WTB: Ebony Top Hat Extension/Parts

[Rod]

Hi,

Looking for 17mm and 35mm extension tubes and Copal 1 end panel, or alternatively a complete set including the square Linhof panel. I know they're available new at Robert Whites, but quite costly

Regards,

Rod.

[Stephen Vaughan]

Hi Rod
I just bought a set of non-ebony extension tubes on *bay that offer variable lengths of extension and copal sizes at a very reasonable price.

The item number is 200457973001.

I don't have any connection with the seller, but I'm very pleased with my purchase.

Hope this helps,
Stephen

[Rod]

I just bought a set of non-ebony extension tubes on *bay that offer variable lengths of extension and copal sizes at a very reasonable price.

The item number is 200457973001.

I don't have any connection with the seller, but I'm very pleased with my purchase.

Hope this helps,
Stephen

Hi Stephen,
Excellent information, thanks. These look a really good buy compared with the Ebony ones. Just a couple of queries though having looked at the link. I can't tell from the photos whether they're made of aluminium or plastic - hopefully aluminium . Also, I assume that all the parts actually screw together? Some of the photos look as if the components are just a push-fit for assembly, but I'm sure this can't be the case.
Regards,
Rod.
PS Did you get done for import duty/VAT from China. I haven't ordered anything from there before, but I always end up paying duty/etc. from the US.

[Stephen Vaughan]

Hi Rod
No charge so far, because it's quite a low price i guess.
The parts are all metal and screw together (threaded connection) in various combinations for different lengths of extension.
Cheers,
Stephen

[Rod]

Thanks again Stephen. I'll order a set of these if I can't get hold of a S/H Ebony set at a reasonable price.
Regards,
Rod.

[David Evans]

I also bought a set on eBay from this person http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... TQ:US:1123
All metal and good quality.
Also a helpful seller who will sell extra lens boards if you want them

[Peter B]

I also bought a set on eBay from this person http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... TQ:US:1123
All metal and good quality.
Also a helpful seller who will sell extra lens boards if you want them

Hi, I was wondering if you had any further thoughts on these now that you've had more time to use them? There's a rumour about an old guy with a white beard and a red suit due sometime soon, but I guess he'd need to get his orders in quite soon.

[Rod]

Hi, I was wondering if you had any further thoughts on these now that you've had more time to use them? There's a rumour about an old guy with a white beard and a red suit due sometime soon, but I guess he'd need to get his orders in quite soon.

Hi Peter,

I ordered a set of these about 6 weeks ago. They were shipped 2 days after payment and received about 2 weeks later. The package was marked externally with a value of 9US$, so I didn't have to pay any import duty/VAT . I'm not sure if this is their standard practice, or whether I was just lucky - it's the first time ever that I've not had to pay taxes/handling charges on imported goods .

Even if you have to pay taxes I still think they're very good value compared with the Ebony alternative. They are well machined/finished and substantially heavier than the Ebony ones. The only thing I could find any fault with whatsoever was a small area of the internal surface of one of the threaded parts that was shiny and not blacked, but 30 sec with a black marker pen solved that! So far, I've used them mainly on a 210 mm lens to get greater bellows extension for macro work with my Ebony 45S and they are very solid, even with all extension pieces fitted.

Before I bought the set I was thinking of making these myself, as I have the engineering equipment/capabilities to do so, but I'm glad I didn't. By the time I'd purchased the materials/etc. it simply wouldn't be worth it, and I'd have been happy to achieve the overall quality/finish of the Chinese parts.

Kind regards,

Rod.

[Peter B]

Rod

Many thanks for this information, it has been very helpful. The modern day equivalent of a "letter to Santa" has been sent!