Sinar System Cameras - Large Format Friday

[@niallmorrissey3715]

I got a Sinar a few weeks ago. Every other camera I own has now taken a back seat. It is the most fascinating piece of kit, and so so beautiful to use. I have to laugh at the word "modular", though. There is modular and there is Sinar. There's a very funny comment on it in the very sparse manual I found, relating to the accessories. It says that over time, as you buy add-ons to meet new needs, you may well end up with enough parts to say that you now have two Sinars. I guess that only a new main central rail would be needed! I absolutely see myself building around it over time. The quality of the camera is a joy - but the negatives. Just wow. I'm almost afraid of processing them, as it feels as if every step involves a loss of that incredible quality.

[@dlenker]

I just got my first sinar today and fulfilled a life long dream. I'm so happy to find your channel and learning how to shoot large format.

[@zucchina24]

I love also my Sinar! I have a p1 with the rails from the norma, the rail holder from a p2 and the frames of the p3 with a newly adapter plate for a Nikon Z… everything works well together 😊

[@imuttoo]

A system like this is way beyond anything I'd use or own - but I very much enjoyed learning about it. Your passion and enthusiasm is infectious Mat!

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks Ian! It can be a bit much at times, but it's also enabled me to make work that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to. Oh and it really satisfies the GAS!

[@oldfilmguy9413]

I was fortunate enough to pick up a "like new" Sinar F1 4x5 with standard and bag bellows, 5 film holders, dark cloth and even a loupe about 18 months ago for $250 and free shipping. What a deal! Since then I have added a 90, 150, and 210 lens, with an old used Bogen massive tripod and head which keeps things sturdy. While I would not want to hike miles and miles with it, it is light enough to use for outdoor shooting as well as the studio, so I am a happy camper! Thanks for the video focusing on Sinar, they do become an addiction!

[@MatMarrash]

Wow what a deal! I'm little obsessed with the Sinar system and will probably continue to buy little bits and bobs I don't need for it...just in case. Thanks for the comment!

[@oldfilmguy9413]

@@MatMarrash Oh, and truly not bragging, just blessed - like you I also really like the modular 2-1/4 Hasselblad system - a friend gave me his father's 500 C system because he wanted someone to really appreciate it - and I have added a 150mm and recently a 250mm lens, along with a prism finder. That's one of the beautiful things about this day and time - because used equipment is so affordable compared to when it was new, now I have have things I only dreamed about when young and starting out in photography. You are very fortunate to have these things while you are young, and you are doing a great work sharing your passion with the world.Cheers!

[@michael862]

When i look at eBay, a sinar p2 kit with 150 mm lens and negative holder, case and cabel trigger, for 1.200 usd- are they ripping people off or is that a fair price now a days?

[@donyee8970]

I bought my first Sinar in the late 80's, an F-2 and used it professionally for many years. I did commercial studio work (tabletop). What sold me is the precision and being able to calculate the tilts and swings on the camera. The DOF scale is also useful for closeup shots. Both those handy features saved a lot of guess work. I still have it to this day. I wanted a studio 8x10 and P for decades. I saw an old 8x10 original P for $800. I remember back in the 80's they costed more than a car. The Swiss precision is amazing.

[@tonysantophotography]

I remember using the 4x5 p2 in college and really enjoyed it! As you state, they are so well made and a bargain given what they offer. Thanks for making this video! Tony

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks Tony! I've got nothing against all the new cameras out there getting made, but there's so many studio cameras like these aren't getting any love. New or used, this may be the nicest camera I'll ever own.

[@franciscovarela7127]

Had a Sinar F back in the mid 70's. A beautiful piece of gear and a pleasure to use.

[@robertolding]

Thanks for sharing Matt. I'm a longtime Sinar user and fanatic. I started my photographic career as a photo assistant in 1984 working for a commercial studio in Seattle. That studio's main client was Nordstrom and the photographer shot with a Sinar 8x10. I bought my first Sinar, an F in 1987 while in college and added a P2 to my own studio in 1996. The F was used when I purchased it so I have no idea how old it is. I don't use either camera much anymore but I want to use them as sculpture pieces in my living room. I just need to find the right aesthetically pleasing tripod, something my wife would accept. I used a digital P3 frequently in the late 2000's but mostly shoot with DSLR's now. As a side note, I purchased a Hasselblad in 1994 but I could never get used to the square format. I tried a Hasselblad 645 back but it never felt right to me. I ended up selling my Hasselblad gear and went with the Mamiya RZ67 for medium format work.

