I also have a basic manual for the F, C, and P in PDF format and don't know where to post it. I don't know if Sean can give us that kind of space, even if there is a facility for posting files as attachments.

Meanwhile his suggestion is to create a forum thread, and attachments could be posted to posts in the thread. I'll create the thread, and see what the file size limits are.

Okay, I created a thread for posting attachments, but I think the filesize limits are going to be too small for most things--just under 1 Mb for a PDF. My F/C/P manual is about 5 Mb. So if you've got smaller attachments, post them here--

http://www.apug.org/forums/forum44/51614-sinar-users-group-files.html#post645641

I just added a picture of my new bag setup that carries my Sinar. Bruce from Photobackpacker created a 4 sided box that Velcro's to his backerboard so the camera is secured and protected inside the bag. It works like a champ. If anyone wants to see different pictures of the set up let me know.

Hi !
For large file, I use a convenience given by my ISP. it is located at http://dl.free.fr/ unfortunately only in French ;-) but it should be self expanatory. If you use the Web interface, size is limited to a 1GB barrier, but if you go through FTP, you can reach 10GB.
The file once downloaded has got an URL given to you allowing everbody knowing the URL to download it. It will stay online as long as someboody download it in a 30 days period of time. You get an URL to clean up the file if you decide to do so.

Hi Falkenberg !
I would be delighted to get you lens manual. And everything you may have pertaining to maintenance. My Sinar Norma need a good overhaul, nobody in my area is willing to do it, and I wonder if I would have problems when re-assembling it ....So any manuals pertaining to that from Sinar would be good to read ;-)
TIA !

Okay, now that I see how to create a forum linked to a group, I've created a Sinar Users group forum, and I moved the thread I created yesterday for posting files other than images (<1 Mb, alas) to the new group forum.

Hi everybody. Today I just got a complete 4x5 5x7 8x10 sinar norma kit, with a sinar copal shutter, a symmar 180mm lens and a 14" commercial ektar. I've had two 5x7 normas that both had issues (the last one I bought back as part of this new deal because I figured out the problem, more on this later), but I'm so happy with this purchase (actually it was more an exchange and I only paid 50 dollars for three new fidelity 13x18 film holders).
There are some small issues, chiefly that some of the spirit levels (bubble levels?) are missing. Does anybody know where I can find new ones?
Also what material would you use as light traps to replace the old ones, in my 5x7 norma back. I need to both change the felt (or is it velour?) light trap where the dark slides "slide in" and the rubbery material (that has completely disintegrated) in the back itself.
Thanks for your responses.
Best Regards
Mads Hartmann

Good Deal. I am with the program.

The 2 other pdf files I have are 13 MB and 19 MB. Where should I pst them. Do any of You know a good place ?

As I wrote, I mailed Sinars public relations. Here is the reply I got:

Hello Mr.Falkenberg
Thank you for your interest in Sinar cameras and for informing us about your group.
Unfortunately we don't have the capacity to dispatch someone to participate in your group.
What we could do though is to feature you in our monthly newsletter. This would probably get you some more participants and therefore a wider knowledge base.
If you would like to do that you could write a little article (max. 300 words) which we would feature in the "did you know" section.
Please send the article to our Andrea Imthurn (andrea.imthurn@sinarcameras.com)who edits the newsletter.
Best regards,
____________________________

Sinar AG
Lorenz C. Koch
PR & Communications Manager
Stadtweg 24
8245 Feuerthalen/Switzerland

Phone: +41 (0)52 647 07 56
Fax: +41 (0)52 647 06 06
www.sinarcameras.com

Anybody that want to give it a go with writing the text ?

Sinar P -

Two complete set ups if I wish, one 8x10 and the other 4x5, but as parts are interchangeable I mostly use the gear in an extended 8x10 setup for larger than 1:1 mag

Lorenz Koch and Thierry Hagenauer from Sinar are active over at http://www.openphotographyforums.com/ but there it's all about promoting their high end digital backs and the Hy6.

I will gladly write a text as a analog adept as well as a Sinar User for the montly newsletter. Please provide me with the neccesary coordinates.

