Hello! New User

[aoresteen]

Hello to all! I found this board by accident so I signed up. Here's my background:

I started taking pictures with a 120 6x9 folder in 1972 with a German Primus with a 10.5 CM Tessar circa 1936 (still have it!). It used front cell focusing. I moved on to a 6x6 SLR but in 1982 bought a Galvin 6x9 view. I used an Optar 135mm f/4.5 lens with it. Sold the Galvin around 1989 (Rats!).

Around 2005 I bought a Cambo 23 SF view which I just love! I use both roll and sheet film with it.

On my web site I have some info on the 6x9 format lens coverage:

http://www.oresteen.com/69lensdata.htm

Here's some data on Optar lenses:

http://www.oresteen.com/optar_lens.htm

And the Kodak Ektars:

http://www.oresteen.com/kodak_ektar.htm


Rignt now I'm deployed in Iraq and I don't have a 6x9 camera with me (I do have a couple of 35mm RF cameras). I just bought an 80's vintage Nikon 105mm f/3.5 Nikkor view lens to use with my Cambo. I'm looking forward to seeing how it compares to my Kodak Ektar 105mm f/3.7 5 element lens (Heliar type, very very good!). It will have to wait until July though!

So let's hear from the 6x9 view camera users! Arca-Swiss, Cambo, Galvin, Linhof users, where are you?

Tony Oresteen
Baghdad, Iraq

[Abbazz]

Thanks for the links Tony. Your website is great. No pictures of Iraq?

When I first read your message, I thought that you started taking pictures in 1936. I found it quite remarkable that you were still actively shooting pictures, and moreover in Iraq

I have a 6x9 Linhof Technika, but I don't use it much, as I find it a bit too heavy and cumbersome.

I am a big fan of Heliar formula lenses, like your Kodak Ektar. I have a whole collection of original Voigtländer Heliar or Heliar formula lenses made by other manufacturers.

Cheers!

Sebastien