Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: tom_l on April 22, 2009, 05:54:59 am
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Havn't seen this one yet, looks like a new small solution for studio
http://www.galerie-photo.com/arca-swiss/ar...m-line-two.html (http://www.galerie-photo.com/arca-swiss/arca-swiss-m-line-two.html) (it's in french)
The M-Line two is for use with digital backs
The M-Line slr is for DSLR cameras.
Looks nice.
Tom
PS: Please Arca, invest 2000-3000 Euro and get a website;-)))
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Havn't seen this one yet, looks like a new small solution for studio
http://www.galerie-photo.com/arca-swiss/ar...m-line-two.html (http://www.galerie-photo.com/arca-swiss/arca-swiss-m-line-two.html) (it's in french)
The M-Line two is for use with digital backs
The M-Line slr is for DSLR cameras.
Looks nice.
Tom
PS: Please Arca, invest 2000-3000 Euro and get a website;-)))
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Thank you Tom for that hint .
As I am an ARCA freak since many years , I am always interested in news about ARCA .
I am working with a 6x9 + 4x5 F-LINE METRIC with orbix . Film and digital .
Never regretted the buy .
Jürgen
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http://www.galerie-photo.com/arca-swiss/ar...m-line-two.html (http://www.galerie-photo.com/arca-swiss/arca-swiss-m-line-two.html) (it's in french)
The M-Line two is for use with digital backs
The M-Line slr is for DSLR cameras.
Looks great, but seems they bungled the leveling base again. Its so easy to forget that you need a tripod head with the Arca, where the Linhof CS does not making it ultimately more compact for travel.
I have always loved the Arca's as well, and handled a Monolith at a local dealer last year. They are beautifully made.
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So for the kind of work this set up is aimed at..studio jewellery shoots, etc what do users find works best...this type of set up..i.e. a mfdb / dslr on a view camera with view camera lens or one of the posible tilt/shift lens options available (i.e. nikon 85m PC, etc ) or the hasselblad tilt shift mechanism?
I'm asking for comparisons here between slr and mfdbs at the back..merely the different front end options for each digital capture....
Thanks.
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So for the kind of work this set up is aimed at..studio jewellery shoots, etc what do users find works best...this type of set up..i.e. a mfdb / dslr on a view camera with view camera lens or one of the posible tilt/shift lens options available (i.e. nikon 85m PC, etc ) or the hasselblad tilt shift mechanism?
Thanks.
A good digital back and digital lens still far superior to a DSLR... (i have a 5D II and TSE lenses...).
I will probably buy the M line TWO for... architecture...
While solution like RM3D, Cambo RS, Alpa Max are nive... i would love to find a real large format camera that can use a 35, even a 28 ... and long lenses... with a sliding/stiching back !
But first i need to find the cash, and then, i need to make shure that perfect focusing still possible with a 35 and a ground glass...
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i was not in any way trying to compare a digitlal back to a dslr.
no, my question was comparing the tilt lens set ups of each medium (dslr and medium format) against a view camera and lens set for each medium.
Marc
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i've found out that if you need a lot of movements with a canon, the body doesn't help you... the mirex is a simple solution... lens shorter that around 100 are difficult to use with the combo SLR/view camera... but that M must be better for that use... no back frame !
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Please, this is the press release in english of M-Line two!
Best Regards,
Maud H-M
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The M-Line two: an all-round view camera!
You own a 35mm DSLR camera and want to take more elaborate images using shift for perspective control and Scheimpflug* for image sharpness with your medium format digital film back? Or perhaps your dream is to shoot the sharpest landscape images on 4x5”? Well, all this is possible with the new ARCA-SWISS M-Line Two!
ARCA-SWISS has developed two new view cameras in response to customer demand: the M-Line two Single Lens Reflex (SLR) and the M-Line two Medium Format (MF). These are all-round cameras that allow you to work from 35 mm to 4x5”.
ARCA-SWISS has a vast selection of accessories that can transform the M-Line Two into a 6x9 medium format or even a 4x5” camera.
