My new $30 field camera!

[MattCarey]

Heya,

I just got a new toy--a Burke and James press camera. It came with a nice 150mm Ektar and a polaroid back. I've seen the Ektar go for something like $100 and the polaroid back for $50 at the higher end at auction...so I figure the camera itself set me back about $30. ($30 makes a nice hook for the subject line, don't it!)

After learning on a B&J orbit (monorail), it is sooo nice to have something small enough to carry around. The B&J cameras don't carry a great reputation, but I really like this toy. Rotating back, a good amount of front movements, fairly long bellows, drop bed, same lensboards as the orbit.

Drawbacks:
1) the shutter only goes to 200. Sorta slow for hand-held.
2) the shutter doesn't seem to have x-sync. It has the old kodak ASA connector and no switch for x-sync. My 127mm Ektar has 1/400 sec top speed and a switch for x-sync. Still the same connector, but a bit more convenient for hand-held shots.
3) not the most rigid platform I could imagine.
4) only a spring-back. But, if I want to do roll-film, I have a mini-speed (although that is the one camera I may put on the auction block myself).

Seems like the week for new press cameras around APUG.

Take care,

Matt

[ian_greant]

hmmm based on that theory I think my B&J's press cam was free... heh!
Had it nearly three years now. It's been a truly fabulous camera.

[Dave Parker]

I know a bunch of guys who shot B&J press cameras back in the day, and still say they were great cameras for what they were designed to do..


Dave

[jd callow]

Its raining press cameras on APUG.
Let me know if you want to trade the 150 ektar for my 135 Optar with bi-pole and x sync...

[Nick Zentena]

Using that math mine was free to-)

Not sure what you mean about not stable? The things all metal. Some rollfilm holders fit spring backs. The 200 shutter speed isn't an issue since you can always swap out the lenses.

[MattCarey]

Using that math mine was free to-)

Not sure what you mean about not stable? The things all metal. Some rollfilm holders fit spring backs. The 200 shutter speed isn't an issue since you can always swap out the lenses.

Just that it isn't as rigid as the monorail. Mostly I see this in the tilt. In the monorail, I can tighten the screws and really get the standard rigid in the correct place. I can also do this while looking through the glass if I wish. With the press, the standard isn't held as stiff in place when tilted. Also, I wonder a bit about vibrations in the front bed. Of course, this isn't going to make much difference, as I will not be enlarging many negatives.

I have a 180mm lens with a better shutter (a good 1/400s). However, it doesn't fold up nicely in the camera!

Matt

[Dave Parker]

Just that it isn't as rigid as the monorail. Mostly I see this in the tilt. In the monorail, I can tighten the screws and really get the standard rigid in the correct place. I can also do this while looking through the glass if I wish. With the press, the standard isn't held as stiff in place when tilted. Also, I wonder a bit about vibrations in the front bed. Of course, this isn't going to make much difference, as I will not be enlarging many negatives.

I have a 180mm lens with a better shutter (a good 1/400s). However, it doesn't fold up nicely in the camera!

Matt

Comparing a mono to a press, is like comparing Apples to oranges, the press is an entirly different type of camera, designed for a completly different type of shooting.

I am sure you will have a blast.

Dave

[MattCarey]

Its raining press cameras on APUG.
Let me know if you want to trade the 150 ektar for my 135 Optar with bi-pole and x sync...

I probably won't be taking you up on that offer. However, I could be convinced to place some flash bulbs in your mailbox, should you want to take on Darth Vader with your new flash.

Matt

[jd callow]

I joined the dark slide a long time ago luke err Matt.

[Nick Zentena]

I've never put any big lenses on mine but when tightened it was pretty stiff.

My G-Claron 150mm folded inside but it's kind of dim.