Idea for a "slogan":
Sinar users have got all the right moves

These are the official distributor of Sinar equipment in Denmark. The are familiar with both new and old equipment. They also stock both Kodak and Ilford 4x5 film in most varieties. Larger sizes on order. They are all very helpfull. Esben is very knowledgeable with many year of experience.

H O T H E R A/S
Bygmestervej 2
DK-2400 København NV
Denmark
Phone: (+45) 33 93 13 97*
Fax: (+45) 33 93 97 54
E-mail: hother@hother.dk
Opening hours (Monday - Friday*8.30 og 16.00)*

I will admit I do enjoy using my (4x5) Sinar F2.
I love the very high precision of it all when I am using the camera .
It is almost sexy.

I especially love the zen-like mindset that comes when I am using the camera. When trying to work out a very knotty problem, I will set up the camera and spend time setting up a photograph...but never taking the picture.

I find doing this far better than taking drugs or drinking.

A Sinar F2 (w/ Sinaron 210mm) was the first 4x5 camera I ever owned. I love photographing in the outdoors (including hiking w/ my cameras) so I sold it and replaced it with a wista flatbed. Then I added a Zone VI 8x10. I always missed the Sinar and a year or so ago was able to purchase another one (F1). I was delighted to find that the Sinar lensboards fit my Zone VI and now all my lenses are on Sinar boards. I've upgraded the F1 again to a F2 (and just this week won a P2 at on-line live auction, I can't wait to see it, I've never seen one). The F2 and 3 lenses and film holders, and accessories all fit in one of the old style Sinar Cases (the ones that double as a stepladder according to the metal plate inside). It's not very portable but if I'm working in one location or I know I'm staying within a few feet of the car it is so much nicer to use than any other camera I've ever used. I especially love it with my Nikkor-SW 120 and 150 lenses.

Do any of You know if there exist an original Sinar box that will hold a complete Norma set with 4x5, 5x7 and 8x10 including lenses and all accesories. Currently I have it in 3 boxes. I know it will be heavy, but I am sure it will be worth it.

I have posted an ad wit original Sinar filters. http://www.apug.org/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=7125&sort=1&cat=500&page=1

New price and link http://www.apug.org/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=7129

Good morning, Sinar Users;

Unfortunately, I cannot yet claim to be a Sinar User. I tried, but when I came back with money to the shop where the F2 had been, he had put it onto e-Bay. I had offered him $ 500, and he got $ 400 for it on e-bay after all of the fees and brokerage charges. Time for me to be patient again.

I have 35 mm gear, and a 2 & 1/4 Square. It is interesting to note the difference in taking a photograph with 35 mm in comparison with even 2 & 1/4 Square. The larger formats do seem to promote a more deliberate and considered process.

Enjoy;

Ralph Javins

Ralph, You might be able to find a nice Sinar system in Europa that might be cheaper even with shipping to the US. Sinar Normas are dirt cheap here in Denmark and probably in the rest of europe. I have just passed on a 4x5 Norma with tripod and lenses for 200 USD.

Good morning, Sinar Users;

A measure of success: This time I did get a Sinar F1 with a Caltar 210 mm f 5.6 lens and a Copal Number 1 leaf shutter. There is also a case, some film holders, and a Polaroid back along with a beam extension. While I do have a book entitled VIEW CAMERA TECHNIQUE, there are other questions already.

There are two (2) small rods 5 mm in diameter and 46 mm long that are used when storing or carrying the F1. They seem to go on the lower part of the rear standard. How do you put them in?

Can anyone recommend a source for an owner's manual for the F1?

While I do have the book mentioned above, VIEW CAMERA TECHNIQUE, published in the early 1950's, are there any other texts that are recommended?

As is obvious, I am one 4 by 5 user who is just starting out. Any suggestions, recommendations, and guidance whould really be appreciated.

Enjoy;

Ralph Javins

When they ask you how many megapixels you have in your camera, just tell them; "I use activated silver-bromide crystals for my image storage medium."

Congratulations Ralph. I got my manual from www.glennview.com . I later found out that I possibly could have gotten one mailed to me (photocopy) from Sinar. I would contact them. Here is an email I correspond with them at occasionally. TECH@sinarcameras.com

As far as the 2 rods you mention. You may have to post a picture. They quite possibly may be the compendium bellows rods.