The use of tilt and shift, in particular with a 35mm DSLR camera today, allows you to push your creative boundaries, encouraging you to discover a world that was hitherto only accessible to professionals working in specific fields.
* The sharpness of the image is dependent on 3 planes – subject, lens and film - when the 3 are perfectly aligned or when all 3 intersect.
A different philosophy
The M-Line two has been reduced to the bare essentials but can be easily customized. This offers a number of advantages: more efficient design and a lightweight camera weighing barely over 2kg (4,4 lbs) that is simple to use thanks to individual movements.
On the Monolith system, tilt/swing and shift are incorporated onto a single standard. On the M-Line two, they have been separated: shift on the rear standard and tilt/swing on the front. This offers the advantage of being able to maintain the same angle of view because the shift is positioned at the rear.
Shift is often used today in digital photography to increase the angle of view and enhance definition. By removing tilt/swing from the rear standard, the probability of error is removed and a parallel film plane – essential for digital photography – is guaranteed.
The use of an extension rail and bellows allows a variable scale of reproduction making it possible to photograph a postage stamp or a wide landscape using the same configuration. The camera is equipped with ARCA-SWISS’ patented Orbix tilt system, the only device that allows you to maintain full control over the plane of focus.
When used with a DSLR camera or a digital back, this new precision system enables you to take images of buildings, landscapes or objects with the fullest of control. It’s ideal for landscapes to macros. The M-Line two is part of one of the largest photographic systems currently available and is compatible with all DSLR cameras.
All traditional medium format film backs are compatible with the M-Line two. The usable focal length extends from 28mm for the M-Line two SLR and 23mm for the M-Line two MF, to infinity. The type of film used, and in particular the colour negatives used in the medium format camera, offer a high quality result, so give it a try!!
ARCA-SWISS cameras continue to evolve in line with photography and technology, yet continue to embrace the past. Today, even with digital photography, certain situations can only be matched with the versatility of a large format camera. ARCA-SWISS cameras are built to the highest standards of precision, offering rapid and precise control of image sharpness and perspective, so that you can produce the most detailed and colour-rich images.
Technical specifications: M-Line two SLR and M-Line two MF
Dimensions: Length 250 mm, Depth 140 mm, Height 300 mm
Weight Barely over 2 kg (4,4 lbs)
Vertical shift 70 mm
Horizontal shift 70 mm
Swing 30°
Tilt 90°
Maximum extension 190 mm (depending on the configuration)
Adaptors available for the M-Line two DSLR: Canon, Nikon, Sony
Adaptors available for the M-Line two MF: Contax 645, Hasselblad V/H, Mamiya 645 AFD, AFI / HY6
Accessories: binocular viewfinder, lens hood, extension rail, Compendium
Price: from € 2990 excl VAT
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Arca Swiss make beautiful camera gear - but really - no web site? No way to contact company and get decent information on products?
Very user unfriendly...
such a shame.
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For users of this site there really isn't a problem. Just post your question here and someone from AS will contact you very, very soon. I had a question about an adapter, posted it here and got an answer a few hours later. But, indeed, they should get a website soon now.
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quote name='PeterA' date='Apr 23 2009, 03:35 AM' post='278367']
Arca Swiss make beautiful camera gear - but really - no web site? No way to contact company and get decent information on products?
Very user unfriendly...
such a shame.
[/quote]
CONTACT ARCA-SWISS:
ARCA-SWISS International
29, Quartier de l'europe,
Espace Valentin,
FR-25048 Besançon
France
PH: ++33 381 85 40 60
Fax: ++33 381 85 40 69
arca-swiss@wanadoo.fr
Press contact: Maud Huot-Marchand
comm.arca-swiss@orange.fr
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thank You H-M!!
quote name='PeterA' date='Apr 23 2009, 03:35 AM' post='278367']
Arca Swiss make beautiful camera gear - but really - no web site? No way to contact company and get decent information on products?
Very user unfriendly...
such a shame.