[@gregthoen5991]

I stumbled across this video and saw the 240mm with my white tape marks. Great to see that you like it!

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks Greg, I love it! Did some 1:1 macro test shots the other day and it's crazy sharp. A perfect fit for playing around with that RA-4 reversal process and environmental portraits.

[@toulcaz31]

Very nice tribute to that wonderful brand. It might be worth highlighting there are almost 1,900 Sinar users on Facebook keen to share what they know with a ton of free documentation there. Arca Swiss would likely not exist without Sinar (for those who like drama, check-out the history). The great looking Linhof bi kardan looks also "very familiar" to the Norma. Many people do not even realize the beautiful and super sturdy Norma 8x10 is only 16lbs (7kg). The bracketless design of the geared bearers for the F and P series really gave Sinar a huge edge for the ultimate studio camera. It allowed asymmetric movements but also easy interchangeability. Sinar had a patent for L bracket like the Horseman but decided bracketless was the way to go.

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks Nico! In researching for today's video I had no idea Sinar dated back so far; if anything I gained a greater appreciation for a system I already don't use enough of. I'm so glad Sinar didn't go with the L bracket, those Horseman cameras are so heavy!

[@davidapatino]

Great video!!! I just bought a SInar P a few weeks ago and am just so absolutely blown away with it and i've only just scratched the surface.

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks David and have fun with your new Sinar P!

[@johanvanhuyssteen9217]

Awesome video. I own a Luland tripod head, which is a Ries tripod copy... it's not only smoother and sturdier, but their communication is top-notch. Highly recommended for ultra-heavy cameras. Beware, they are NOT cheap!

[@MatMarrash]

Hey Johan thanks for mentioning the Luland tripod heads! I may be in the market for one of those down the road and haven't heard from anyone that's used them. Cheers.

[@dongxu2059]

Great content, thinking about getting my first 8x10 studio camera and Sinar P2 is one of my options.

[@MatMarrash]

It's one of the most robust studio camera systems out there with plenty of aftermarket support. Can't recommend Sinar enough!

[@dongxu2059]

@@MatMarrash Hi Mat, thanks for your answer. Have you had any experience with Linhof Kardan System?

[@travelingtriathlete446]

I got a Mamiya RB67 because of the modularity (and because it's more affordable than a Hasselblad) so I get your love for the modularity of a camera

[@jessejenkins6930]

Yes! I love the Sinar! I had the privilege of using one back in school. I also loved using the Cambo series by Calumet. When I was in school I used the Sinar or the Cambo for almost everything. That was also one my photography instructors big favorites as well.

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks Jesse! My college photography teacher, professor Jeff, was a big Sinar user and helped me into the P2 system I currently use. They make great teaching tools!

[@artistphilb]

I have a P2 i have used it in the field but have a bag with wheels and backpack straps, i weighed the camera and bag once it was 15kg so not something you want to carry too far, i have seen a sliding digital back adapter for Sinar that you can use to take 3 overlapping shots with a Phase one back, which is still a bit less than the full 5x4 but does allow for a high res digital use

[@MichaelWellman1955]

Sinar also put a series of books in the 90's that were very good. I was fortunate enough to buy a couple books back then. I love your 8x20 adapter. That was a great idea. Glenview is a great resource for LF and film users. Thanks for putting a plug in for them.

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks Michael! Glennview has been an invaluable resource over the years and I couldn't have a Sinar episode without mentioning them. :)

[@Resgerr]

Used a Sinar in the studio in college along with the Cambo- Sinar was my favourite.

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks for the comment! What's so great is that these cameras make for excellent teaching tools so you can learn and grow on the same system. Still have lots to learn about my own. Cheers!

[@Raevenswood]

I first bought a Sinar F when I took the plunge into Large Format but then somehow I convinced myself that I needed a folding field camera, probably because of all the badmouthing of monorails on the interwebz. Long story short I think all of that badmouthing of the Sinar F is BS because I didn't really care much for the Toyo 45Aii that I bought and I sold it fairly soon after but I still use the Sinar F today. I figured out how to fold it onto itself using the 12" rail and leaving the bellows on one standard and folding the bellows under and against the rail. I can fit it horizontal in a 40L backpack with all of my other gear I just use a CatLabs ground glass protector and it's golden. The great thing about the Sinar is I don't need recessed lens boards to use wide angle lenses and it has a bag bellows option too. It's so easy to swap between the standard bellows and the bag bellows, it only takes a few seconds. I think next I'll be picking up one of the P models so I can gradually acquire 8x10 parts for it.

