Re: RBT cameras expensive?

[P3D D Cootey <shmoobee@xxxxxxxx>]

Jon & Marvin,
	I'm not sure where this thread diverged from my original posting,
but I never implied that RBT cameras were overpriced and not worth it, so
I hope that's not what you are thinking I'm thinking (although I suspect
that you do).  I just said I couldn't afford it.  And despite how small a
drop in the bucket $2000 is to a "professional", that's a big investment
for me and I still can't afford it.  I invest my "professional" money in
expensive art supplies, print runs, and computer parts.  Then I have a
myriad of hobbies.  I have nothing left over for $2000 cameras,
manufactured, remanufactured, or hacked.  That doesn't mean I don't
appreciate their value, and it doesn't mean I'm an idiot.  It just means
that I can't afford them right now.


On Fri, 15 Aug 1997 11:40:13 -0500 P3D Jon Golden  <3dman@xxxxxxxxxxx>
writes:
>Somebody out there somewhere asked:
>
>>>$2000 for a camera is a serious investment and one that keeps me out 
>of that club.  :(  Would be nice to get one, though.  BTW, are both 
>lenses in synch so that when one zooms in or focuses on an object, 
>both lenses are exact?  Or does one have to manually adjust the 
>settings for both lenses...<
>
>Zoom, focus and fstop are aligned and mechanically synced.
>
>
>
>Starvin' Marvin Jones pitche in and said succinctly:
>
>>>I think the problem here is the implicit idea that there are only 
>two possible types of cameras--the "professional" ones that are 
>designed and build from scratch by a factory tooled for that purpose, 
>or some amateur thing done in a corner of the garage by a tinkerer 
>with time on his hands= =2E The RBT cameras are "remanufactured" from 
>other existing camera bodies, but they aren't some amateur cobble job 
>with a solder line up the middle. They are professionally produced 
>cameras, expensive but worth it.
>
>Marin...to add to your comments......to a professional....2000.00 is
>nothing for a camera investment.  Go look at One (1) Nikon setup and 
>the
>$$ are up there. Or Zeiss...keep $$$$pending!
>
>RBT cameras are hand assembled by a few craftsman devoted to the small
>numbers they manufacture each year....no big production lines here.
>
>Consider what goes in to an RBT and realize that it is very reasonable 
>
>for the price.  
>
>1) Two complete cameras and lens sets.
>2) special tooling and design of the double advance mechanisims, if
>motor drive...electronics must be redesigned as well, and gearing.
>3) Molding the housings and cowlings of the cameras. (try getting some
>quotes on the cost of making molds for a start)
>4) Bench calibration and matching/linkage of lens systems, if 
>electronic
>then add more time on for redesign.
>5) Last BUT NOT LEAST...the time, testing, risks and costs and 
>personal
>energy it took to get the camera to the point where it was reliable 
>and
>proven enough to be offered to the public.
>
>Also...take a look at the going rates for Wolensaks, Belplascas, or a
>Realist Custom with Steinheils...and you are not far off from buying
>yourself a new RBT X4 with 35-70 MACRO zoom capability....and MACRO
>close up attachent options, 1/500 sec speeds, internal metering.
>Everything is relative I suppose.
>
>Well ....time to call sam Smith and have him make me a twin Polaroid 
>20"
>x 24" camera...with special crane and hoist and personal chiropratic
>options....cost $675,423....and that does not include a viewer or
>mounts!  Sam...hellllllp!
>
>Back to the drawing BORED.  Regar-d-d-d-s Jon Golden RBT USA
                     ^^^^^
                     Just what is that supposed to mean?  Maybe I'm not
familiar enough with your sense of humor, but if the topic bores you,
don't reply to it.  Sheesh!


Douglas "D" Cootey - Elfin Graphics
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