CONTACT ARCA-SWISS:
ARCA-SWISS International
29, Quartier de l'europe,
Espace Valentin,
FR-25048 Besançon
France
PH: ++33 381 85 40 60
Fax: ++33 381 85 40 69
arca-swiss@wanadoo.fr
Press contact: Maud Huot-Marchand
comm.arca-swiss@orange.fr
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This looks interesting as a kind of 'intermediate' step betwen DSLR and LF digital, allowing the use of a view camera without having to invest in a MF digital back. I could see using this with a D3x/D700x; seling off my current primes and T/S lenses and replacing them with LF digital lenses, while still keeping a couple of zooms for when I don't want to use the DSLR without the view camera.
I'm wondering about the fact that there are two separate models for DSLR's and MF. I would hope there is some sort of modular upgrade path that would allow me to go from the DSLR model to MFDB without having to replace the whole thing?
Of course, I'm afraid to ask what the price is considering that the C1 cube costs $2K (it's a great piece of gear though).
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It looks very similar to SINAR P, I wonder if they (SINAR) had patents on their design...
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It looks very similar to SINAR P, I wonder if they (SINAR) had patents on their design...
If you'd ever actually seen a Sinar P and an Arca M-line up close -- and more importantly, actually adjusted them -- you'd realize how ridiculous that comment was...
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It looks very similar to SINAR P, I wonder if they (SINAR) had patents on their design...
Can't wait to see what the Koreans can do with this :>))
Mark
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The P design dates from the 1970's and the ARCA looks like a copy, that's my only point. We saw the Koreans doing a copy of ARCA and how they responded.
This is what Wikipedia has about the original P design:
[blockquote]The Sinar P introduced in 1970, further advanced the technology of the view camera by introducing asymmetric tilt and swing, not the traditional center or base tilts. This means rapid and precise settings, without ever losing sharpness on the axis. The P also introduced features such as self arresting gearing (which allows one handed manipulation of camera movements), a quick format change system that allows the photographer to quickly switch between 4×5/5×7/8×10 without having to fully disassemble the rear standard (which is accomplished by using a common rear standard bearer), and only having to unlock a single knob in order to switch between the various format frames, and also introduced the Sinar system of calculating swings and tilts as well as the Sinar depth of field calculator....[/blockquote]
Can't wait to see what the Koreans can do with this :>))
Mark
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Nothing wrong with the Koreans!
I love my Multiclam Ball head and Multiflex head.
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A good digital back and digital lens still far superior to a DSLR... (i have a 5D II and TSE lenses...).
I will probably buy the M line TWO for... architecture...
While solution like RM3D, Cambo RS, Alpa Max are nive... i would love to find a real large format camera that can use a 35, even a 28 ... and long lenses... with a sliding/stiching back !
But first i need to find the cash, and then, i need to make shure that perfect focusing still possible with a 35 and a ground glass...
I use a 5D with digitars and a cambo x2pro and the results are pretty nice. not sinar p multishot nice, but for the price, very good - MUCH better than canon TSE's
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the problem with using a 35mm dslr on these kinds of cameras is you have no mid range lens selection, I own a cambo 23d and the rear carrier can be replaced for a canon/nikon mount. Due to the recessed sensor on dslrs nothing under 72mm cannot be used to my knowledge and im not sure how usable the 72 would be. the 28 however does work due to its retro focus design, I think the new rodenstock 40 and 50 hrs are also retro designs so this may solve the problem. Does anyone have experience with how well those dslr sensors with micro lenses take to heavy movement?
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I use a Mamiya AFD (645) with my Sinar (not the P), an adapter for shifting and 135mm or 180mm. With the 180mm you can make two horizontal (or 2 rows for a total of 4) stitches with no vignetting and there is sufficient amount of tilt and shift from the camera side. When you ad up two lateral captures of this lens you get the same angle as my normal 80mm with the added advantage of being able to focus very close.
This image is an example of a series of captures using that set up, there is focus bracket and 4 stitched images. The 180mm Fujinon is very sharp and working with a Sinar a pleasure, but I'm sure that the ARCA should be more so...
