Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: Steve Hendrix on July 02, 2014, 06:48:32 pm
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We've had a Cambo Actus prototype in our hands for a week or so and recorded our observations in the below blog post:
https://captureintegration.com/first-look-cambo-actus/
(http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp80/arthurbite/CamboActusTiffs038_zps06d735db.jpg) (http://s399.photobucket.com/user/arthurbite/media/CamboActusTiffs038_zps06d735db.jpg.html)
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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Hi Steve,
Thanks for the review.
Is the rear Horizontal rear shift of 20mm/20mm geared or after loosening the Shift Control Lock does it just slide freely?
Just what to confirm that a Nikon D800 body without the Nikon MB-D12 Multi Power Battery Pack will fit on the Cambo Actus.
Lastly what is the shortest focal length you can use with a Nikon D800 attached?
Cheers
Simon Harper
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Hi Steve,
Thanks for the review.
Is the rear Horizontal rear shift of 20mm/20mm geared or after loosening the Shift Control Lock does it just slide freely?
Just what to confirm that a Nikon D800 body without the Nikon MB-D12 Multi Power Battery Pack will fit on the Cambo Actus.
Lastly what is the shortest focal length you can use with a Nikon D800 attached?
Cheers
Simon Harper
Hi Simon -
Horisontal shift is not geared. While I love gearing, I did not find it to be liability. It was fast and easy to slide to the desired position. The D800 stand alone body will fit (as will a Canon 5D-MKIII, for example). Shortest focal length with a D800 will likely be in the 70mm/80mm range for full range focusing (due to the increased depth of the mirror module and assembly). This is the reason the mirrorless cameras can take advantage of wider focal lengths (as wide as 32mm, with some limitations).
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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Nice review. So the only lenses that were tested at 50mm and wider were Rodenstock. Will other brands 50mm and wider lenses work with this? I am hoping to put on a 40mm or so lens on this via the mamiya or nikon mounting options.
Also, is there any way to use a leaf shutter lens with this system to sync faster then the a7R shutter sync? I am thinking shooting in bulb on camera and triggering lens separately..
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Thanks, very interesting. I see great potential here as a platform for spherical stitching of tilted landscape with longer LF digital lenses.
The availability of swing on the front standard is the key capability to enable this.
Can swing and lateral shift be performed on the front standard at the same time?
Thanks.
Cheers,
Bernard
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Nice review, thanks.
I would feel that the 32 rodenstock will be a bit front heavy, as may the 40mm Rod.
Just a questions.
1. Did you use C1 to correct the LCC's, if so, I assume the process would be just like with a tech camera lens and back?
2. How durable is the bellows, as it appears rather large compared to the camera and lenses, and is it practical to carry the rig all setup in a pack or
would it make more sense to carry it apart and assemble on site.
3. If you are a current Cambo user, do the lenses just move over to the A7r? or does it take a different helical mount on the lens, if it's the former, that's
quite a kudo to Cambo as it just make the value of their entire line up a lot more versatile.
4. Did you see much color fall off/detail smearing as with a CCD/back when shifted to the max?
Thanks
Paul
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Also, do we know when it will become available?
Thank you.
Regards,
Bernard
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Steve,
Maybe it is associated with either my planned move this month to Austin, or perhaps that I do the JUMBLE, but I am unable to read ACTUS, without immediately thinking cactus.
Thank you for your usual outstanding review.
Best regards,
Jerry Reed
http://jerryreed.net
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Steve:
A few more questions.
Is this device aimed at only tech camera type lenses, i.e. the Schneiders or Rodenstocks?
Will it allow the use of the Canon TS-E's?
As you get wider, say 43XL or 35XL or 40 Rod, do you start to see more pixel cross talk creating loss of saturation on shifts past say 15mm? or even at 15mm. Similar to what is being seen with the IQ250 when shifted with wides @ 40mm or less. I assume this would the case as the A7r sensor does have micro lenses, but I am interested in your feedback or Cambo's.
I would love to be able to use the 35XL Schneider, but I am wondering if the focal flange distance will be too close for the Sony?
Thanks
Paul
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Hi,
Interesting stuff, thanks for sharing!
Best regards
Erik
We've had a Cambo Actus prototype in our hands for a week or so and recorded our observations in the below blog post:
https://captureintegration.com/first-look-cambo-actus/
(http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp80/arthurbite/CamboActusTiffs038_zps06d735db.jpg) (http://s399.photobucket.com/user/arthurbite/media/CamboActusTiffs038_zps06d735db.jpg.html)
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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Steve,
Do the Leica lenses really have enough coverage with movements?
Mike
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Hello,
will there be some sort of rail extension? I have a Schneider 5,6/120mm Makro in Copal 0, and at 1:1 it needs some 235mm (or so :-) ) to the sensor. If I understood right, max. extension with A7 is around 125mm, that's just around infinity...
Thanks and take care,
Andreas
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Hello,
will there be some sort of rail extension? I have a Schneider 5,6/120mm Makro in Copal 0, and at 1:1 it needs some 235mm (or so :-) ) to the sensor. If I understood right, max. extension with A7 is around 125mm, that's just around infinity...
Thanks and take care,
Andreas
Sorry everyone, had a holiday weekend with barely any internet access at all. It was....unsettling....but only for a moment! ;)
Some answers to all the questions:
Bernard - final units expected to ship before end of July, pre-orders being accepted.
