Re: Exact fl of lenses... 220 VR

[Bill Glickman <bglick@xxxxxxxx>]

Clayton

      I would not call my circumstance a problem.  It's simply the nature of
the beast.   There is nothing that could be repaired by the factory.  The
220 VR is a highly sophisticated mechanical marvel.  The problems I have
been discussing have been in the fine tuning of the rotational speed vs. the
film travel distance.  This is controlled in the 220 VR by changing the fl
value a tiny bit in either direction until it gives the optimum image
quality.

     It's possible you may start using one and find the image quality
acceptable.  Some 220 VR users I spoke to are happy with their image
quality, others are not.    This is true in MF cameras also...not everyone
demands Hassy or Rollei image quality. (please no wars, just an example)
It simply boils down to expectations and what you are using the camera
for...if it's for web images, I doubt these issues would ever confront you.
If you are shooting for big enlargements, and have high standards for image
quality, then this could very well be an issue with you.

     I want to make it clear, I have gotten some very sharp and impressive
images from my 220 VR.   My only wish is, that I get them equally sharp
every time, like my other forms of photography.  I think this is possible,
and with enough testing the 220 VR can really be fine tuned so all images
are almost equally sharp.... as Mr. Seitz keeps telling me,
test...test....test... this is the answer to just about everything...so this
takes some serious time and film...and expertise and trial and error.   It
also is very tedious.  However, on the positive side, you only need to do
this once for each lens... I doubt the motors would change speed in the
future considering the small amount of use they receive.

     As for the Hulcher, I have never used one before.  I am fairly certain
the Hulchers work under the same principle as the 220 VR,  a rotating lens
and traveling film.  If so, they can potentially be vulnerable to the same
situation I have discussed.   However, if the speeds are controlled by
gearing only and not variable speed motors, I would say the need for such
tedious fine tuning would not be necessary. (assuming the factory has
sufficient quality control and measuring systems in place, from what I
heard, they are quite meticulous)  It's much easier to set and maintain the
perfect speeds for both the film and the lens with gearing.  (My engineering
opinion)

     If you want, when I return from my trip... I will send you an excellent
chrome, and one that suffers from the improper fl setting, using the same
lens...and this may help you decide if this situation would deter you from
buying one...  Or better yet, when I get time, I will try to post some on
the web for anyone to view.

    Oh yeah, also keep in mind, image quality is also dependent on film size
and lenses used.  Mr. Seitz clearly stated, MF lenses on the 220 VR will
produce superior image quality vs. 35mm on the 220 VR.  And of course, this
makes perfect sense.  So consider the cost of such and whether you need the
larger film size...

Regards
Bill G


----- Original Message -----
From: "Clayton Tume" <tume@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <panorama-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, June 16, 2000 1:01 AM
Subject: Re: Exact fl of lenses... 220 VR


> Bill
>
> I've been listening on this one mainly because I'm thinking of buying a
> rotating roll film camera, the Seitz and Hulcher being prime contenders.
It
> appears your camera has film sync/transport problems, is this a common
> problem with Seitz? From what I understand of Hulcher and the way it's
> geared on Cirkut principles this same problem will not occur. Am I right
> guys?
>
> Clayton
> PS.....I don't want to start a war between the two camps, just find out
> which one will suit my application.
>
>