(http://anacoreta.topcities.com/images/ZBLOG_IMAGES/fruitBasket.jpg)
the problem with using a 35mm dslr on these kinds of cameras is you have no mid range lens selection, I own a cambo 23d and the rear carrier can be replaced for a canon/nikon mount. Due to the recessed sensor on dslrs nothing under 72mm cannot be used to my knowledge and im not sure how usable the 72 would be. the 28 however does work due to its retro focus design, I think the new rodenstock 40 and 50 hrs are also retro designs so this may solve the problem. Does anyone have experience with how well those dslr sensors with micro lenses take to heavy movement?
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I very interested but ... WHERE are they ?
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http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index....showtopic=34091 (http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=34091)
I very interested but ... WHERE are they ?
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but no website ....
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the problem with using a 35mm dslr on these kinds of cameras is you have no mid range lens selection, I own a cambo 23d and the rear carrier can be replaced for a canon/nikon mount. Due to the recessed sensor on dslrs nothing under 72mm cannot be used to my knowledge and im not sure how usable the 72 would be. the 28 however does work due to its retro focus design, I think the new rodenstock 40 and 50 hrs are also retro designs so this may solve the problem. Does anyone have experience with how well those dslr sensors with micro lenses take to heavy movement?
the 28 schneider digitar is suppose to be in fact the same lens as the 28 PC schneider for nikon, canon, olympus... but without the floating element...
so, far from a perfect lens... and so much easier to use it as a PC lens...
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Havn't seen this one yet, looks like a new small solution for studio
The M-Line two is for use with digital backs
The M-Line slr is for DSLR cameras.
It would be interesting to see how the rear standard links to the DSLR and the MF digital backs.
If the 'moving' part of the rear standard is common to both setups, and the DSLR mounts via a common-place dovetailed L or base plate (tripod mount), the M-line could be a useful tool. I can imagine using an MF back mounted for the studio for wide angle or tethered shooting; outdoors/on-location mounting a DSLR with self contained live view, and a prism finder might be a better choice.
Wollom
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It would be interesting to see how the rear standard links to the DSLR and the MF digital backs.
If the 'moving' part of the rear standard is common to both setups, and the DSLR mounts via a common-place dovetailed L or base plate (tripod mount), the M-line could be a useful tool. I can imagine using an MF back mounted for the studio for wide angle or tethered shooting; outdoors/on-location mounting a DSLR with self contained live view, and a prism finder might be a better choice.
Wollom
The Cambo ultima already offers this and is much cheaper than I assume the arca will be.
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The Cambo ultima already offers this and is much cheaper than I assume the arca will be.
Actually The M Line Two is about the same price as the Cambo Ultima.... and....It's an Arca. I expect to order mine in a couple weeks to replace or rather, supplement my F Line Compact.... : )
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this is my 1st post here in this forum, probably not my last as i ordered my m-line two mf last week, looking very much forward to work with this camera. keep you posted,
frank
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Welcome, Frank.
May I know the price, and when you expect delivery?
Thank you,
Billy
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This one looks interesting, it is the type of thing that would appear in their web site ... if they had one.
(http://www.photoscala.de/grafik/2009/ARCA-SWISS-RM3D-FB.jpg)
(Sorry, I found a post about this camera from about 2 years ago http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/lo...hp/t19553.html) (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t19553.html))
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The Rm3d appeals to me as well. Any idea of the cost?
Also, are the lenses able to be shared with their equally appealing M-line Two mf view camera?
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Apparently with the Rm3d you can mount your lenses directly on the camera, but you have to take them to ARCA SWISS to calibrate, so probably they will have to be of exclusive use of one or the other system. They seam to be working on an interesting electronic aided focusing range, but don't know if it is out yet. This looks more like a high tech weapon than a camera, so I wouldn't expect it to be cheap. Lets see if the Koreans can/want to copy it...
The Rm3d appeals to me as well. Any idea of the cost?
Also, are the lenses able to be shared with their equally appealing M-line Two mf view camera?
