Re: camera body for zone plate

>I've been using a converted Lubitel camera for my studio based zone
>plate work. I like the camera, but its layout is causing me some
>trouble. It's great having a viewing lens, but the placement of the
>viewfinder on top is inconvenient given my lighting set-ups. I often
>find myself check to jowl with a blazing quartz light. Also, having to
>unscrew the camera from the tripod every time I need to change film is
>annoying.
>
>I'm looking for another cheap medium format camera to convert to zone
>plate -- preferably one with a rangefinder style viewfinder on the
>back. I've heard that the Agfa Sporti is a possible candidate. Does
>anyone know what the focal length of this camera is? Any other cameras
come to mind? Thanks.

You are probably thinking about the Ilford Sporti. With the lens
removed and "snout" left in place, it is about 50mm. With the snout
cut out, and a plate flat on the front, it is 40mm. You can see a
40mm version at:

http://web.pdx.edu/~harveyt/pinholecams.html

The problem is no "real" shutter -- not too bad for slower pinhole
use, but maybe too slow an operation for zone plate. Another
possibility is an Agfa Speedex Jr., with cable release provision and
a shutter that has Time and Inst settings, 90mm. One can be seen at
above website. There are several other conversions shown, including
a cobbled together zone plate that uses an old Kodak shutter.

My favorite, not shown, is the Agfa Clack. An extremely simple
conversion, cable release, Bulb and Inst shutter, 6x9 format, 70mm.
Of all the cameras I have tried or considered, this is the best. The
only problem for zone plate use is the lack of real speed settings on
the shutter.

See a Clack conversion (with instructions) at:

http://www.kosara.net/photo/lochlomo.html

I have completed the Ensign Ful-Vue pinhole conversion shown on my
site. It is currently listed (closes 4/22) on eBay at:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1346689470

Someone mentioned Isolette/Speedex folding cameras. The major
problem with some of them is bellows deterioration. They do have
real shutters.

Tom
Received on Tue Apr 16 19:53:08 2002