[@MatMarrash]

I'm not entirely sure when it happened, but at some point the term monorail became synonymous with boat anchor. Lightweight systems like the Norma and F have been taking a back seat ever since. Glad to hear you're loving the Sinar F, I've known a few LF shooters over the years that have hiked with F's from 4x5" to 8x10". Can't beat the versatility of the Sinar system!

[@andyvan5692]

@@MatMarrash yes, can't agree more, I have a sinar F2 and protecting the ground glass, I can fit 2 rail extensions, tripod, 2x bellows, 1 lens [Fuji 90mm f5.6 SWD], light meter, and the zoom back in a large cine bag, and it only weights in at 3Kg or so, so can 'walk' around my local city streets or the Botanical Gardens with it, and its not to cumbersome, take a packed lunch and drinks, YES, but doable.

[@rupunzel6299]

Been a Sinar user since the mid-1980's to this day. Over the decades of using the Sinar system there is a collection of most of what they make. No longer have or use the 8x10 back as that is IMO, not a viable film format unless you're going contact prints. Film format of choice is 5x7_13x18cm for a VERY long list of reasons. What is not often appreciated, Sinar camera modules are essentially interchangeable from Norma to P2, take little to mix and match Norma camera modules on to a P2 or reverse. Essentially it is a view camera system designed to have the least limitations of what the image goals are. As for using a Sinar in the field, been there done this countless times. Ideal camera for this would be the Norma as it is light weight and offers a degree of precision, stability , flexibility and more few other modular cameras can hope to offer. Any Sinar can be made far more compact by cutting down the standard rail to just fitting the two standards and rail clamp. This results in a easy camera to pack and set up. The entire camera, Sinar shutter, lens can be packed in a case this way, to set up, pull the compressed Sinar out of it's case, mount it on the tripod via rail clamp, add as much rail as needed and begin using the camera. It is far faster far easier than setting up a field folder as there is zero fiddling around with unfolding centering the standards and all that wasted motion. As for weight, a Norma is NOT much heavier than a good metal folder. Of all the view cameras used over the decades from Arca Swiss to Toyo, Sinar IS one of the very best for a very long list of reasons and facts.

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks for the comment and tips on combining Norma and P series parts. I'd never held a Sinar Norma 8x10 until a few weeks ago and I was floored with how lightweight it was! It was less than my Tachihara and takes all my P2 accessories. At the moment, most of my darkroom work is in-camera or contact printing, so I'm still a big fan of 8x10, but can see your point on greater viability (especially with the price of film!). Thanks again!

[@rupunzel6299]

@@MatMarrash IMO, if you like 8x10 seriously consider a 8x10 Norma, they are just good. Sinar made a few special 8x10 rear standard with only focus, no camera movements. These were intended for 8x10 Polaroid or 8x10 where no rear camera movement is needed. This with a Sinar Norma or F, F1, F2 8x10 front standard (these have longer rods or add extensions to a standard F front) makes a lightweight and very portable 8x10 Sinar... nice to use and works with the entire Sinar system.

[@kosumi001]

very happy to have a sinar f with the sinar shutter as my first 4x5 camera lenses are bargains when come with a db board so it just costs me less to get those commonly use lenses and no need to worry about the shutter condition usually i pack it in a huge hiking bag if i need to carry it to the field

[@MatMarrash]

Can you feel it? With each new film photographer, the Sinar fan-base is growing stronger and stronger!

[@MichaelWellman1955]

I've always admired the Sinar system for all the reasons you described but it was a pricey system back in the day. Thanks for sharing

[@paultjepanter1955]

It sure was costly in the 80's. Worked with Cambo then. But now I'm in a position that I can work with Sinar. Prices have dropped a lot.

[@archerpiperii2690]

@5:41: how much light do you lose with that set-up about 3-4 stops?

[@michaelharmon721]

I have two of the F1 cameras and a horseman L45 for my studio cameras. I love both because of they are affordable and parts are readily accessible.