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if the lenses need to be individually calibrated then there isn't any cost savings compared to having it mounted directly on a helicoid as is the case for other systems
I noticed that the last price quoted for calibration was $910!!!and you don't even get a helicoid!haha
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They seam to be working on an interesting electronic aided focusing range, but don't know if it is out yet. This looks more like a high tech weapon than a camera, so I wouldn't expect it to be cheap. Lets see if the Koreans can/want to copy it...
this it hearsay, don't know whether it's true: This is more in line to what some competitor (sorry, forgot who it was) at photokina told me what seems to be the core business of Arca: military targeting devices. no need for a website, they don't need to sell cameras. nothing wrong with that, I wonder whether any digital medium format users ever though of the initial aim of someone like dalsa or kodak to develop high resolution chips. I am sure the pentagon is a better client than a few photographer continueing to complain about their melting investments...
maybe it would really help if Arca Swiss told us why they refuse to do the internet thing. I know wandadoo is big in France, which strikes me odd, when even my cleaner has a personal domain.
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..... Lets see if the Koreans can/want to copy it...
What might Cambo, Silvestri and Horseman think about the Arca-France copy?
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I was just kidding when I said this looked like a sophisticated weapon ... I wonder if the SWISS ARMY KNIFE is or is not a weapon of the Swiss, and where did I get the "fall in love with nice weapons" gene... (not true, I don't like guns) "what seems to be the core business of Arca: military targeting devices. "... I just loved that. At the same time is a surprise and... not... (allegedly).
Regarding the website, they do own the name www.arcaswiss.com but it is parked. The other interesting thing is that if you click in the ArcaSwiss logo at some distributors website... it is linked to this domain parked ! I think that they care about the photographer user base. Just look at the way they cached one of them promoting the Korean copy of their product. They are probably even reading this as we speak -or type-..
If I sold beautiful gear like ARCA SWISS I would love to show them off on a nice website, but I sort of admire them for not doing so...its cool..
this it hearsay, don't know whether it's true: This is more in line to what some competitor (sorry, forgot who it was) at photokina told me what seems to be the core business of Arca: military targeting devices. no need for a website, they don't need to sell cameras. nothing wrong with that, I wonder whether any digital medium format users ever though of the initial aim of someone like dalsa or kodak to develop high resolution chips. I am sure the pentagon is a better client than a few photographer continueing to complain about their melting investments...
maybe it would really help if Arca Swiss told us why they refuse to do the internet thing. I know wandadoo is big in France, which strikes me odd, when even my cleaner has a personal domain.
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Received the camera yesterday. Mindblowing awesome!
I appreciate very much that the people at Arca Swiss, first of all Martin Vogt take their time to talk about everything on the phone, I always felt in very good hands with all my concerns. Could there be a better support than talking to the head of the company?
And there are sources on the web where you can find some information about the range of Arca Swiss products. Just have a look at arca-shop (http://www.arca-shop.de) or precisioncameraworks (http://precisioncameraworks.com/Pages/arca_core.html).
Anyway, I could imagine that their unbelievable nice products would look great on a trendsetting website.
Frank
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Congrats, Frank.
Please post some JPEGs
and please give us your further impressions.
Billy
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Congrats, Frank.
Please post some JPEGs
and please give us your further impressions.
Billy
I second this, it would be great to have a report after you have put it through it's paces.
I am especially interested to know if this camera is precise and rigid enough to maintain alignment with very wide lenses (23mm, 28mm, 35mm etc ). If so it would provide a more cost effective approach to architectural photography than the pancake cameras, while still providing the utility of a regular view camera for longer lenses.
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I second this, it would be great to have a report after you have put it through it's paces.
I am especially interested to know if this camera is precise and rigid enough to maintain alignment with very wide lenses (23mm, 28mm, 35mm etc ). If so it would provide a more cost effective approach to architectural photography than the pancake cameras, while still providing the utility of a regular view camera for longer lenses.
I did a test with my F Line Classic shooting the Schneider 24mm Digitar against my Rodenstock 65mm and 4x5 film. The 15 year old F Line had no problem keeping the 24 sharp edge to edge and that camera is a wet noodle compared to the M Line.
