Not one of your what kind of camera to buy questions.

Much of my youth was misspent doing photography; sometimes they even paid me. I still have a collection of cameras from the era. Three Nikons, a couple of Minoltas, a Leica RF system, Rolleiflex, Mamiya TLR and Universal systems, Hasselblad system, and my, beloved, 8x10 Deardorff. I have backpacked some of these for weeks [Linhof and Deardorff are examples]. I am getting too old for that.

I havent done any photography for the past 15 years and I havent kept up. I dont need suggestions on lenses; I am fine there. It is 4x5 bodies. I have read a lot of information. The one that seems the best for me is the Wisner Pocket Expedition [fully geared] Pocket Expedition

Do you have any comments, either pro or con, on this choice. I will be doing mostly backcountry photography.

Th

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), April 28, 2000

Answers

Hi, I own a Wisner Pocket Expedition 4x5 and have found it to be quite good. As I have used the Wisner Tech field for 10 years I had some standard against which to weigh the pocket camera. I use lenses from 72mm to 450 and so far i have little problems using any of the lenses on the camera. I did purchase the bag bellows, however. The camera is as sturdy as the "regular " Technical Field, and the geared tilts front and back, the geared rise/fall and the newly designed front lateral and swing movements are definite improvements over the other camera. It may take you a little time to get used to opening and setting up the camera. This is the sole complaint I read about the camera. I experienced a little problem, but a phone call to Ron Wisner, following his instructions over the phone and then practicing once or twice and now it is natural. One word of caution: Wisner takes more time to make and mail the camera than his salespeople claim. Be prepared for some wait--at least as of last year. But I think the wait was worth it. Bob

-- Bob Moulton (bobmargaretm@home.com), April 28, 2000.

Thanks Bob:

The camera is as sturdy as the "regular " Technical Field,

This was a major concern since I have never seen one. I am presently out of the country and I should sign-off before I break my host [connect time is no so cheap in some places].

Once again thanks.

Best wishes,,,,,,

-- Z1X4Y7 (Z1X4Y7@aol.com), April 29, 2000.

You may want to try the field camera of your choice in person before purchasing. If its not possible, be sure you can return it. I only say this because after hearing such rave revues about Wisner cameras, I went to purchase the Expedition. For me, I didn't like it at all. All those knobs, all doing different things. Front standard working so different from the back. The salesperson had a heck of a time trying to fold it up. I was very surprized to see part of the rear standard frame was loose. I'm not knocking this company, it just wasn't the camera for me.

-- Raven (mtand13@netreach.net), April 29, 2000.