[@paulweijenberg5237]

I likewise love my Sinars, 4x5" and 8x10" and I schlepp it in the landscape for several miles. But I make just as easily macro shots with them. These camera's will be with me till I die, I'm 65 now.

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks Paul! I think in every format there's a camera I plan on keeping forever. The Sinar P2 is it for me in 8x10. Keep on schleppin' and making photographs!

[@RomanatorII]

Do you use a bag to schlep and if so, which? Or do you just carry it on your shoulder with a tripod?

[@paulweijenberg5237]

@@RomanatorII I put it in the largest Think Tank trunk en transport it on a Steath Gear Cart.

[@davidottman9501]

OK fine, I've finally joined the LF club and bought a Sinar P1 in 4x5. First impressions were that this is nice but was it a good thing to do? It did come with a 90mm lens and quite a few accessories. Shot a couple real-live pix on it already, and it's pretty cool. Can't wait to see what is possible with this thing! Will a "normal" camera be adequate anymore? I mean, for more than scanning negatives? Been lurking here for a while, thank you for all the great info!

[@MatMarrash]

Welcome to the family David! :) Have fun and enjoy all the bells and whistles that come along with a full featured studio camera like the P series. The only time I'm not a fan of my Sinar is when I have to move it more than 100m from the car! Cheers.

[@leoalejandrolive6020]

I love my sinar .. the only expensive part that I can't find is the cable release for my auto shutter .. its been months of waiting to find one. Other than the cable release concern that I have. I love the system so much if I plan to use dallmeyer or cooke lenses i use the sinar ... I also love your channel you've helped me a lot on my large format journey thank you matt.. maybe you can discuss old special lenses. Like docter, Dallmeyers ,collinear or other rare lenses that we should be looking for .

[@yvinddahle7714]

Get a Chinese copy, only 5-6cm

[@MatMarrash]

Hey Leo, I work at a camera shop called Midwest Photo, we have extra Sinar Shutter cable releases in stock! Shoot me an email: [e-mail] and we'll get you taken care of. Will probably be following up on the Brass Lenses episode sometime on this channel since it is such a deep topic. Thanks for your comment!

[@andyvan5692]

wow, nice vintage timewarps to those photos of it in use, and the one of the case it is in, dissassembled, looks like the helichopter called "little Nelly" from the James Bond film "you only live twice", look it up, esp. the sequence of the assembly of it, you could have done the same with this, without the mines and rockets, of course!!

[@tomthacker4490]

I’ve only had mine for a few months, but have enjoyed shooting with it. Mine has an X front standard and a P2 rear standard. Guess I could convert it to 8x10 if I were so inclined, but not any time soon. Love my Hasselblad as well. Modular is the way to go.

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks Tom! With that X and P standard, you're all set for full-on geared movements and super easy handling in the studio.

[@slidephoto4834]

Thank you for doing these videos

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@mathiash5000]

That is the most insane thing I've ever seen. Thank you for the detailed walkthrough, this channel is fantastic!

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks Mathias! Stay tuned as there will be many more appearances of the Sinar throughout the channel. :)

[@califmike2003]

Hey Matt your the man. Thinking of buying a Sinar F2, my question is the rise and fall gear controlled ? or just manual lift ?. Whats your opinion of the Sinar f2 vs Horseman L45 for general photography ?, i value your opinion alot.

[@Brackcycle]

I have mentioned in the past that I have a Cambo SC. It is a lot more primitive than the Sinar without geared movements. It is fun to check out what you can add to modify it. I am finding it hard to locate things like 8x10 bellows or standards for it. Do you know of any good sites that have info dedicated to Cambo systems? Also will that Sinar shutter work on a Cambo without too much fiddling? Fun to see where your GAS has taken you over the years.

[@MatMarrash]

Hey Peter, surprisingly Cambo's website still has a bunch of good information up that you can check out: www.cambo.com/en/view-cam/traditional-large-format/ The only downside is very little of it is made new, so it's down to locating shops that have used. If you shoot me an email at: [e-mail] I can check my work's inventory to see what we have available. And yes, the GAS is real!

[@18percentphotographer]

Hi Mat, just subscribed! I've been looking for a monorail camera for the last couple of months, and I keep coming back to Sinar. I'm trying to decide between the P or the P2, and I've been looking at the X, but I understand that I won't be able to change formats with it (just in case I decide to scratch that 8x10 itch, I have a Deardorff V8, but you never know...), all those geared movements of the P2 are making me lean in that direction...

