dkCambridgeshire Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share #61 Posted January 10, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Today I spent a long time looking specifications of backpacks to try and source one capable of accommodating the four separate sections of 800mm Telyt-S lens. The only pack that appeared to be suitable is the Lowe Pro Super Trekker which has a 65cm length/height ... but none are available in the UK ... possibly because it's discontinued. However, the Andy Rouse 'Viper' also has a 65cm height and its centre compartment might just accommodate the two rear sections of the lens with a camera attached - and the actual lens head should fit into one of the other two compartments. A 'used' Viper has been sourced at Ffordes and it should arrive next week. I hope it does fit but if not I can send it back within 10 days of purchase. I checked the diameter of the backpack's centre section and the lens plus handle should just fit. The Viper has 'mixed reviews' ie some users praise it ... others do not as they found it uncomfortable ... but if the lens fits I'll be happy and will then adjust the pack to be as comfortable as possible. Best wishes dunk The Viper backpack arrived today and the 800mm Telyt-S fits inside ok in fact it is a good fit. The two assembled rear sections fit the long centre compartment; the camera could be attached as well but then the camera protrudes a bit - but the pullover compartment top still fits over the camera. However, the lens handle is not easily accessible to pull the combination out of the backpack if the camera is attached - but the camera fits into another smaller padded compartment. The heavy lens head fits into the shorter of the two outside compartments and there is room for the assembled 560mm f6.8 Telyt in the longer of the two outside compartments. And contrary to some user reports the Viper backpack is quite comfortable when loaded on my back. Now I need to practice walking 'under load' - as it weighs quite heavy. The backpack might be a bit too big for my bike trailer. Softly softly catchee monkey ie local heron photos. Best wishes dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 10, 2012 Posted January 10, 2012 Hi dkCambridgeshire, Take a look here Leitz 800mm f6.3 Telyt-S ... arrived today. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
luigi bertolotti Posted January 10, 2012 Share #62 Posted January 10, 2012 Hi Dunk ! can you post some pics of your backpack, loaded with the Telyt-S ? Can be that Viper gains one more customer... ... the Youtube video is so commercial; specifically for MY problems... do you think one can find the place for a Visoflex III inside it ? (Prism removed, if necessary... it's pocketable and, btw, for long lenses on tripod i prefer the vertical finder...) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share #63 Posted January 10, 2012 Hi Dunk !can you post some pics of your backpack, loaded with the Telyt-S ? Can be that Viper gains one more customer... ... the Youtube video is so commercial; specifically for MY problems... do you think one can find the place for a Visoflex III inside it ? (Prism removed, if necessary... it's pocketable and, btw, for long lenses on tripod i prefer the vertical finder...) Hello Luigi, Yes I will post some photos asap . I also wish to post some pics of my Manfrotto 393 large lens support bracket (Gimbal) and Manfrotto 359 long lens support. The Viper has room enough for the Viso and any accessories in the longer of the two outer compartments - but might be best to wrap the Viso in a separate lens pouch first. The longer of the two outside compartments is, in effect, a long padded tube - so items stored therein need stacking on top of each other. The shorter of the two outside compartments is fine for the actual lens head. If the lens head is placed in the longer of the two outside compartments it is difficult to extract. The Viper also has a smaller padded compartment , underneath the shorter compartment, which is suitable for an M or R camera. However, I think that Viper production has ceased - mine was purchased as a 'used' item. An alternative for carrying the four separate parts (five if you include the hood) of the 800mm Telyt-S might be the Lowe Pro Super Trekker AW II if you can find one; it has a 65cm internal height and 37cm width and 16.5cm depth - probably sufficient to accommodate the assembled middle and rear sections when used as an 'R' lens ... I'm not sure about the length of the two rear sections when used as a Viso lens. Yesterday I checked the internal dimensions of most available large backpacks; the Viper and the Lowe Pro Super Trekker AW II appear to be the only practical propositions for transporting the lens with the weight distributed evenly over both shoulders. Carrying the OEM dedicated flight case for any distance is not practical. Best wishes dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted January 10, 2012 Share #64 Posted January 10, 2012 "Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark. ... Rabindranath Tagore " May be it will be wise to hire a sherpa Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted January 10, 2012 Author Share #65 Posted January 10, 2012 A llama could be a possibility eg in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, where there are a few llama breeders and llama trekking centres ... and there is some beautiful scenery there dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
