Gast
Question: Are there any cameras similar to the Fotoman models (see the FOTOIMPEX catalogue) available in 6x6 format?
MirkoBoeddecker
Martin,
What exactly do you like about the Fotomann that you’d want to see in a 6×6 camera?
There are plenty of good rangefinder cameras, e.g. the Mamiya 6, Plaubel, etc.
But those come with a coupled rangefinder, a built-in light meter, automatic film advance, etc.
Fotomann cameras are exotic models designed for extreme image formats and are handcrafted in small batches.
That’s why they can’t offer all these technical refinements.
In other words: applying the design principle to 6x6 would certainly be a true purist’s choice, but there are better alternatives :D
Mirko
Gast
... It’s precisely that minimalist style. I only take photos with a Pentax K1000. In my opinion, it’s one of the most minimalist cameras around.
The Fotoman performs well in this area when it comes to medium and large formats. But! My enlarger only goes up to 6x6 :-) (Opemus).
MirkoBoeddecker
Hmm, I see, but would you be willing to pay €1,300 for a camera like that?
Whether it’s 6x12, 6x17 or 6x6, the manufacturing process is – apart from using a bit less aluminium – the same....
Best regards,
Mirko
Gast
Yeah, that’s a genuine question... I don’t know. I just know that the Alpas and the like are too expensive.
Maybe the 4x5 from Fotoman will be worth a look at some point. As a contact print without enlargement, 4x5" isn’t to be sniffed at either... Let’s wait and see... and carry on taking photos with the K1000 with great joy :-)
Thanks for your thoughts.
Best wishes and a Merry Christmas
Martin
Gast
Hi Mirko,
I just wanted to say that I think it’s brilliant that you’ve taken on this camera. The only thing I’ve seen that’s comparable is the Technorama from Linhof – though that is a bit more expensive.
Personally, though, I’d need to muster a fair bit of criminal ingenuity to siphon such sums from the household budget.
And this purchase wouldn’t pay for itself for about 30 years. Perhaps when you buy from FOTOIMPEX, they throw in a supply guarantee for black-and-white roll film until 2035. ;-)
I would probably use a camera like this frequently as a shift camera for architectural shots in portrait format, e.g. in combination with a 58mm lens. That means the camera is aligned vertically using the spirit level, and when enlarging the image, the lower part of the negative is simply omitted. With the 6x9 format, this would result in a shift of at least 40mm.
... at least that’s how I picture it – or am I missing something? Perhaps someone has already had experience with shift architectural photography. Using the viewfinder would be problematic with this camera, at least with a 58mm lens.
I’d also be interested to know how the flatness of the roll film is with such a long piece.
Regards
Dierk
MirkoBoeddecker
Hello Dierk,
A shift plate for the Fotoman will also be available soon. On this plate, the lens is positioned off-centre.
As this type of setup is likely to be used mainly in architectural photography, I would recommend focusing and framing the shot using the supplied focusing screen rather than the viewfinder.
So, put the Fotoman on the tripod, insert the focusing screen, focus and align, remove the focusing screen, load the film and you’re ready to go.
The flatness is perfect thanks to the guides and the high precision of the manufacturing.
But I do understand what you mean.
Best regards,
Mirko
MirkoBoeddecker
Guaranteed supply of roll film:
Yes, you can get some :-)
Best regards,
Mirko