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks for the sub and comment Steven! Typically conversion to 8x10 in Sinar is about the same cost as obtaining a used 8x10 Sinar P setup. The big difference is the size of the rear standard and carrier frame for the larger back. Cheers!

[@18percentphotographer]

@@MatMarrash I know I just left this comment a couple of days ago, I decided on a P, it’s currently on its way to my house at the moment!

[@ImperiousImages]

Mat, as someone with multiple 8x10 systems, I’m curious about what influences you to use one versus the other. More portraits with the Sinar? More barrel lenses since they’re heavier?

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks for the questions! It's more about size than features on a bulky system like this one. If I'm traveling < 100m from the studio, the Sinar's my choice. If it's > 100m, the Tachihara goes with me. There is also the advantage of more heavy items like lenses and accessories with the Sinar, but since I'm not going far, that doesn't influence the decision too much.

[@andyvan5692]

one other sinar thing, the shutter also has three cable sockets, one for cable release, one for flash sync, of coarse, but the third, was a special "safety cable", not to stop it dropping, like on lights in cinema, but to sence the film holder!, to close the "press to focus" system, as soon as a holder went in!, genius?, YEP. ( and this can be extended with the system, as in macro work; even if it eventually gets to be a metre long!!).

[@davethompson6570]

This is so cool, Mat. I tend to shoot fine art images using mostly a Nikon D850, thanks to its nearly 50mb full frame sensor. I've built huge skyline shots using the D850, a Nikkor lens with an effective. reach of 700mm, plus a LOT of photoshop. My largest ever was a 60-foot by 13-foot skyline that has resolution so fine you can pick out individuals on balconies. I mean you can recognize your wife talking to a neighbor, despite that the image was shot at almost 2 miles away.The hard part is that I stitched 82 images together to create the skyline, and then adjust for parallax, and a host of other challenges. I can only imagine using an 8x10. Just the idea of a "sensor" or exposed film that starts as an 8x10. My gosh the resolution must be amazing. IS there a way to increase the reach of a full frame camera? Or do you mostly that shocking resolution from something in-studio - say with a 50mm or 35mm type lens? Fascinating channel you have here. I look forward to seeing more of it. Thanks! Dave

[@carbo73]

the frames are detatchable from the standarts, either P, P2 or F, F2? Because there are third parties ULF backs out there...

[@CertainExposures]

Just FYI, I can't see your website because it says the connection is not private and it may steal my personal or financial information. I was curious to see some of your work with the Sinar. Nice video

[@derekkonigsberg2047]

Yeah, looks like he never configured his site's SSL certificate properly. So he's just using the generic SquareSpace cert, which doesn't match the name of his site. The browser people have gotten really serious and nitpicky about this stuff in recent years, causing all sorts of problems for sites that don't have any reason to care. Just ignore the warning or change "https" to "http" in the site's address and it'll be fine. However, Mat should really fix this.

[@CertainExposures]

Derek Konigsberg thanks for that explanation. I was beginning to wonder if identity theft is how he affords all this sweet gear. 😂

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks for the heads up, had to change the certificate since there's a few domains that all push to the main site. Should be fixed now!

[@MatMarrash]

Should be all set now, but let me know if you're still getting that error.

[@MatMarrash]

Nothing shady, just love for film photography!

[@PhoFessor]

Thank you so much for the video Mat! I stumbled upon your channel (subscribed!) looking into options for my Sinar. I currently shoot 4x5 transparency with mine and am looking to start doing some wet plate. I want to go big or go home and wanted to do some 8x10 work. In your video you said that all you need is a rear standard and a bellows in order to go 8x10 from 4x5. Is there anything else I'd need? I'm looking at a Rodenstock 300mm right now. Does the rear standard also come with the ground glass, or is that something else I'd need to purchase? Any tips and info would be great to get me started. Thank you!

[@MatMarrash]

Hi thanks for the question. Your best bet for upgrading your Sinar to 8x10 would be to look for an 8x10 conversion kit. This will come with the 8x10 Rear Carrier (frame, spring back, ground glass) and 8x10" tapered bellows.

[@SidneyPratt]

Thanks.