psquared Posted January 11, 2012 Share #66 Posted January 11, 2012 Well, as a "second tripod" I tried to use a small cheap "flip-out" tripod which I have had for years (and it's unuseful by itself, in practice) : problem is that it is SHORT so I succeded to obtain a decent stabilization with the lens+camera set at no more than 30-40 cm (not easy to focus, even with the vertical Viso finder); I think that a good solution can be an extensible monopod to put under the front element, which has a proper receptacle for this(and lot of years ago I had a monopod... but don't find it anymore...). I tried to press the shutter button directly by hand, with self-timer... but don't feel comfortable... the hand operation tends to induce small oscillations which my tripod set seemed not to dampen quickly... I tried also cable release without selftimer and noticed no differences with the supersafe cable+selftimer... but was at infinity (various times, but no slower than 1/180). Surely in a "static" situation cable + selftimer (and mirror up) is the best... using this lens in dynamic contexts is surely a delicate task, and moreover I go through Visoflex.... I think I'll never try... (even if it comes to my mind a no bad location, next to my house, good to spot Mille Miglia cars from far & up... I'll think of...) Admittedly I've never used the Telyt-S, but I do have some experience with the 800/5.6 with or without extenders. The modular lens is definitely more telephoto in design, so it is probably easier to steady. I agree that a good tripod is important. I use a Wimberley gimbal head on a tripod and no other support for the camera or the tip of the lens. I use myself with my forehead/face on the back of the camera for further steadying. My left hand is on the lens with a gentle downward pressure for focusing and the right hand is holding the camera, also with gentle downward pressure. I keep reminding myself to relax at the shoulders and arms. With the above maneuvers and controlled breathing, I can get good images down to 1/30 s if the subject is stationary. I actually think it helps for the photographer to steady the system (vs. a second tripod/monopod, remote release, etc.), especially with a wind. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted January 14, 2012 Author Share #67 Posted January 14, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) First planned use of my 800mm telyt-S has been postponed because close examination of the glass shows considerable smearing on both front and rear elements which will require very careful cleaning. I need to buy a very large micro fibre cloth and some lens cleaning fluid - a 'huff' of breath is not sufficient to adequately remove the smears. The lens is over 30 years old and the glass has accumulated soiling. The soiling does lift off but trying to do this with a small cloth is difficult. And I need to make a 20cm long wooden stick tool to reach the rear element of the lens group... and wrap a padded micro fibre cloth around the stick. I am also considering a better tripod after trying a more substantial aluminium 'Systematic' Gitzo model this evening. However, the Berlebach wooden tripod range, particularly some of the UNI models without centre columns, offer more 'load per buck' than the Gitzo range. Total weight of the lens plus camera plus Manfrotto 393 gimbal head is just over 10 Kilos. My existing Gitzo tripod is not really designed to carry this load so may use a Manfrotto 058 instead - until another tripod is sourced. Best wishes dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted January 14, 2012 Share #68 Posted January 14, 2012 - a 'huff' of breath is not sufficient to adequately remove the smears.. but sufficient to create moisture ! take care Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted January 21, 2012 Author Share #69 Posted January 21, 2012 Just ordered a secondhand Zone VI wooden tripod for use with the lens - it will be more stable than my Gitzo and less cumbersome than the Manfrotto 058. I had planned to buy a Berlebach but the Zone VI became available and is a more ££cost effective option. dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted January 21, 2012 Share #70 Posted January 21, 2012 I used to use a product called Opti Clean for dealing with stubborn lens marks - it was a polymer which you painted onto the lens surface and then peeled off along with and residue on the lens. It seems to have vanished from the market but a quick google search revealed a similar product (FIRST CONTACT Polymer Optics Cleaner - opticlean). I found Opti Clean effective in the past but don't know about the newer alternative - however it might well be worth doing some more research as I found the original to be extremely effective (you could even ask Leica what they think of such products). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted January 21, 2012 Author Share #71 Posted January 21, 2012 I used to use a product called Opti Clean for dealing with stubborn lens marks - it was a polymer which you painted onto the lens surface and then peeled off along with and residue on the lens. It seems to have vanished from the market but a quick google search revealed a similar product (FIRST CONTACT Polymer Optics Cleaner - opticlean). I found Opti Clean effective in the past but don't know about the newer alternative - however it might well be worth doing some more research as I found the original to be extremely effective (you could even ask Leica what they think of such products). Thanks ... I have use Opti Clean in the past but would probably need at least two maybe three or four packs (£26.65 each!! ) to clean both the