The deals on Ebay

[mjc]

I've been keeping an eye on ebay lately, with a mind for purchasing a
large-format rig. I'd really like the Shen-Hao, even if it doesn't offer
full movements, but there are none used on Ebay, and a new one with a lens
costs $1200.

But then there's the ebay thing--here are a few I tracked, which I assume
are representative of a particular price range/product. These are already
completed auctions--this is not an ebay advertisement:

http://tinyurl.com/ywwwx
http://tinyurl.com/2d792
http://tinyurl.com/3c4ex

All of these appear to be entry level large format cameras--what are the
limitations one might generally expect from entry level view cameras such as
these? Is there anything in particular to watch out for?

For 3-4 hundred bucks, these seem like a great deal.

Then there's the Aletta and Bender do it yourself-ers. I'm curious as to
why anyone would anyone spend $300 on one of those when you can get one of
the aforementioned ebay deals including lenses and boards and film holders,
etc., for around the same money?

Regards,
Matt Clara
www.mattclara.com

[Largformat]

Subject: The deals on Ebay
From: "mjc"
Date: 4/2/2004 1:16 PM Mountain Standard Time
Message-id: >

I've been keeping an eye on ebay lately, with a mind for purchasing a
large-format rig. I'd really like the Shen-Hao, even if it doesn't offer
full movements, but there are none used on Ebay, and a new one with a lens
costs $1200.

But then there's the ebay thing--here are a few I tracked, which I assume
are representative of a particular price range/product. These are already
completed auctions--this is not an ebay advertisement:

http://tinyurl.com/ywwwx
http://tinyurl.com/2d792
http://tinyurl.com/3c4ex

All of these appear to be entry level large format cameras--what are the
limitations one might generally expect from entry level view cameras such as
these? Is there anything in particular to watch out for?

For 3-4 hundred bucks, these seem like a great deal.

Then there's the Aletta and Bender do it yourself-ers. I'm curious as to
why anyone would anyone spend $300 on one of those when you can get one of
the aforementioned ebay deals including lenses and boards and film holders,
etc., for around the same money?

Regards,
Matt Clara
www.mattclara.com
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Before buying a camera may I suggest the Free Articles on the View Camera
magazine web site

www.viewcamera.com

If you can make it there is a View Camera conference in Monterey, CA April
23-25. You will see more cameras here than any place I can think of. The trade
show is free and you do not need to sign up in advance. Info is also on our web
site.

Here are some books that might be helpful

User's Guide to the View Camera by Jim Stone

Large Format Nature Photography by Jack Dykinga

Using the View Camera that I wrote a few years ago. Any/all should be available
from Amazon.com


steve simmons

[Nick Zentena]

mjc > wrote:
> I've been keeping an eye on ebay lately, with a mind for purchasing a
> large-format rig. I'd really like the Shen-Hao, even if it doesn't offer
> full movements, but there are none used on Ebay, and a new one with a lens
> costs $1200.
>
> But then there's the ebay thing--here are a few I tracked, which I assume
> are representative of a particular price range/product. These are already
> completed auctions--this is not an ebay advertisement:
>
> http://tinyurl.com/ywwwx
> http://tinyurl.com/2d792
> http://tinyurl.com/3c4ex
>
> All of these appear to be entry level large format cameras--what are the
> limitations one might generally expect from entry level view cameras such as
> these? Is there anything in particular to watch out for?


You're looking at monorails of various types. The first Calumet I think is
better then the last one. None of the pictures are that great and I don't
think the text ever mentioned what lenses they came with. One of the sellers
had no feedback. So between the pictures and the lack of feedback those
prices are possibly lower then they might have been.

The limitations relative to the Shen-hao are going to be in weight and
in how easy they are to haul around. Once you get them to the location they
likely all have more movements and longer bellows then the Shen-hao does.
They might only have spring backs so if you want to use a roll back check
that out. If the Shen-hao is coming with a new lens then you don't need to
worry if the lens and shutter are in good condition. Of course you need to
worry about the condition of the camera itself.




>
> Then there's the Aletta and Bender do it yourself-ers. I'm curious as to
> why anyone would anyone spend $300 on one of those when you can get one of
> the aforementioned ebay deals including lenses and boards and film holders,
> etc., for around the same money?


