View Full Version : My first Razzle! Any other users?
NelsonFoto
06-24-2008, 14:44
Note me as another satisfied customer of Dean Jones, the Australian camera-hacker and innovator.
Late last year, while tooling around a Tulsa flea-market with my pal Bruce Appel, I stumbled upon a nice Polaroid 110B and purchased it. After making contact with Dean Jones, I forwarded both camera and down payment to Mr. Jones. In March 2008, I received my IRS refund and completed the transaction with Dean, who set about converting my camera. Yesterday, June 23rd, my Razzle was received at the post office, and a quick shot put past the Fujinon 150/6.3 lens.
In a word: Bliss.
Dean Jones is highly regarded, and I recommend him to any seeking an alternative to the much more expensive options out there for RF-focused 4x5 cameras and conversions.
Model: Buffie Brooke
EV/Film: 1/30" @ F8, Fujifilm FP-100C45
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2606126436_40911a7434.jpg
I think Ash who used to be a member here bought a Razzle ... I think he frequents the 'Purelight Forum' these days. He was very happy with his camera from memory!
It's a very tempting idea and has crossed my thoughts occasionally ... but I already have numerous cameras that also seemed like good ideas that never see use! :p
Tempting devices! I see Razzledog (Dean) has suspended taking orders for a few months while he works on the backlog.
Nelsonfoto - is the lens the original or a substitute? If it is not the original, why the change?
I bought a Polaroid 110B a few years ago with the intention of going down this path ...just havent gotten around to it yet. BTW, what is the financial impact to get the 4x5 conversion done by Dean?
To quote from his website: "Under a grand" !
NelsonFoto
06-25-2008, 06:39
The original lens was the Roddy 127mm OEM fitted unit. I elected to have Dean swap the Rodenstock for the Fujinon, a superior lens and better suited for my needs.
Be careful or the big bad wolf will come blowing in.
This is very timely, as I've been toying with the idea of trying 4x5 large format, but I'm scared by the size of the cameras. This seems an ideal solution, and I happen to have an old Polaroid 110 camera someone gave me. Can we get a closer idea on cost? A grand seems a little steep to me considering some nice Graflex bodies are half that. Also, how do you scan these if you don't plan to print them in your own darkroom?
David Goldfarb
06-25-2008, 07:22
Polaroid 110 conversions should be around 3 lbs--lighter than most 4x5" folding cameras but heavier or the same weight as ultralights like the Gowland PocketView, Toho Shimo, or Ikeda Anba. Of course the function is completely different except for the format.
Also, how do you scan these if you don't plan to print them in your own darkroom?
Many flatbed neg scanners will do 4x5.
Tempting devices! I see Razzledog (Dean) has suspended taking orders for a few months while he works on the backlog.
Nelsonfoto - is the lens the original or a substitute? If it is not the original, why the change?
There's a guy out of NYC named Noah who also builds these.
jan normandale
06-25-2008, 08:37
I've visited his website several times over the past year. It's like being a kid in a candystore with no $$. In my mind there's no doubt the value is there. I just don't have the funds.
I bought a Crown Graflex instead, something is better than nothing.
I've visited his website several times over the past year. It's like being a kid in a candystore with no $$. In my mind there's no doubt the value is there. I just don't have the funds.
Yep, my thoughts exactly. I'd love one, but can't spare the cash.
David Goldfarb
06-25-2008, 08:56
There's a guy out of NYC named Noah who also builds these.
Are you thinking of Noah Schwartz? He used to work for Professional Camera Repair in NYC, but I think he lives in Providence, Rhode Island now. He posts occasionally on photo.net, if you want to try to look him up.
imajypsee
06-25-2008, 13:57
The OP is using instant/polaroid type film so he's scanning a print.
This is very timely, as I've been toying with the idea of trying 4x5 large format, but I'm scared by the size of the cameras. This seems an ideal solution, and I happen to have an old Polaroid 110 camera someone gave me. Can we get a closer idea on cost? A grand seems a little steep to me considering some nice Graflex bodies are half that. Also, how do you scan these if you don't plan to print them in your own darkroom?
An Epson 4990 or newer flatbed scanner does an acceptable job with 4x5 negatives. If you are extremely picky you'll need a professional flatbed or drum scanner. Translation: Mega bucks.
Are you thinking of Noah Schwartz? He used to work for Professional Camera Repair in NYC, but I think he lives in Providence, Rhode Island now. He posts occasionally on photo.net, if you want to try to look him up.
Yes, that's his name. I forgot that he does live in RI now.
I too was going to get one of these cameras since I now have an LF enlarger, but they are a little pricey.
jan normandale
06-25-2008, 18:17
Polaroid is definitely gone. However there still seems to be supplies of their film around. The SX 70 seems to be the one experiencing the 'run' due to the closure of production.
