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Questions about the SL66

PostPosted: Wed Apr 29, 2015 5:05 pm
by Hilo
Hello,

This is my first post here. I have looked around for answers to my question, here and on the net, but I don't get very far. I am a professional photographer living from (b&w fiber) print sales and I have looked at the SL66 numerous times in the past.

In short my question: what about working with a 4,5X6 vertical film back on the SL66 ?

Is anyone here doing that?

Apart from wanting to know how rare this 4,5X6 back is, I would like to hear something about how practical this operates.

Are you still looking through the square viewfinder? Are there way to give the viewfinder the "portrait" orientation?

Thanks, Michael

Re: Questions about the SL66

PostPosted: Thu Apr 30, 2015 8:26 pm
by JanBoettcher
The vertical 4,5x6 magazine ... I think I saw it once or twice. Great collectors' item!

A neat solution in search of a problem.
Why not just mask off the sides in the viewfinder and expose the entire 6x6 on the film?

Re: Questions about the SL66

PostPosted: Thu Apr 30, 2015 10:19 pm
by Hilo
Thanks Jan,

That would not work for me, for more than one reason: you'd miss out on the 15 shots per film, and you would not be able to print the black borders that surround negatives.

Re: Questions about the SL66

PostPosted: Thu Apr 30, 2015 10:44 pm
by JanBoettcher
The *vertical* (portrait orientation) 4,5x6cm back #560 130 for SL 66 should give you [b]12[/b] shots 4,5x6 on 120 film (indeed with broad unexposed stripes on each side). So, only the black borders on the print remain.

The *horizontal* (landscape orientation) 4,5x6cm back #560 110 for SL 66 (later #560 135 for SL 66 E and even later #560 380 for SL 66 SE) should give you 16 (or "almost 16") shots 4,5x6 on 120 film. Using the SL 66 90° slanted? Maybe with the 45° prism? I think, I'd rather search another way for prints with black borders (or use a 6008 integral with the "new" Mag 4560 in portrait orientation).

Re: Questions about the SL66

PostPosted: Fri May 01, 2015 2:06 am
by Hilo
Thanks again Jan,

To be honest, it never came to me that it would work like you say. I just assumed you'd end up with the usual 15 images on a 120 film. My mistake and what a pity. It takes most of my interest away from this idea, as I often print dyptichs from these negatives, doing two in one go with black borders and all.

I will look into the 6008 ! You mean to say this one's 4560 back works like any 4,5X6 camera?

Re: Questions about the SL66

PostPosted: Sat May 02, 2015 6:38 am
by JanBoettcher
There are two 4,5x6 backs for the 6000 series.
- a traditional one (regular shape with blinds), giving 4,5x6 landscape-pics
- a newish 4,5x6 back, with own motor for film transport, that needs an adapter-frame and will fit 6001, 6008 integral, intetgral II and AF and 6003 profesional (not the 6003 SRC 1000"!) and may be used / switched portrait / landscape. It will not work on SLX, 6006, 6002, 6008 professional, 6008 SRC 1000 and the very first series 6008 integral.

With that back a 6008 integral will work like a 4,5x6 camera and you just take off the back (close darkslide first), turn it 90° and switch the orientation.

Try to find more information before hunting one! ;-)

Re: Questions about the SL66

PostPosted: Sun May 03, 2015 6:49 am
by Hilo
Jan,

It is kind of you to explain! Yes, I will not just start buying into this system. Instead I will read more and move towards having one of these cameras in my hands.

Michael