Some people like to build things. Some don't feel confident buying off
ebay. Some don't know any better. Some are trying to learn how to build a
camera so they then can then build what they really wanted. Lots of reasons.
Only the buyer can decide how good the reason is.

Nick

[Raphael Bustin]

On Fri, 02 Apr 2004 20:16:51 GMT, "mjc" > wrote:

>I've been keeping an eye on ebay lately, with a mind for purchasing a
>large-format rig. I'd really like the Shen-Hao, even if it doesn't offer
>full movements, but there are none used on Ebay, and a new one with a lens
>costs $1200.


Get a new ShenHao from Badger and get a
very nice 150 mm f/5.6 for $200 on eBay.

The Shen-Hao has all movements execpt shift.
It has rise/fall, swing, and tilt on both front and rear.
It's beautifully built, and the bellows draw should
comfortably accomodate a 240 or 270 mm lens.

(Still shopping for my first long lens, see below.)

Lenses in the "normal" range of 150 - 180 mm
are easy to find on eBay and are relatively
inexpensive. So you can easily have your outfit
for $900 instead of $1200.

Don't diss the Shen-Hao. It's a beaut. And the
folks at Badger are cool. The camera comes
with a lens board, and they'll drill it to fit whatever
lens you have in mind.

(Not affiliated with Badger, just a happy customer...)


rafe b.
http://www.terrapinphoto.com


WTB: Fuji 240 mm f/9. Please email offline.

[Matt Clara]

"Raphael Bustin" > wrote in message
...
> On Fri, 02 Apr 2004 20:16:51 GMT, "mjc" > wrote:
>
> >I've been keeping an eye on ebay lately, with a mind for purchasing a
> >large-format rig. I'd really like the Shen-Hao, even if it doesn't offer
> >full movements, but there are none used on Ebay, and a new one with a
lens
> >costs $1200.
>
>
> Get a new ShenHao from Badger and get a
> very nice 150 mm f/5.6 for $200 on eBay.
>
> The Shen-Hao has all movements execpt shift.
> It has rise/fall, swing, and tilt on both front and rear.
> It's beautifully built, and the bellows draw should
> comfortably accomodate a 240 or 270 mm lens.
>
> (Still shopping for my first long lens, see below.)
>
> Lenses in the "normal" range of 150 - 180 mm
> are easy to find on eBay and are relatively
> inexpensive. So you can easily have your outfit
> for $900 instead of $1200.
>
> Don't diss the Shen-Hao. It's a beaut. And the
> folks at Badger are cool. The camera comes
> with a lens board, and they'll drill it to fit whatever
> lens you have in mind.
>
> (Not affiliated with Badger, just a happy customer...)
>
>
> rafe b.
> http://www.terrapinphoto.com
>
>
> WTB: Fuji 240 mm f/9. Please email offline.

Thanks Rafe, I'm not putting down the Shen-Hao, I just can't afford it right
now. $300-$400, on the other hand, I can swing without raising my wife's
eyebrows _too_ far--the $1000 lens I just bought for my 35mm rig has put her
off a bit!

--
Regards,
Matt Clara
www.mattclara.com

[Raphael Bustin]

On Fri, 2 Apr 2004 21:10:38 -0800, "AArDvarK" >
wrote:


>Add it all up and it is not menial. I would say it costs
>*one hell* of a lot more than a sweet $900.xx ... even
>if buying a cheap monorail to learn with. And a great
>many details to keep in mental tune.
>
>now I challenge all of you to economize on all of this,
>because one set of sweet ideals is not the way to think
>about getting into large format, please, don't fantasize.


First of all, the OP is not exactly a newbie
who's never held a camera before. So
a few of the items you list would already
be part of his kit.

I don't believe anyone was claiming that
$1200 or $900 was going to be the end-all.
I believe most of us understand that there
are costs beyond just the camera and lens.

Even so, I've managed to take a few half
decent 4x5 images without the Fred Picker
Zone VI book, or the "specialized" note book.

Lens wrap: take a small terrycloth towel,
fold in half, sew up two sides to form a pouch.

