Any Razzle 4x5 users in Germany or Spain

[HeinrichVoelkel]

Hello,

are there any Razzle 4x5 converted Polaroid 900 or 110b users in Germany or Spain? I would like to have a look and to handle one in advance to ordering one!

Thanks in advance,

Heinrich

[Mick Fagan]

Heinrich, if you can get hold of a 110 Polaroid, then, more or less, the Razzle is almost exactly that.

My Razzle looks (from the front) and feels almost exactly like a standard 110.

Obviously there are differences in the weight, plus the rear is now deeper by 15mm where the film holder(s) fit.

I was surprised to get my Razzle with a back that can take a standard DDS holder that slips in and out really easy, plus, with a 1 minute conversion (removing the springs and turning the brass nuts upside down) you have a holder which will hold a Grafmatic back in rock solid, allowing you to pull and push to your hearts content without fear of the whole lot coming adrift. The bonus was a couple of metal strips that allow you to convert the back to hold a 120 film holder allowing up to 6x12 exposures. I haven't got a 120 holder so I don't know, but I see no reason why it wouldn't work.

Dean has fitted a circular alloy extender into the main tripod socket, allowing the use of the camera in both vertical and horizontal positions on a tripod. The folding cover has the other tripod socket, which is fitted from the Polaroid factory.

Focusing with my camera and lens is spot on. To allow for problems down the track, like dropping it and having the rangefinder go out of whack, Dean supplies a DDS with the guts removed and a GG fitted at the film plane, this allows you to re-set the rangefinder accurately and/or use the camera with a GG for focusing.

I had a Fujinon f6.3 150 W lens (letters inside the filter ring) fitted to mine. It folds perfectly inside, as should any other smallish 150 lens.

I too wondered in my quest for a hand held rangefinder focusing 5x4 camera, just what it would look and feel like. I searched the world for something like this, but found it being manufactured about 45 minutes motorcycle ride away from home. I have held and fiddled (slightly) with both versions and have seen 4 Razzle cameras in the flesh, Dean's personal one, one going to the UK, one going to the USA and my own.

For what it's worth, I will be in Germany just after Christmas and into the new year, there is a chance I'll be carrying the Razzle, not 100% sure yet, but it's on the cards. I'll be based near Reutlingen! I have a sister in-law in Munich and another near Garmisch in southern Bavaria, I'll more than likely be told I wish to visit them.

I'm going on a small aeroplane flight to a small island in November, this will be a shakedown trip for the Razzle on location doing landscape, instead of the Shen Hao, if it works there, I'll probably take it to Germany.

I road tested my camera for extreme close focus, about 1 metre, mid focus 5 metres and infinity hand held, all perfect. The only criticism I could find is with extreme close focusing. There appears to be a very slight bellows intrusion on the long side of the negative, due to extreme compression of the bellows. This intrusion is about 3-5mm only and realistically with a range finder situation, you will have to allow a bit for being so close as per any normal range finder camera anyway.

Build quality, well it as an addition, therefore like an addition to an old house, the addition works excellently.

This is a single person's way of re-manufacturing something with strict quality control, but in a manner where form follows function.

If I were you, I would be looking for a lens, I'm sure you'll like one.

Mick.

[HeinrichVoelkel]

Mick, thnak you so much. Anyway December will be too late....if not, I will send you a PM and some great German beer will pay for your helping hand

regards
Heinrich

[Jbee]

You`ve got an PM. I own a Alpenhause 110B and live in Germany.
Happy to share my experience.
Jari

[razzledog]

I too wondered in my quest for a hand held rangefinder focusing 5x4 camera, just what it would look and feel like. I searched the world for something like this, but found it being manufactured about 45 minutes motorcycle ride away from home.

Thanks Mick.....Thought you'd like to see this shot again

[Mick Fagan]

Yes, thank you for that, but I have to add, I just re-read my posting, my Razzle is a 900, don't know what I was thinking at the time.

Mick.

[razzledog]

No worries Mick...it was a Freudian slip...you are really just dreaming of a 110B Razzle for your next camera!

[Soeren]

No worries Mick...it was a Freudian slip...you are really just dreaming of a 110B Razzle for your next camera!

And you are sending me one as a gift for Christmas, right?
Kind regards

[Soeren]

Hmm I'm just wondering, how much would a "new type" of Grafmatic holders cost?
It seems to me like these conversions yell for that kind of holders
Kind regards

[Mick Fagan]

Søren, is there a new type of holder?

I'm not really sure about the question/statement, but I only know of one 6 sheet 4x5 Grafmatic holder.

If you are talking about these, then the going rate is between $50-90 USD generally. At least that appears to be what they sell for.

I have bought a few, both locally and from the USA, they are really perfectly suited to a hand held camera. They work well on my monorail calumet and my wooden Shen Hao folder, but they really shine on the Razzle, especially as it is locked in.

I actually prefer a normal DDS for the other cameras.

Mick.