BETTERLIGHT SUPER 8K SCANNING BACK FOR 4X5 CAMERAS Start Price USD 0.99 Current Price USD 6,800.00 Time Left - Bid Count 40 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Tuesday, September 30, 2008 End Time Tuesday, October 07, 2008 Location EASTERN SEABOARD See more about 'BETTERLIGHT SUPER 8K SCANNING BACK FOR 4X5 CAMERAS ' Description WELCOME! PLEASE READ THE DESCRIPTION AND TERMS THOROUGHLY BEFORE BIDDING. You are bidding on the NICE BETTERLIGHT (BETTER LIGHT) SUPER 8K 4X5 DIGITAL SCANNING BACK (INSERT) SYSTEM pictured below. The serial no. of the system is 1562 (found on insert and control box). The model no. of the insert is 8100 and model no. of control box C-109. I am selling this USED kit because I generally shoot a different type of photography or subject matter than that which is ideally suited for this system. The BetterLight scanning backs are unparalleled for flat copy work of fine art, still lifes, and in some instances landscapes. Huge files are possible! This system works best for non-moving subjects as scan times can be long. The lighting needed should be continuous daylight, tungsten, HMI, or the like. Not flash. The BetterLight website has great information on specs, applications, technical issues, downloads, etc. Included in this Super 8K System: Control box (SCSI) & power cord Camera Insert & Insert Cable Rechargeable Lead Acid Battery + Cord Betterlight Padded Carrying Case Insert Holster Assembly Infrared Blocking Filters (3" square) - Daylight and Tungsten (2 total) Single sheets of the full ViewFinder manual - downloaded and printed from website (you will have to bind) ViewFinder 7.4.1 Softward for Mac OS X (versions for PC available for download) Ratoc FR1SX SCSI to Firewire adapter w/firewire cable Some specifications (to the best of my knowledge): 383 mp CCD ISO 64 to 1000 (not 100% sure on this as it can be varied in preferences) 35.52 x 26.64 inches at 300 pixels per inch Standard Capture Mode (100% pixels) resolution = 8000x10600 (244mb) Enhanced Mode (special interpolation method) resolution = 12000x15990 (549mb) 9GB Hard Drive (controller box) which currently shows 8.75 gb free. I have tested this system with a Sinar 4x5 camera & Rodenstock 250mm lens, and Mac IBook laptop OS 10.4. It can be used with a variety of 4x5 cameras - just slides in like a film holder. It can also be used with some medium format cameras with an adapter (not provided). The firmware has been upgraded to version 4.14. I took the sample pictures below. I am not an expert with it and it takes a bit of time to learn the software but everything seems to work great. I have talked to the folks at BetterLight - who are very nice & helpful - and they say this system can be further upgraded to a more sensitive sensor (a bit better ISO performance) and/or a USB-2 Control Box. They say they will have special prices on the upgrades around Christmas time. Supposedly if the full upgrade route is taken the owner will have the equivalent of a Super 8K-HS which is their current model selling for $17,995!! Not sure what the rechargeable battery life is but it worked fine when tested - guaranteed not to be DOA. If this battery is plugged in while the control box is plugged into the wall it recharges. SAMPLE SHOTS BELOW: These shots were done at a high ISO level and long scanning time due to relatively low light - so there is some noise but you can still get an idea of resolution as there is a an uncropped version of each image (downsized for web display) and another shot at 100% resolution (also downsized correspondingly but cropped at 100% pixels - if you get my drift). Also, the flower shot was shot at f5.6 so the depth of field is narrow. I warrantee this system not to be DOA. I do not warrany long term performance as this is a USED ITEM. I also leave it to you to figure out how it works as I am NOT AN EXPERT and DON'T FEEL LIKE BEING AN INSTRUCTOR. Contact BetterLight if you need help. YOU HAVE TO SUPPLY (PROVIDE): computer, 4x5 camera, lens - these items are not included. Do research before you buy as I have no interest in taking returns due to buyer's remorse. Know what it is you are buying and why you are buying it! I am happy to answer questions and provide other pics if needed. Good luck bidding! SHIPPING COST: U.S.: CLOSE TO 30 POUNDS PACKAGED. GOING FED EX HOME FOR $50 REST OF THE WORLD: THIS IS VERY HEAVY AND WILL COST A PROHIBITIVE AMOUNT OF MONEY AT $150 (AT LEAST - DEPENDING ON INSURANCE)!!! +++++THE WINNING BIDDER MUST WAIT FOR THE INVOICE BEFORE PAYING AS THESE SHIPPING COSTS ARE AN ESTIMATE - THEY MAY VARY DUE TO FINAL BID AMOUNT. I WILL ONLY CHARGE ACTUAL COST FOR SHIPPING & INSURANCE. NO HANDLING CHARGE.+++++ I accept good U.S. checks (will need to clear before I ship), money orders, cashier's checks, and, if you must, PayPal. If you live in the U.S. and pay by PayPal please have a 'confirmed address'. The PayPal website has instructions on how you can do this. PLEASE ASK BEFORE BIDDING if you have zero or little feedback (5 or less) or if your feedback rating is less than 95%. For those living outside the U.S., please remember that shipping costs can be high and that you are responsible for any and all customs duties. Please don't ask me to declare a lesser value for shipments or to alter the description of contents. In the rare event that I make a 2nd chance offer it will only come through the eBay messaging system and from my ID. Sample shots taken by me full frame and then at 100% pixels (resized to for screen resolution). On Oct-02-08 at 06:50:49 PDT, seller added the following information:The Ratoc converter is plug and play with Mac OS X. Here is the website so you can find out about compatibility with your system and software. First the connection is made between the control box & insert, then plug the power in (battery or wall), then flip small switch on front of control box to initiate communication between control box & insert. I've started up the computer last thinking that helps it (the computer) see the control box but don't know if that is necessary. I have been told it is important to make the connection between the control box and insert while power is off. Just to reiterate: you provide the computer, camera, and lens. What you receive is pictured in the listing.On Oct-05-08 at 10:08:05 PDT, seller added the following information:The purchaser will also need to provide a holder and/or adapter ring for the filters as the size or type needed can vary depending on your lens. Place a Bid!