Another camera can function as a light meter.
Quick-release gear is convenient but by no
means mandatory. Etc. etc.


rafe b.
http://www.terrapinphoto.com

[Raphael Bustin]

On Sat, 03 Apr 2004 05:34:16 GMT, "Matt Clara" >
wrote:


>Thanks Rafe, I'm not putting down the Shen-Hao, I just can't afford it right
>now. $300-$400, on the other hand, I can swing without raising my wife's
>eyebrows _too_ far--the $1000 lens I just bought for my 35mm rig has put her
>off a bit!


Well, Aardvark has a point... there will be a few other
expenses as well.

How do you plan to get prints from your 4x5 film?

I'm presently figuring around $3 or $4 per exposure,
for film and lab processing.

Pretty outrageous compared to 35 mm or MF.


rafe b.
http://www.terrapinphoto.com

[Matt Clara]

"AArDvarK" > wrote in message
news:2Hrbc.69616$1I5.67875@fed1read01...
>
> "Raphael Bustin"
> > Get a new ShenHao from Badger and get a
> > very nice 150 mm f/5.6 for $200 on eBay.
> >
> > The Shen-Hao has all movements execpt shift.
> > It has rise/fall, swing, and tilt on both front and rear.
> > It's beautifully built, and the bellows draw should
> > comfortably accomodate a 240 or 270 mm lens.
> >
> > (Still shopping for my first long lens, see below.)
> >
> > Lenses in the "normal" range of 150 - 180 mm
> > are easy to find on eBay and are relatively
> > inexpensive. So you can easily have your outfit
> > for $900 instead of $1200.
>
> I would say it is important to consider all the extras
> at actual cost, film holders, how many used @$8 -
> $12 each? Each one is two exposures ... a note book
> that is specialized for recording exposures in con-
> junction with the pencil markings on the holders,
> of course the film itself, dark cloth, spot meter and
> it's calibration if bought used (a must), a Fred Picker
> Zone VI book, the CLA on the used shutter the lens
> is in, the decent quality cable release, the tripod that
> is sturdy enough to cope with a 4x5, the quick release
> for both the camera and the tripod, lens cleaning
> supplies, lens filters, shades for the lenses, the
> carrying case, lens wraps, a ground-glass protector,
> film changing bag, oh and jee-whiz ... possibly an
> entire darkroom too, of which it is possible to do
> without an actual "dark-room" but that is another
> lesson, and set of costs.
>
> Add it all up and it is not menial. I would say it costs
> *one hell* of a lot more than a sweet $900.xx ... even
> if buying a cheap monorail to learn with. And a great
> many details to keep in mental tune.
>
> now I challenge all of you to economize on all of this,
> because one set of sweet ideals is not the way to think
> about getting into large format, please, don't fantasize.
>
> Alex
>
>

I've got all that, thanks--just need the large format camera, a lens, film
holder and film. I suppose I'll need a dark cloth, too, but something tells
me I could find something to do in a pinch.
Maybe an old refrigerator box?
;-)

--
Regards,
Matt Clara
www.mattclara.com

[AArDvarK]

"Matt Clara"

[snip]
> > lens filters, shades for the lenses, the
> > carrying case, lens wraps, a ground-glass protector,
> > film changing bag, oh and jee-whiz ... possibly an
> > entire darkroom too, of which it is possible to do
> > without an actual "dark-room" but that is another
> > lesson, and set of costs.
> >
> > Add it all up and it is not menial. I would say it costs
> > *one hell* of a lot more than a sweet $900.xx ... even
> > if buying a cheap monorail to learn with. And a great
> > many details to keep in mental tune.
> >
> > now I challenge all of you to economize on all of this,
> > because one set of sweet ideals is not the way to think
> > about getting into large format, please, don't fantasize.
> >
> > Alex
> >
> >
>
> I've got all that, thanks--just need the large format camera, a lens, film
> holder and film. I suppose I'll need a dark cloth, too, but something tells
> me I could find something to do in a pinch.
> Maybe an old refrigerator box?
> ;-)
>
> --
> Regards,
> Matt Clara
> www.mattclara.com

Well that's cool, right~on, now what do you think of the
difference between monorail and field folding cameras?