[@richardmoore8899]

Interesting segment Mat - never knew there was so much to Sinar. One question which you didn't address I think. Why would you use this kind of setup. It looks like a studio setup so is/was there a specific area of photography that it was pitched at or is it good for everything because of the range of bits and functionality the system can use ? Looks to me like it's a do it all system with the obvious proviso that not all will want to use it for top of a mountain landscape work.

[@MatMarrash]

Hey Richard thanks for the comment and question! Save for the sheer size of it, the Sinar system really is a jack-of-all-trades. It does best in a studio environment, but if you're willing to get it out in nature with you, it performs masterfully there too. A few folks in the comments section have mentioned the Sinar Norma lineup for a more hike-able option to the larger P-series.

[@poorusher]

Sinar P1 8x10 (with 4x5 reducing back) Elinchrom x 3 flash lights. Who ever said the only good thing to come out of Switzerland was cuckoo clocks missed a trick.

[@johnvidol5555]

sinar is great...linhof gtl system is also pretty spectacular...although much heavier...

[@ravibindra565]

HI Mat, I have just got a P2 and love the solidity of the system. I have already run into problems with heads, but I will just use a levelling head. My question here is - how do you focus? Is it better to move the front or rear standards? Is there a coarse and fine adjustment accessory available? Currently I move the whole standard by releasing the lever and moving it ... not the best way to get exact focus I think. What do you suggest? Edit: i found it! Its on the bottom riser and is the smaller knob. Moving Both front and rear standards will focus, but moving the front alters the image composition.

[@kazonphotography]

okay im buying one now

[@maurolopesmarziano]

is a non field camera but i almost die carring this monster to do fashion outdoor shots ! but the result is amazing !

[@MatMarrash]

I totally agree Mauro! There was about 6 months where this was my only 8x10 camera, and moving around with the Sinar nearly killed my back! The results are always worth the trouble.

[@MrNpkellogg]

how much did that system that you showed us cost, including the tripod? And is it possible to take an 11x14" system and turn it into an enlarger for 8x10" film?

[@MatMarrash]

This was purchased in the early 2010's when everyone was dumping these fantastic cameras for pennies. The whole setup was < $2000. Any camera can be converted into an enlarger with proper modification of the film back to an LED light source. Monorail precision would be preferred in an enlarger but not required.

[@jalakanen]

I really love my 45 Norma

[@stephan.scharf]

I bought my p2 in 1984 incl. a lot of stuff as well the digital shutter for tons of bucks. All parts today are working perfect, I share your love! If anybody needs a digital shutter pdf manual ... no chance to find it in www

[@MatMarrash]

Are you a member of the Sinar Large Format Users Group on Facebook? They have a "Files" section were there is a large library of downloadable PDF manuals.

[@stephan.scharf]

@@MatMarrash Thanks for this hint Mat! I will have a look into this group.

[@karwai2673]

I've got a Sinar F1. Great camera. Not the sexiest large format camera (compared to the wooden ones) but still wonderful. And I wanted to ask your opinion: what do you think about the pneumatic flexible release (Kaiser for example)? I'd like to buy some remote system for my F1. Many people say "pneumatic flexible release" is not working well, it's fragile... Do you know some other solutions? I will be very grateful for your answer :-)

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks for the comment and question. For a long, remote release, the squeeze bulb types are about as inexpensive as they come. Like many flexible cable releases, these will wear down quickly when exposed to large shifts in temperature and humidity. Another possible solution would be an old "mechanical self timer cable release". These were made by several companies and would give you ~10 sec. countdown time before depressing the cable release.

[@karwai2673]

@@MatMarrash - Woaw man , you're genius. I didn't know that kind of cute device before (mechanical self timer). I found one on line and just received it today. It's a very beautiful old mechanical unit and it works like a charm. You upgraded so much my Sinar !! Thank you so much :-)

[@MatMarrash]

@@karwai2673 Glad I could help, enjoy!

[@caneestudio]

Should talk about Foba tubing too

[@CanicularesDies]

What would be a decent tripod to hold an 8x10 Sinar in the field? I have just recently got my hands on an 8x10 back, but my tripod doesn't seem to be up to par (works just fine with 4x5)

[@toulcaz31]

There was a recent discussion on the Sinar FB group with more comments. Overall, Gitzo Tele Studex series are often recommended. Some people also recommend Manfrotto 475B, Manfrotto 058b or Bogen 3046. You have also the heavy duty Linhof that can be an option.

