Shenhao TFC617

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Shanghai Shenhao makes three similar non-folding field cameras for the 6x17cm panoramic format (there is also one folding camera, the PTB617, not covered on this page). They have wooden front and rear standards and base, with aluminium alloy metal parts.

The non-folding TFC cameras resemble the TFC69-A; the front and rear standards are each mounted on their own pair of wooden rails, and rack separately out of the base board. Thus when the camera is racked all the way in, its depth front-to-rear is only about a third of the maximum bellows draw, instead of a half.

Models

• In the TFC617-A, the front standard is mounted a little back from the front edge of its rails, allowing it to be brought close in to the rear standard. This wins just 5mm shorter minimum bellows draw than the TFC617B, which is at the cost of shorter maximum draw, and the camera being deeper when not extended. The wooden parts are made from black-walnut.

• In the TFC617B, the front standard is placed as far forward as possible. This gives 10mm more maximum bellows extension, and makes the camera 15mm less deep when racked all the way in, but restricts the minimum draw. That is, this model might be preferred unless a very wide lens is to be used. Again, this camera is made from black-walnut wood.

• The TFC617-BE is functionally identical to the 'B', but with wooden parts made from ebony. Shen Hao's listing states that this makes it 400g heavier!