Alex

[Stacey]

Two23 wrote:

> <<I'm presently figuring around $3 or $4 per exposure,
> for film and lab processing.
>
> Pretty outrageous compared to 35 mm or MF.>>
>
>
> Don't be ridiculous. With 4x5 you generally only shoot a few frames a
> day.
> With 35mm, you shoot a couple of rolls. I shoot 35mm, 645, and 4x5 and
> find
> that I actually spend less total $$ when shooting 4x5. And if 35mm was
> giving me the quality I wanted I never would have gotten into 4x5 in the
> first place.
>


Exactly. The only hassle with 4X5 IMHO is setting up the camera takes
longer. Probably why I shoot more medformat than 4X5 nowadays.

--

Stacey

[Two23]

<<I'm presently figuring around $3 or $4 per exposure,
for film and lab processing.

Pretty outrageous compared to 35 mm or MF.>>


Don't be ridiculous. With 4x5 you generally only shoot a few frames a day.
With 35mm, you shoot a couple of rolls. I shoot 35mm, 645, and 4x5 and find
that I actually spend less total $$ when shooting 4x5. And if 35mm was giving
me the quality I wanted I never would have gotten into 4x5 in the first place.



Kent in SD

[P. MacGahan]

"mjc" > wrote in message >...
> I've been keeping an eye on ebay lately, with a mind for purchasing a
> large-format rig. I'd really like the Shen-Hao, even if it doesn't offer
> full movements, but there are none used on Ebay, and a new one with a lens
> costs $1200.
>
> But then there's the ebay thing...Is there anything in particular to watch
> out for?
> For 3-4 hundred bucks, these seem like a great deal.
>
> Then there's the Aletta and Bender ... etc., for around the same money?
>
> Regards,
> Matt Clara
> www.mattclara.com

Ebay can be good. There are other resources as well. Most depend on
where you are. Stores, for example in some areas have used equipment and
some are pretty helpful and tolerant if you want to try something. When
I lived in MD, there was a local store that often had large format equipment
and was operated by someone who was a teacher on the side.

Another possibility is photo fairs, flea markets or whatever they are called
where you are. Again, there is a possibility to see what you are getting,
in advance. Often, guarantees are possible in person that are not over ebay.
Incidentally, the best one I've seen in Europe is in Bievres, near Paris,
in early June.

Some find a speed graphic a good learning device. Many appear on e-bay and
when you are tired of it it can be sold again.

Shen Hao cameras do appear on ebay, now and then. Some similar ones appear
(e.g., Tachihara and some others).

In all things, patience, study and persistence are virtues.

[~BitPump]

> The Shen-Hao has all movements execpt shift.

Are you sure there are no shifts in Shen-Hao?
I always thought it is a copy of Ebony, so shifts (at least front shifts)
should be there.

(I use Tachihara 4x5).

Regards,

Andrzej

[Matt Clara]

"~BitPump" > wrote in message
...
> > The Shen-Hao has all movements execpt shift.
>
> Are you sure there are no shifts in Shen-Hao?
> I always thought it is a copy of Ebony, so shifts (at least front shifts)
> should be there.
>
> (I use Tachihara 4x5).
>
> Regards,
>
> Andrzej

It looks to have tilt, swing, rise/fall:
http://www.badgergraphic.com/search_product2.asp?x=2594

--
Regards,
Matt Clara
www.mattclara.com

[AArDvarK]

"Matt Clara"
> > > The Shen-Hao has all movements execpt shift.
> > Are you sure there are no shifts in Shen-Hao?
> > I always thought it is a copy of Ebony, so shifts (at least front shifts)
> > should be there.
> >
> > (I use Tachihara 4x5).
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Andrzej
>
> It looks to have tilt, swing, rise/fall:
> http://www.badgergraphic.com/search_product2.asp?x=2594

On the maker's site you can see the initial picture, it looks
exactly like 'no shift' on either end. Only a hinge type of a
rivet in a hole to allow for swings only, no screw knob in
a slide-slot to allow for shift, that is strange. Any machinist
could correct it. http://www.shen-hao.com/ and all it would
take is an inexpensive re-designing.

Alex

[Mark A]

"~BitPump" > wrote in message
...
> > The Shen-Hao has all movements execpt shift.
>
> Are you sure there are no shifts in Shen-Hao?
> I always thought it is a copy of Ebony, so shifts (at least front shifts)
> should be there.
>
> (I use Tachihara 4x5).
>
> Regards,
>
> Andrzej
>
Not all Ebony's have shift. In fact some don't have swing.

