Older Sinar F1 - set up correctly?

[Theo Sulphate]

Shown here is an older Sinar F1, set up as I bought it. I have a manual for the p2, c2, f2, and f1 models, but the f1 model shown in the manual seems different and newer than mine and I can't readily determine if mine is set up correctly.



I have a few questions about the controls.

First, this lever doesn't seem to do anything. Apparently it's for attaching to a tripod, but the tripod I've simply screwed into the base.



Second, I'm wondering whether the standards are oriented correctly in relation to the controls (dials and levers).



Again, I can't find any explanation in the manual about what this little knob does (it's under the front standard).



Lastly, this DOF aid is different in appearance and controls from what I see in the manual. I am unsure how to use it. The two scales (silver and black) seem to be locked together - is that correct?



I'm planning on getting another tripod and have it dedicated for the Sinar if only because I tend to use this lightweight one quite a bit with other cameras.

I appreciate any and all help.

 

[AgX]

The lever screw in image #2 is to arrest the base plate/stud of the camera to the plate of the tripod, to prevent the camera to twist on that plate, which is otherwise likely to happen due to the leverage of the base tube.

 

[RSalles]

#1) Is what AgX said, the lever is to avoid rotation on the Sinar head as it has a "hole" which fits straight in the pin down the lever. I had made a circular plate with a hole in the same point to use it with another tripod, this plate is strongly attached to the tripod.
2) Yes, seems to be, I prefer to have the grip of the base at my right hand, but it's a personal choice, not mandatory.
3) For inserting the rod for the shade support, which has a hexa hole exactly as this one, This hexa rod connects front part of the shade with the front standard.
4) In the camera I own (F2) the different scales are for 4x5 (inner) and 9x12 (outer). Look at the manual how to use this scale to calculate DOF.

In the F2 there is another scale in the left side of the back standard for swing and tilt calculation using the scale stamped on both standards.

If you're having a hard time to find manuals for the Sinar F line I have some PDF's available here, just drop me a line and rtfm,


Cheers,

Renato

 

[rthollenbeck]

I'm planning on getting another tripod and have it dedicated for the Sinar if only because I tend to use this lightweight one quite a bit with other cameras.

First, the Sinar pan tilt head is great strong and reliable in its own right but mostly it's a wonderful accessory for Sinar gear. It locks onto the Sinar rail clamps (with the stud you showed in pic 2). I wish I had one. They demand $$ in good condition. The mounting surfaces match in size and shape and therefor do not leave edges to bind on when making movement. You may want to look them up.

Second, IMHO I like Gitzo 4 & 5 series for view cameras. But if your working in 4x5 you may not need that much tripod. Never the less, if you get a compact model they are not unreasonably heavy but occasionally I wish they were taller but that's the cost of it being compact and HD but not big & heavy too. There are a lot of LF tripods but not so many that are portable.

Last, I want to show you another way to transport a Sinar that I like. I use a Norma. The Expert case is great protection but it is bulky imo. If you get a 6" rail you can slide the front and rear standards on it. It fits in a lightware bag I have. Admittedly however it is a slight nuisance to put the clamping sleeve back each use. I considered having a rail custom trimmed to 8 or 9 inches and then I could leave the clamp or even just the clamping sleeve on the rail with the camera. I opted not to go this route with my 8x10 because I thought there maybe to much leverage on the front standard when in transport. I'm not sure with the 4x5 standards being smaller all around and with the bellows in the center that you wouldn't be better off with the sleeve there as a spacer.

Good luck

 

[John Koehrer]

FWIW, the Gitzo 3 series is good for 4X5 and since they seem to change model numbers at random times
for what seem to be no reason. pay close attention to specs. The compact series are usually four section legs
with two section center columns but since the columns are interchangeable they may not be the original column.
They have the BEST geared column on the market, It's smooth and has gearing that allow you to raise
the column and release the crank with out the camera slamming down.