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I'll report here as soon as I have something to tell...
Waiting for my digital back, going to shoot tomorrow with both, the Rodenstock 35mm and 105mm lenses.
As far as I can tell now the camera can be adjusted free from play, but eating is the proof of the cake and I will report later.
Until now I used my Canon 1Ds MKII with some decent L-lenses which I already found amazing, but the Arca is a step on a new level with regards precision.
Still with a big smile on my face,
Frank
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How much lateral/vertical movements are possible with the DSLR version of the Arca Swiss M-Line Two before the mirror box interferes?
Thanks!
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and what about wide angles ? something like Hasselblad HCD 28 + HTC 1.5 or Canon 24 TSE II ?
is it possible with M-Line 2 ?
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I do not use the DSLR version of the M-Line Two, so I can't tell you anything specific about these issues. I would recommend to get directly in touch with Martin Vogt at Arca Swiss who knows best about any restrictions regarding movements / lenses, etc.
As far as I can tell the M-Line Two is a beast with regards precision. Doing this step moved my requirements for precise accessories (if you can call a tripod head an accessory) far beyond everything I expected. I already used a Gitzo 3540 XLS together with an Arca Swiss Monoball Z1 DP, now with an Arca Swiss Cube C1.
I could not do much testing, as I am one of these guys affected by the Leaf / PhaseOne fairy-tale, but this is a whole story of its own. I ordered an Aptus II-7 approx. 2 months ago, just right in time before all this mess started. Still on hold. Occasionally I got a rental back from Leaf Germany, who are more than helpful. If I find the time I can post sample images, maybe by the end of the week. The shortest lens I used is the Rodenstock 35mm. So far I do not have any experience with 28, 24 or even 23mm. Maybe in the near future, we will see.
To the DSLR users who consider using this camera together with their DSLR bodies – basically I had the same approach, but after re-thinking this, it just did not make sense to me. Taking photos with the M-Line Two and a digital back has slowed me down compared to the 1 Ds MKII, but has also reduced rubbish. Personal opinion and experience, nothing else.
Frank
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To the DSLR users who consider using this camera together with their DSLR bodies – basically I had the same approach, but after re-thinking this, it just did not make sense to me. Taking photos with the M-Line Two and a digital back has slowed me down compared to the 1 Ds MKII, but has also reduced rubbish. Personal opinion and experience, nothing else.
Frank
I don't doubt that one of the latest and greatest digital backs would be the ultimate in image quality, but the M-Line 2 is attractive to me for several reasons:
1) I already have a nice DSLR that I could use with it.
2) The M-Line 2 and lenses would already be a signficant investment, and since this camera wouldn't completely replace my DSLR, I couldn't sell the DSLR to help pay for purchasing an MFDB. So purchasing an MFDB would just make the whole proposition that much more expensive.
3) DSLR LiveView will simplify focusing and composing.
4) I also have my doubts about whether one of the cheaper used digital backs would really be better than something like a D3x - maybe in some ways, but not necessarily in others. Especially since I'd be losing LiveView, high-ISO, long exposures, etc.
For me the M-Line 2 seems like a good stepping stone to LF-style photography, especially if the DSLR version can be upgraded to MFDB or film at a later time with additional adapters (which is not clear to me from the press release). It may not get me true MF-digital quality, but it would be a step up from 35mm lenses and would give me a lot more flexibility in movements compared to my T/S lenses (which I would sell, except for the 24mm).
The big question is lens compatibility in the 28-90mm range. How many retro-focal lenses are there that could be used with this setup?
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As far as I can tell the M-Line Two is a beast with regards precision.
Frank,
Would you post a picture of your setup. please.
I'd like to see how large the beast is.
Are you coming from F-Line?
Thank you,
Billy
Edit:
Also, does the front standard only tilt & swing
while the rear standard only shifts and rise/fall?