[AArDvarK]

"oh"


--Charlie Brown

[[email protected]]

AArDvarK > wrote:
> I would say it is important to consider all the extras
> at actual cost, ...

A lot stuff which can be had cheaply
at local stores and camera shows -
given enough time. A large coat can
double as a dark cloth, cable
release is nice to have but not a
*must*, ...

I got my Omega 4x5 enlarger at
National Camera Exchange - a gang
of us camera club members walked
in all at once, and we each bought
a whole 4x5 enlarger outfit. We
ended up getting everything at 1/2
the price, approximately.

Enlargers are collecting dust
everywhere in stores, they just
don't sell well anymore. Should
be easy to find bargains.

In the end, the expenses still add
up though, but then again some
people enjoy shopping around for
a good deal.

Lars
--
.~. Lars Michael
/V\
/(_)\ http://www.larsmichael.com/
^^ ^^

[Matt Clara]

"AArDvarK" > wrote in message
news:jOicc.70844$1I5.68391@fed1read01...
>
> "Matt Clara"
> > > > The Shen-Hao has all movements execpt shift.
> > > Are you sure there are no shifts in Shen-Hao?
> > > I always thought it is a copy of Ebony, so shifts (at least front
shifts)
> > > should be there.
> > >
> > > (I use Tachihara 4x5).
> > >
> > > Regards,
> > >
> > > Andrzej
> >
> > It looks to have tilt, swing, rise/fall:
> > http://www.badgergraphic.com/search_product2.asp?x=2594
>
> On the maker's site you can see the initial picture, it looks
> exactly like 'no shift' on either end. Only a hinge type of a
> rivet in a hole to allow for swings only, no screw knob in
> a slide-slot to allow for shift, that is strange. Any machinist
> could correct it. http://www.shen-hao.com/ and all it would
> take is an inexpensive re-designing.
>
> Alex
>
>

Following the link you listed I see the HZX45 is listed with rear shift, but
no front shift.
http://www.shen-hao.com/02.htm

--
Regards,
Matt Clara
www.mattclara.com

[Matt Clara]

"AArDvarK" > wrote in message
news:gOAbc.69752$1I5.24329@fed1read01...
>
> "Matt Clara"
>
> [snip]
> > > lens filters, shades for the lenses, the
> > > carrying case, lens wraps, a ground-glass protector,
> > > film changing bag, oh and jee-whiz ... possibly an
> > > entire darkroom too, of which it is possible to do
> > > without an actual "dark-room" but that is another
> > > lesson, and set of costs.
> > >
> > > Add it all up and it is not menial. I would say it costs
> > > *one hell* of a lot more than a sweet $900.xx ... even
> > > if buying a cheap monorail to learn with. And a great
> > > many details to keep in mental tune.
> > >
> > > now I challenge all of you to economize on all of this,
> > > because one set of sweet ideals is not the way to think
> > > about getting into large format, please, don't fantasize.
> > >
> > > Alex
> > >
> > >
> >
> > I've got all that, thanks--just need the large format camera, a lens,
film
> > holder and film. I suppose I'll need a dark cloth, too, but something
tells
> > me I could find something to do in a pinch.
> > Maybe an old refrigerator box?
> > ;-)
> >
> > --
> > Regards,
> > Matt Clara
> > www.mattclara.com
>
> Well that's cool, right~on, now what do you think of the
> difference between monorail and field folding cameras?
>
> Alex
>

A folding camera appears ideal, because I'd like to take it into the field,
but I may wish to do serious architectural photography, or even
studio/product shot photography, and for that I understand a studio camera's
movements are highly desireable, if not essential. All the same, if I had
the money for the Shen-Hao, I'd buy it in a second, as it offers portability
and a wide range of movements.

--
Regards,
Matt Clara
www.mattclara.com

[AArDvarK]

> > Well that's cool, right~on, now what do you think of the
> > difference between monorail and field folding cameras?
> >
> > Alex
> >
>
> A folding camera appears ideal, because I'd like to take it into the field,
> but I may wish to do serious architectural photography, or even
> studio/product shot photography, and for that I understand a studio camera's
> movements are highly desireable, if not essential. All the same, if I had
> the money for the Shen-Hao, I'd buy it in a second, as it offers portability
> and a wide range of movements.