Fuji is still making instant films. http://www.fujifilm.com/products/instant_photo/films/index.html
David Goldfarb
06-25-2008, 18:26
Ilford decided that it wasn't viable, given the complexity of the packaging of Polaroid instant products and manufacture of the pods--
http://www.apug.org/forums/forum172/49871-statement-regarding-ilford-photo-polaroid.html
Fuji is making instant film, and those who use Polaroid for proofing or straightforward instant prints would argue that Fuji instant is better than Polaroid and has been for quite some time. The downsides of Fuji instant are that it's not as amenable to manipulation, lifts, and transfers as Polaroid (though it can be done), and that it's not available in as many formats such as 4x5" sheets, 8x10", or 20x24". It is available in medium format size packs that fit the 3.25x4.25" Polaroid films (66x) and 4x5" packs that fit the Fuji PA-45 back and Polaroid 550 back.
Todd.Hanz
06-25-2008, 18:28
I picked up a 110A converted to packfilm from a member here, looks like they company (Four Designs) just did a bit of cutting and glued the packfilm pack onto it. I tried to convert it to a true 4x5 but gave up on it, besides...there's something about pack film. The RF works well, it's a righteous camera! Check it out...
Todd.Hanz
06-25-2008, 18:33
a few pics from the above 110A RF...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2001/2167658892_0ca2b6b02d_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2292989880_439a7d4868_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2218/1735385484_8d340f4c0c_o.jpg
BTW, Fuji still produces packfilm in color and BW, 100 and 3000 speed!
Todd
NelsonFoto
06-25-2008, 21:48
My original shot was on Fujifilm FP-100C45 (45 = the 4x5 version of FP-100C), and the print was scanned on an old Canon LiDE20, which I find scans instant films better than my Epson 3200.
The two images attached to this post were shot on TXP320 and dev'd in Diafine. First shot at closest possible focus with the 150mm f6.3 Fujinon @ f8 & 1/125th. Second shot at infinity focus and f45 @ 1/30th. Plenty happy with my results.
I will file a complaint: Dean's Razzlok back system is splendid for standard double-darks. Might even work well with a Polaroid 405 shoved in place. However, I am using a Polaroid 550 back and Grafmatics for sheet-film; neither of these holders will fit without removing the springs. I am scheming on a solution for this, but I won't find the end-result as satisfying as a Graflok type anchor for such holders. Noah's Hoax Kamepa appears to have a back more suitable for Graflok-able film-holders. This is not to suggest I am unhappy with Dean's conversion; quite the opposite. Very happy. Damned clean conversion work on his part. I might try Noah's conversion down the road as I cannot see working with double-darks all day. Too much kit to haul around. For the time being, I'll tinker with the camera to arrive at a comfortable work-around. Won't be able to afford another unit for some time.
Cheers.
Craig
NelsonFoto
06-25-2008, 21:53
FWIW - the RF is dead on at both ends of the dial. Close-focused at f8, a very pleasant DOF is apparent. Some distortion at infinity, as evidenced in the lower left corner of that second shot, but not enough to piss me off. Frankly, without benefit of swings and tilts, one would be hard-pressed to compensate for such issues.
I'm going to load out some Acros in the AM and head out into the hills. I hate to burn fuel when I'm as broke as I am, but I need to get out of town, and the camera is a good excuse. Should have some more samples by tomorrow evening.
C.
jan normandale
06-26-2008, 07:57
I like the Fujinon lens Tri X combo
NelsonFoto
06-27-2008, 12:26
More stuff. Some TXP shots and a fresh sheet of FP-100C45:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2615806979_bc995948ce.jpg
[Kenneth Barker, who states he is the great-great-grandson of the infamous Ma Barker, sits with his wife and daughters while waiting for the Dickson St. Bookstore to open for business.]
Below: War Eagle Bridge near site of War Eagle Mill, Arkansas
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3022/2613844169_3b43d59050.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2614675524_04bbd4dfcb.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2613843999_c42f4bf887.jpg
imajypsee
06-27-2008, 14:37
I think I need one of those conversions. DRAT!
Polaroid 600 film is ending next year; the Polaroid pack films are already being discontinued. Fuji makes packfilm that I like better than the Polaroid stuff. When the 600 integral film goes, my 680se will be obsolete :(
jan normandale
06-30-2008, 09:36
More stuff. Some TXP shots and a fresh sheet of FP-100C45:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/2615806979_bc995948ce.jpg
[Kenneth Barker, who states he is the great-great-grandson of the infamous Ma Barker, sits with his wife and daughters while waiting for the Dickson St. Bookstore to open for business.]
