimalist approach are weight-saving and simplicity - if you only have limited front movements there is much less to think about and possibly get wrong!

Basically, it's a gerat beginner's camera and you simply can't beat Ebony's legendary craftsmanship...

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 8:50 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

I have seen a Wista Dx Field for sale. I would value an opinion
Tony

PAUL O · Post by **PAUL O** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 9:25 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Lovely camera! What sort of price? A DX in nice condition should set you back between £400 - 450.

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 10:50 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

MXV have one in rosewood for 450

Lynne Evans · Post by **Lynne Evans** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 10:59 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

I've been using a Wista for about 4 months and it's great - quick to set up, light to carry and all the movements you need: better than the bottom end Ebonies. The only minor drawback I find is that it has base tilt rather then axis tilt - this makes focusing with tilt a bit more tricky, but eventually I'll get used to it!! Otherwise an excellent buy

Thanks Paul!

alangolding · Post by **alangolding** » Fri Nov 17, 2006 3:16 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Just seen your request for comments. I bought a Wista in July secondhand for £375 in very good condition and am very pleased with it. As a starting point I believe it is a good choice.

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 9:11 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Hi All can anyone tell me what the difference is between the Wista DX and Dx 11 in laymans terms please
Tony

alangolding · Post by **alangolding** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 8:28 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Sorry Tony I do not know but looking at the specifications I can see very little difference. I did handel a new 45 DX II before I purchase the second hand DX and they appeared to be almost the same.

Alan

Lynne Evans · Post by **Lynne Evans** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 9:00 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

I could be wrong, but I think the DXII has an international back i.e. you can use polaroid back, 6x9, 6x12 etc backs with it. The DX, which is what I have will not take other format backs.