Believe it or not I emailed Badger graphics last night about
the Shen-Hao's movements, in that I had heard it does not
have front or rear shift (side by side movement of the standards),
he replied and confirmed this. It does have swings however.

A useful camera that folds and has all movements will be a
Burke and James folding bed camera like these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3807963124
(This one does not come with a bed extension)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3808187965
(no pictures shown)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3808161703
(Too high a starting bid)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3808231077
(Again, no extention rail included)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3808431599
(One side missing a knob? No extention rails)

These always sell for less money. It looks like there is no
base tilt on the front standard but yes on the rear, and every
other movement is there. Hope this helped,

Alex

[AArDvarK]

> wrote in message ...
> AArDvarK > wrote:
> > I would say it is important to consider all the extras
> > at actual cost, ...
>
> A lot stuff which can be had cheaply
> at local stores and camera shows -
> given enough time. A large coat can
> double as a dark cloth, cable
> release is nice to have but not a
> *must*, ...
>
> I got my Omega 4x5 enlarger at
> National Camera Exchange - a gang
> of us camera club members walked
> in all at once, and we each bought
> a whole 4x5 enlarger outfit. We
> ended up getting everything at 1/2
> the price, approximately.
>
> Enlargers are collecting dust
> everywhere in stores, they just
> don't sell well anymore. Should
> be easy to find bargains.
>
> In the end, the expenses still add
> up though, but then again some
> people enjoy shopping around for
> a good deal.
>
> Lars
> --
> .~. Lars Michael
> /V\
> /(_)\ http://www.larsmichael.com/
> ^^ ^^

I was lucky too, I saw an add in the forum of "the Fstops here",
for an Omega D2, it was local so I called the owner, went to his
home and bought it for $275.00 with a lens, complete but the
wrong sized lens cone.

Alex

[AArDvarK]

> Following the link you listed I see the HZX45 is listed with rear shift, but
> no front shift.
> http://www.shen-hao.com/02.htm

Badger doesn't stock it though
A.

[Matt Clara]

"AArDvarK" > wrote in message
news:8ADcc.1129$FS3.851@fed1read07...
>
> > > Well that's cool, right~on, now what do you think of the
> > > difference between monorail and field folding cameras?
> > >
> > > Alex
> > >
> >
> > A folding camera appears ideal, because I'd like to take it into the
field,
> > but I may wish to do serious architectural photography, or even
> > studio/product shot photography, and for that I understand a studio
camera's
> > movements are highly desireable, if not essential. All the same, if I
had
> > the money for the Shen-Hao, I'd buy it in a second, as it offers
portability
> > and a wide range of movements.
>
> Believe it or not I emailed Badger graphics last night about
> the Shen-Hao's movements, in that I had heard it does not
> have front or rear shift (side by side movement of the standards),
> he replied and confirmed this. It does have swings however.
>
> A useful camera that folds and has all movements will be a
> Burke and James folding bed camera like these:
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3807963124
> (This one does not come with a bed extension)
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3808187965
> (no pictures shown)
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3808161703
> (Too high a starting bid)
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3808231077
> (Again, no extention rail included)
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3808431599
> (One side missing a knob? No extention rails)
>
> These always sell for less money. It looks like there is no
> base tilt on the front standard but yes on the rear, and every
> other movement is there. Hope this helped,
>
> Alex
>
>

Yes, that's good info. Thank you.

--
Regards,
Matt Clara
www.mattclara.com

[MikeWhy]

> wrote in message
...
> A large coat can
> double as a dark cloth,

An old, dark colored polo shirt buttons up nicely around the frame. You can
double it up with a light colored one outside to keep it cooler in direct
sun. The arm holes are nice for getting the loupe in there.

> cable
> release is nice to have but not a
> *must*, ...

At $10 a crack, you can get one for every lens. You'll waste enough film
shooting your thumb or wrist to make that up in no time.

> In the end, the expenses still add
> up though, but then again some
> people enjoy shopping around for
> a good deal.

Ain't that a fact. Consumables and sundries for the darkroom cost more than
the enlarger before you even get started.