[LargeFormat] how short is a rail

[David Swinnard]

Good call.

I just checked on my old Sinar F (vintage late '70s, early '80s).

With the standards and the tripod block adaptor (old style) squeeeeezed
together the whole thing looks like it will just fit onto the six inch rail.
(measured, as I only have 12" basic and extension rails).  The lens board
plane to ground glass measures to approx. 3" (75mm). So, unless only really
short lenses are to be used Philip may not get away with the 6" rail.

Since 1981 I have used my old Sinar F with only the basic 12" rail for
architectural photography using lenses from 65mm to 210mm (most of the time
using 90mm and 120 Super Angulons) The only time I had any issues with the
12" rail was using a 65mm SA in the drawing room of a restored private rail
coach (use with both standards at the front of the rail, tripod block behind
rear standard).  It was impossible to view the ground glass with the camera
wedged into the corner of the compartment. A shorter rail would have let the
camera move back just that much farther (and so seeing slightly more of the
compartment). Focussing was done before moving camera into position and
Polaroid used to check angle of view.  Neat job - real dark wood and velvet,
very rich looking (and light absorbing); available light and long exposures.
Nobody could move as the car was susceptible to rocking on it's suspension.

Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: largeformat-admin@f32.net [mailto:largeformat-admin@f32.net]On
Behalf Of Karl Wolz
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2003 2:24 PM
To: largeformat@f32.net
Subject: RE: [LargeFormat] how short is a rail


May be comparing apples and oranges here, but I cannot use my 6"
extension rail alone on my Toyo.  Attempting to use it puts the bellows
ends of the standards about an inch and a half apart; I don't have a
30mm lens that covers 4x5.  Dunno if Sinar is the same way, but I
suspect it may be.

Karl Wolz

-----Original Message-----
From: largeformat-admin@f32.net [mailto:largeformat-admin@f32.net] On
Behalf Of David Swinnard
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2003 12:55 PM
To: largeformat@f32.net
Subject: RE: [LargeFormat] how short is a rail

Philip

The shortest Sinar rail that I'm aware of is their 6" (15cm) extension
rail
(#421.21). It is intended to screw into the basic 12" "basic rail". Each
end
of the basic rail unit has an adaptor into which the extension rail
screws
(once the screw on end caps are removed.)

Each extension rail has "bolt" through it with a "handle" on one end
onto
which the end cap is screwed after the extension is connected to the
"basic
rail".  The end cap is "lipped" and prevents the standards from sliding
off
the rail inadvertently.  According to their documentation they do make a
"SPECIAL RAIL CAP #428.31" that fits onto the "bolt" end of an extension
rail when it is used alone.

So, the short answer is 6" (but a different cap is available for each
end to
prevent the standards from sliding off.

Both ends are vital if you intend to install the end caps. Also, there
is a
metal bar down the length of the rail (to prevent rotation of the
standards
and tripod adaptor) that is screwed onto the rail at the ends. Cutting
the
rail would be non-trivial.

Hope this helps,
Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: largeformat-admin@f32.net [mailto:largeformat-admin@f32.net]On
Behalf Of philip lambert
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2003 12:24 PM
To: largeformat@f32.net
Subject: Re: [LargeFormat] how short is a rail


I was considering a cheap Sinar to use with a bag bellows, a Calumet
rollfilm  back and some Super Angulon lenses.  I am trying to get more
rising front than my Century Graphic permits.
What is the shortest rail Sinar produced? A short rail makes for a more
compact 5x4. I could carry a second rail of the same size.
Is it a simple matter to bolt on an extension rail when a Symmar lens is
used?  Can a rail be cut down or are both ends vital?  Thanks for any
comments.
Whilst I write, hallo Uncle Dick did your parcel arrive yet?


Philip



_______________________________________________
LargeFormat mailing list
LargeFormat@f32.net
http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/largeformat



_______________________________________________
LargeFormat mailing list
LargeFormat@f32.net
http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/largeformat


_______________________________________________
LargeFormat mailing list
LargeFormat@f32.net
http://www.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/largeformat