front and rear elements - they are enormous compared to other lenses. Applying and peeling it off the rear element might be difficult because of poor access - it's an elbow length from the rear of the lens mount. Best wishes dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted January 28, 2012 Author Share #72 Posted January 28, 2012 A 'lightweight' Zone VI wooden tripod has arrived and it will support the lens better than my Gitzo. Now await a tripod bag; I had to order the largest Berleback tripod bag available which cost more than the used tripod. The outfit is slowly coming together and will post pics soon. The lightweight 4.3 Kg Zone VI is lighter than the regular 7.2Kg Zone VI. dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share #73 Posted February 2, 2012 800mm Telyt-S & R9-DMR on Zone VI maple wood tripod by s4sargent, on Flickr R9-DMR-Telyt-S supported on Manfrotto 393 gimbal / Zone VI tripod by s4sargent, on Flickr R9-DMR−800mm Telyt-S perfectly balanced at COG by s4sargent, on Flickr Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share #74 Posted February 2, 2012 800mm Telyt-S 'sight' device incorporated into lens' handle by s4sargent, on Flickr 800mm Telyt-S 'sight' device by s4sargent, on Flickr 800mm Telyt-S two rear tubes accommodated into Andy Rouse backpack by s4sargent, on Flickr Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share #75 Posted February 2, 2012 Andy Rouse VIPER backpack accommodates camera, partly dismantled lens and Manfrotto 393 gimbal with room to spare. by s4sargent, on Flickr This is a heavy outfit to carry and I'm still planning to acquire a new bike trailer to make transport easier at a local wildlife park - it will be a trailer with 20" wheels. However, initially will be testing the lens with architectural and general landscape views from the back of my car. A Berlebach tripod case (not illustrated) accommodates the tripod. I was planning to buy a Berlebach tripod but the used Zone VI model became available. The 'lightweight' Zone VI is a well made and proven tripod. The Andy Rouse VIPER backpack / rucksack is more than capable of accommodating the partly dismantled lens components plus camera and gimbal head. The front and rear lens elements required very careful cleaning as they were noticeably soiled/smeared as if someone had wiped them with a dirty sponge. However, after making a tool to access the rear element and wrapping a micro fibre lens cloth around it, dampened with iso propyl alcohol, the smear marks eventually lifted - and then the glass was dried with a new very soft lens cloth. The glass is now pristine. Best wishes dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpattison Posted February 3, 2012 Share #76 Posted February 3, 2012 Dunk, that tripod looks like new. I always fancied a Zone VI for my Linhof. John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ganzosrevenge Posted February 3, 2012 Share #77 Posted February 3, 2012 800mm Telyt-S 'sight' device incorporated into lens' handle by s4sargent, on Flickr 800mm Telyt-S 'sight' device by s4sargent, on Flickr 800mm Telyt-S two rear tubes accommodated into Andy Rouse backpack by s4sargent, on Flickr We're trying to take pictures of things, not blow up UFOs! awesome lens, awesome R9. Wish I had an R9 to compliment my SL. How's the R9 like with focusing, use, ergonomics, etc. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted February 3, 2012 Share #78 Posted February 3, 2012 Wish I had an R9 to compliment my SL. How's the R9 like with focusing, use, ergonomics, etc. The best you can get Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share #79 Posted February 3, 2012 We're trying to take pictures of things, not blow up UFOs! awesome lens, awesome R9. Wish I had an R9 to compliment my SL. How's the R9 like with focusing, use, ergonomics, etc. Your SL probably has a viewfinder screen which is just as bright as that on an R9 ... the SL is a superb camera. There are lots of comments within these fora about the SL's bright screen ... and it is a very well built camera hence yours is still usable after circa 40 years ... and it still commands a reasonable price. dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted February 3, 2012 Share #80 Posted February 3, 2012 This is a heavy outfit to carry and I'm still planning to acquire a new bike trailer to make transport easier at a local wildlife park - it will be a trailer with 20" wheels. However, initially will be testing the lens with architectural and general landscape views from the back of my car. A Berlebach tripod case (not illustrated) accommodates the tripod. I was planning to buy a Berlebach tripod but the used Zone VI model became available. The 'lightweight' Zone VI is a well made and proven tripod. The Andy Rouse VIPER backpack / rucksack is more than capable of accommodating the partly dismantled lens components plus camera and gimbal head. The front and rear lens elements required very careful cleaning as they were noticeably soiled/smeared as if someone had wiped them with a dirty sponge. However, after making a tool to access the rear element and wrapping a micro fibre lens cloth around it, dampened with iso propyl alcohol, the smear marks eventually lifted - and then the glass was dried with a new very soft lens cloth. The glass is now pristine. Best wishes dunk Congratulations for your investment, this tripod seems to be a state of the art You are, for sure, not making things half the way Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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