Wista view camera converter for P67

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Wista has come out with a new accessory , similar to the Horsemann VCC , that can add view camera capabilities to small/medium format SLR. While we already know that the Achille's heel of these devices is the shortest usable focal, this Wista one seems to be a bit more versatile. They declare the shortest one is 90mm but I doubt it refers to a P67 body. Even if it does, the range of movement would probably be not enough. I was wondering if anyone on the net already has info about fitting P67 body to this interesting accessory. An interesting feature of this device is that you can always fit a 6x9 back on it and get away with full range of movements and a minimum focal lenght of 38 mm . This new device is visible at http://www.nadir.it/ob-fot_miscell/wista/articolo.htm In Europe it is available at http://www.galerie-photo.net/chambres_wista.html

-- Roberto Manderioli (rmander@libero.it), February 01, 2002

Answers

How many people would go to this trouble, and especially this expense? The thing is pricey to say the least. You could pick up a used Garland mini-6x9 (which also takes 6x7 and 6x6 Graphloc roll backs) and a handful of lenses for the same amount. If you did need a great deal of movement, why not chuck the P67 altogether and put a decent roll back on a 4x5 view camera? Doing this gives perspective, and decent depth of field - which the 6x7 Pentax definitely lacks in almost any portable setting.

-- Miles Stoddard (p67shooter@yahoo.co.uk), February 01, 2002.

Yes, this stuff IS expensive. To me the real advantage is that it weighs half a normal 4x5 technical camera, and you could pack everything in a bag and cover almost any situation in landscape photography: Quick changing light , closeups : P67 landscape w/o movements: P67 landscape with movements focal > 100: P67+adapter+LF lense landscape with movements focal <=100 or architecture : Adapter+6x9 back+wide LF lense

I agree, it costs A LOT. The bag would be full and heavy but it would be a very versatile system and a bit more versatile than the Horsemann VCC.

-- Roberto Manderioli (rmander@libero.it), February 02, 2002.


I didn't formatted my algorithm well..

Quick changing light , closeups : P67

landscape w/o movements: P67

landscape with movements focal > 100: P67+adapter+LF lense

landscape with movements focal <=100 or architecture : Adapter+6x9 back+wide LF lense

-- Roberto Manderioli (rmander@libero.it), February 02, 2002.


Looks interesting. I get the idea, but has anyone got an English translation of this site or have I missed something?

At www.zoerk.com there are also some related products, also expensive. I have never managed to contact anyone who has used these adaptors on a P67.

Perhaps it would be easier just to buy a view camera!

-- Tony Cunningham (cmserv@wxs.nl), February 02, 2002.


just reread my post. It sounds almost sarcastic. I didn't mean for it to. I just noticed a Garland 6x9 just ended on ebay. With Symmar 135 and boards, it was less than $500 (had I known in time, I might have bought it!). If anyone is curious, the photo is still showing on ebay (item number 1326040649 if the link fails) = http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll? ViewItem&item=1326040649&r=0&t=0&showTutorial=0&ed=1012604571&indexURL =0&rd=1 I used one of these Garlands once, and it doesnt get much lighter than this - and decent 4x5 lenses are all over the market. I emailed a friend in France who has used the Horseman thing on demo (at least I think it is this new product). He used it on an EOS 1, I believe. He thought it was great, but, of course, didn't actually buy one due to the price. He claims he has a regular customer who saw it, and copied it - making his own! I am not so adventurous or skilled, but it is an idea that comes to mind when you see a product that looks great, yet you stand there shaking your head at the price (like when I see a 6x12 back that costs as much as a motorcycle!).

-- Miles Stoddard (p67shooter@yahoo.co.uk), February 02, 2002.


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