Below: War Eagle Bridge near site of War Eagle Mill, Arkansas
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3022/2613844169_3b43d59050.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2614675524_04bbd4dfcb.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2613843999_c42f4bf887.jpg
Are these still the Fujinon lens? They are very sharp on my screen. I'd assume they are equally sharp as prints with full resolution.
Today I received my Alpenhause Polaroid 110A conversion, does that count as well ?
It has still the Rodenstock Ysarex 127mm 1:4,5 lens on it.
Jari
Today I received my Alpenhause Polaroid 110A conversion, does that count as well ?
It has still the Rodenstock Ysarex 127mm 1:4,5 lens on it.
Jari
I just looked up Alpenhause's website. What do you think of the camera? Could you post a photo of the camera and maybe some photos taken with it?
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x142/wonz-me/TEch/ALPH_JARI_front.jpg
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x142/wonz-me/TEch/ALPH_Jari_back.jpg
When Steve from Alpenhause showed me some pictures of his black leather camera I decided that I wanted something else than the grey/grey camera. He then made mine with a nice dark brown leather and matte black finish on the plastic parts.
So far so good. The first two shots were unsharp because I wiggled (is that the correct expression?). I dont like the shutter release. You have to press a long way before the shutter releases. I wil do more shots later today with a tripod. Maybe I will try a cable release as well.
Jari
dazedgonebye
07-03-2008, 09:46
It's beautiful.
I often lust these just for the idea of having such a nice thing.
I'm just not sure I'd put one to proper use.
It's beautiful.
I often lust these just for the idea of having such a nice thing.
I'm just not sure I'd put one to proper use.
If you find out, please let me know. I am still trying to justify my purchase.
jan normandale
07-03-2008, 10:32
Jari, I'd like to see some shots when you get a chance.
Hi everyone, I went out to use todays last light to make some more test pictures. I used a 9x12 cm (3,5x4,7in film)
Here is one to discover the lens blur :
f4,7, 1/60 on Monopod parallel to wall (Adox CHS100 in Rodinal delevoped) straight from scanner, only levels adjusted, no sharpening
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x142/wonz-me/TEch/mauerfrontal.jpg
Center :
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x142/wonz-me/TEch/center.jpg
upper right :
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x142/wonz-me/TEch/urcorner.jpg
upper left
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x142/wonz-me/TEch/ulcorner.jpg
I like to shoot people wide open but I am not yet sure whether
this lens will give me sufficient sharpness AND shallow DOF.
Of course I understand that this is an old lens, maybe the two of us just need to get to know each other better....
Jari
PS I found out today that the ground glass sharpness did not match the view finder (used for the picture above) . I got them adjusted and matched now.
That may be a reason for the center not beeing perfectly sharp.
NelsonFoto
07-04-2008, 18:14
Jan - yes, all done with the Razzle equipped with the Fujinon 150/6.3 - stopped down beyond f16, it becomes very sharp. At f32, its brutal.
The top shot was at f8, so not as sharp as I would have liked for that image. I had low light to contend with, and with multiple individuals, didn't want to stop any further and subsequently rely on a slower shutter speed. I believe that was shot at 1/15th, maybe 1/30th.
If I ever get sick of the Razzle, the 150mm will stay with me. A beautiful lens.
C.
Are these still the Fujinon lens? They are very sharp on my screen. I'd assume they are equally sharp as prints with full resolution.
I did some more shots with my Alpenhause 4x5 today.
One problem is that the shutter is defect. at least at 1/8 and 1/4 it is too slow and it stays open at 1/2 and 1 s. It seems to me that 1/30 and 1/60 are also too slow as the film gets a bit overexposed.
I figured out that I need to close the aperture, otherwise the pictures will be too soft especially in the corners.
I would love to see pictures comparing the Ysarex and the Fujinon !
CHS100 (4x5 this time) pushed to ISO 400 1/60 f22 :
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x142/wonz-me/TEch/GehryDdorf.jpg
(The building finish is chrome)
Jari
As I currently own a camera without lens I think it is a good time to sum up my findings with Alpenhause Kamerawerke:
The camera is a beauty. The construction of the back is simple and good. It has a build in ground glass and holds 4x5 Fidelities, 545i,
pack film holder and some roll film holder (not my Toyo as the crank is blocked by the back)
but :
the rangfinder was not adjusted correctly, the lens board is not parallel to the film and the shutter was defect.
I did send my lens back for exchange but the exchange lens was not send to me as promised. I did get an instruction how to bend the bars that hold the lens board with pliers to adjust the lens board.
Do I like the camera ? Sort of.
Can I recommend Alpenhause ? Nope. For 975 USD I expect to get a working and adjusted camera !
Would I go for a converted Polaroid 4x5 again ? Certainly. Even when I was shooting only test images I very much enjoyed it.
Jari
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