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Arca-Swiss USA has confirmed to me that the SLR and MF versions of the M-Line 2 are two distinct cameras, the SLR version cannot be used with film or MFDB adapters, so there's no upgrade path. I suspected that based on the wording in the press release, but it's still disappointing.
They're waiting to hear back from France on lens compatibility.
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Edit:
Also, does the front standard only tilt & swing
while the rear standard only shifts and rise/fall?
Yes, that is correct.
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Arca-Swiss USA has confirmed to me that the SLR and MF versions of the M-Line 2 are two distinct cameras, the SLR version cannot be used with film or MFDB adapters, so there's no upgrade path. I suspected that based on the wording in the press release, but it's still disappointing.
They're waiting to hear back from France on lens compatibility.
This is not true, as the camera consists of elements of the Arca Swiss M-Line. You might replace the rear standard to use it with film or digital backs. It might not be cheap, but it is possible, as all M-Line components will fit on the same rail.
I'll try to post images of my setup within the next days.
Frank
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This is not true, as the camera consists of elements of the Arca Swiss M-Line. You might replace the rear standard to use it with film or digital backs. It might not be cheap, but it is possible, as all M-Line components will fit on the same rail.
I guess the USA rep's info was incomplete, or my question misunderstood. Replacing the rear standard shouldn't be as bad as replacing the whole camera, at least.
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I've gotten some additional word from Arca-Swiss on lens compatibility for the DSLR version of the M-Line 2. The following lenses are compatible:
Schneider Digitar 28mm/2.8 L
Schneider APO-Digitar 72mm/5.6 L
Rodenstock HR Digaron-W 70 mm f/5.6
Any longer lenses should also work.
The Rodenstock 40mm and 50mm lenses are not compatible, despite being retro-focus designs. They have the necessary flange focal length, but the rear elements extend too far back.
To cover the gap from 28mm to 70mm, Arca-Swiss is working on an adapter for Phase/Mamiya medium-format lenses, which they tentatively expect to have ready sometime this year.
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To cover the gap from 28mm to 70mm, Arca-Swiss is working on an adapter for Phase/Mamiya medium-format lenses, which they tentatively expect to have ready sometime this year.
Sounds like they'd be better of calling Calatrava ...
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Sounds like they'd be better of calling Calatrava ...
????
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It's a pretty big gap
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Here's an updated alternative from Horseman:
http://www.komamura.co.jp/e/VCCpro/index.html (http://www.komamura.co.jp/e/VCCpro/index.html)
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Here's an updated alternative from Horseman:
http://www.komamura.co.jp/e/VCCpro/index.html (http://www.komamura.co.jp/e/VCCpro/index.html)
after a first quick look at the horseman camera I realise a huge difference between the 2 systems:
at arca swiss the slr body is fitted to the arca by a camera plate and a quick release which offers a solid and extremely stable connection and support.
the horseman camera seems to use the bayonet mount to support the camera body.
both systems will have their individual advantages and disadvantages.
the arca is very strong and stiff, but I can't imagine how the user wants to adjust the sensor plane and lens plane absolutely parallel to each other when it all depends on the alignment of the camera plate between the slr body and the arca.
the horseman offers fast switching from landscape to portrait and probably supplies a parallel lens plane to the sensor plane, but might be sensitive for vibrations due to the cantilevered slr body position.
as always – eating is the proof of the cake.
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It's a pretty big gap
It is a considerable gap, although the larger image circle of the 70/72mm LF lenses means that you can cover part of that gap with rear shift and stitching.
But the MF lens adapter does seem pretty important to the viability of a camera like this (I notice the Horseman and Cambo alternatives already have this). A couple of lenses in the 35-50 range would cover that gap nicely, and the image circle on MF645 lenses should still be big enough to allow a useful range of movements with a 24x36mm sensor. I guess I need to do some research on MF lenses....
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Here's an updated alternative from Horseman:
http://www.komamura.co.jp/e/VCCpro/index.html (http://www.komamura.co.jp/e/VCCpro/index.html)
Looks interesting, probably less expensive too. It's hard to tell from the images there how precisely geared the movements are compared to the M-Line 2, though.