[@CanicularesDies]

@@toulcaz31 Thanks for the info, I will check out the FB Group.

[@MatMarrash]

Totally agree with Nico's recommendations, many Sinar kits can be found alongside big studio tripods like the Manfrotto 058b or Bogen 3046. I've owned both tripods and although it's beefy, the 058b is my favorite pairing since it goes so tall and has a geared column. In the field, though, you many want to consider a lighter carbon model like the Induro CLT404 or Leofoto LM404C.

[@CanicularesDies]

@@MatMarrash I will check my local second hand sites to see if I can find any by Manfrotto, thanks!

[@andyvan5692]

good video Matt, by the way did you know sinar was an achronym for Science Industrial Nature & ARchatecture; the main genre`s of photography which this system was built for.

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks Andy and I didn't know that! Makes me love SINAR even more!!

[@andyvan5692]

@@MatMarrash yes, but you missed a trick here, as at 3:58 before you start disassembly, the scene from "the mask"- Jim Carey where he (as the mask) is in the car garage and the "line" he uses there, a snippet of that scene, shown before this part of your video, would have emulated the modular camera concept immensely.

[@darrylroberts4152]

Would you recommend a F1 for 4x5 field work?

[@MatMarrash]

Hey Darryl, I know a few folks that use an F1 for field work. They're not the lightest in the field, but certainly less than the P series and they still have all the advantages of monorail in terms of movements.

[@darrylroberts4152]

@@MatMarrash Thank you. I found a deal on the 8-pound F2 in excellent condition and price.

[@andyvan5692]

but wait... there's more, you can turn a standard at 90 deg. and use it, with a solid plate as a "subject standard" to position a piece for macro work, ON the rail, and use the movements to raise\lower and shift it around the lens axis for compositional adjustments.( thats what those weird detents are for!, to use it this way, as well as a "pack_flat" option for storage in a briefcase).

[@maximilianshootsfilm]

the sinar norma is probably one of my favourite cameras, tho I haven't shot film true it yet. I got to borrow one but it is missing the spring back which I'm waiting on at the moment! cant wait to get it all together and shove it in my backpack to go out in the forest for the first time

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks for the comment Max! My fingers are crossed that you get a spring back and can head out to shoot very soon.

[@dusanlietava8082]

Môžete mi povedať kde nájdem EU servis na DB uzávierku???

[@raman5329]

Hm, you can strap the famous blue case to a Tatonka load carrier, gives you a few km range from the parking lot.

[@new.asteroid.tracker]

Do you have a source for 4x5 digital backs?

[@MatMarrash]

Funny you should ask, the folks over at LargeSense just announced one! largesense.com/index.php/products/4x5-large-format-digital-back-ls45

[@new.asteroid.tracker]

While I could live with 50 micron pixels, the $26,000.00 is a bit out of my price range. Looks like there is some bulky support equipment that may make field work cumbersome as well.

[@LeoHMIII]

Hey, Mat. Myself and many other people would be forever in your debt, if you were to make multiple videos on Sinar cameras. There's almost Zero info on Sinar, here on KZbin. Most of it is on forum posts, from 15-20 years ago, with links that have been dead for a decade. So, Please; Tell us of your obsession. Sing us the song of your people. P.S. I have an F2 4x5 and love it. (Although, I'm still figuring it out..) I had been looking at the Mamiya RB67 for a while, but decided to just go big.

[@MatMarrash]

Thanks for the comment Leo! I will do my best to keep evangelizing for the Sinar system!

[@caneestudio]

A system to challenge most photography situations.

[@SidneyPratt]

I use my "P" series all the time.

[@MatMarrash]

My perfect camera for when the 8x10 doesn't need to go far from the studio. ;)

[@CM-cb2km]

I love my F2 4x5! But it doesn't leave my house :-)

[@MatMarrash]

My Sinar kit has only moved a few miles in the past 5 years, but still doing a lot of heavy lifting in the studio. It may be seeing some more fieldwork here soon with that 8x20" back!

[@TristanColgate]

The problem with hassleblads as a system camera in 2023 is that bank robbery is pretty unforgiving nowadays, so if you really want to get into it, you need to be prepared to do some time (in prison).

[@njc2o]

> Aerial film photography > Doesn't mount the Sinar to a drone or blimp > Disappointed

[@MatMarrash]

Looks like someone hasn't seen the DJI Storm.