I plan on using either a Polaroid 110A or a Polaroid 120 which I've seen on the market as a proofing camera for my lighting set-ups. I realize that this doesn't match or equal the taking lens of a large format camera but it can tell me if my lighting and exposure is on the right track. I can also proof my other camera in other formats. 8x10 Polaroid film plus the initial outlay for the processor and a back is too expensive(I just can't see $115.00 for 15 sheets of 8x10 Polaroid) a proposition for me at the moment and the pack film versions of the same film is going to be a lot cheaper for me over the long run.

I do want to get the best taking lens I can find on a polaroid camera, and I've a got a couple of converted 110A's to choose from and a 120. The 110A's have the Rodenstock F4.7 and one seller claims that the lens has rare earth glass. Is this true or hype? The Polaroid 120 converted has a Yashica lens but doesn't say if the x-sync or a PC connection, does it have one?

Which one of these lenses is better if anybody knows in terms of using these cameras for proofing lighting and exposure?

-- Jonathan Brewer (lifestories@earthlink.net), May 29, 2001

Answers

Hi Jonathan,

I use the 110a lens on a 4x5 graphic camera now, and have had excellent results

Good luck, Bill

-- Bill Jefferson (jefferw@together.net), May 29, 2001.

Im not sure what a 120 is, but i have a converted 110 with a wollensak 127 raptar and it blows me away. I don't think they put any cheap lenses on these cameras. You may end up putting polaroid positive-negative film in it and using it as your main camera. These cameras were very close to being "pocket view" cameras- don't sell them short...

the experts are at www.fourdesigns.com

-- Chris Yeager (cyeager@ix.netcom.com), May 30, 2001.