Jerry - Good luck on your move to Austin, and watch out for those prickly things.
Paul - The 35 XL may actually be able to achieve focus, but our sense is that the results, even without shifts, may be questionable.
Mike - Leica R lenses do have coverage, the movements are restricted (not yet determined by how much).
Andreas - There is a macro rail extension available, same as there was with the X2 Pro.
Thanks everyone for the questions and interest.
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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Thanks Steve,
Still curious on how you are processing the LCC's, in C1? Does it work on non Phase Leaf backs just the same? If so that is cool and I could be using it on a 24 TS-E, for light fall off corrections.
Thanks
Paul
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Thanks Steve,
Still curious on how you are processing the LCC's, in C1? Does it work on non Phase Leaf backs just the same? If so that is cool and I could be using it on a 24 TS-E, for light fall off corrections.
Thanks
Paul
Paul - thank you for bringing this up. Yes! We've been advocating the use of LCC's for all supported cameras for years. If for no other reason than to help with sensor dust. And I have seen very, very subtle discoloration from wide lenses even on 35mm DSLR cameras that an LCC removes. So, yes the LCC's were performed on files from the Sony A7R in Capture One 7.2.2 (7.2.3 just released today).
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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Welcome back Steve.
Any updates if we'd be able to focus to infinity with lenses wider the 50mm besides Rodenstock?
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Welcome back Steve.
Any updates if we'd be able to focus to infinity with lenses wider the 50mm besides Rodenstock?
We did take some shots with the SK 47mm and this lens will be usable. Also, the SK 43mm will be usable - uncertain how much shift, perhaps 5mm - 8mm, would be my guess. The 35mm is going to be the problem child, possibly usable, but severely limited. Keep in mind the Rodenstock 35mm HR will also be an option, (it is about half the price of the 32mm HR).
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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How does the 40mm rod work especially on shifts? Can you get 15 to 18mm of shift?
Thanks Paul
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How does the 40mm rod work especially on shifts? Can you get 15 to 18mm of shift?
Thanks Paul
I feel that is going to be too generous Paul. 10mm - 14mm might be my limit from shooting with the 50HR, so the 40mm is likely going to be more in the 8mm - 12mm range.
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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Steve:
From reading your great writeup on the CI blog, what is the best solution for existing Cambo lenses? Example all Cambo WRS lenses with existing helical or helical T/S mount? I noticed that they have a lot of different lens boards available in your specs. Will the Cambo mounted lenses with a helical push the lens past infinity, at least the wider lenses like the 40mm Rod? or 43SK?
All the Leica and Nikon mounts are for lenses with manual aperture rings, as Mamiya.
I saw the lens board with opening 0, which I recall is for any of the Tech lenses, with no specific mounts, Arca, Cambo Alpa etc.
Thanks
Paul
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Steve:
From reading your great writeup on the CI blog, what is the best solution for existing Cambo lenses? Example all Cambo WRS lenses with existing helical or helical T/S mount? I noticed that they have a lot of different lens boards available in your specs. Will the Cambo mounted lenses with a helical push the lens past infinity, at least the wider lenses like the 40mm Rod? or 43SK?
All the Leica and Nikon mounts are for lenses with manual aperture rings, as Mamiya.
I saw the lens board with opening 0, which I recall is for any of the Tech lenses, with no specific mounts, Arca, Cambo Alpa etc.
Thanks
Paul
Hi Paul -
First, thanks for the compliment.
The available lens options are:
*Lensplate with 0 opening
*Lensplate with M39 threading
*Lensplate with Leica R Bayonet
*Lensplate with Hasselblad Bayonet (Hasselblad CF Lenses)
*Lensplate with Mamiya RB/RZ Bayonet
*Lensplate with Nikon F-Lens Bayonet
Unfortunately there is no ability to accommodate the helical focus mounted lenses from the various manufacturers (Cambo, Alpa, Arca Swiss, Sinar) in this design.
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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Steve, could using my existing proprietary Cambo mounts be an S. K. Grimes job to machine some kind of an adaptor?
Sure like to get dual duty from my tech cam lenses. Thanks.
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Steve, could using my existing proprietary Cambo mounts be an S. K. Grimes job to machine some kind of an adaptor?
Sure like to get dual duty from my tech cam lenses. Thanks.
I hear you Andy. Umm....I don't know, maybe, but I think you'd lose a lot of distant focusing ability.
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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That was my concern as the built in helical will push you past infinity. Would be fine for close up work.
Paul
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Hopefully somebody will correlate a definitive list of rodenstock apo-rodagon (and non apo) enlarging lenses that will work with an A7 and deeper bodied 35mm cameras for table top and near macro photography, there seem lots of different versions available.
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I see (2) VERY necessary items that Cambo will need to implement into their line of accessories for the Actus line:
1. Recessed lensboards(looking at this, I see this really only being able to work with enlarging lenses that do not have integrated shutters, or the same tech-camera lenses from Rodenstock and Schneider being mounted IN-BARREL, rather than in a factory mounted shutter(since the shutter is actually in the camera body).
2. "Top Hat" lensboards: These would allow longer amounts of extension than the stock camera utilizing flat boards will allow. So using shorter FL lenses such as 45mm/50mm APO Rodagons and or Schneider's APO Componon HM line(40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 80mm, 90mm, etc; or APO Macro-Digitars(again, in barrel(like an enlarging lens) or in-shutter).
Both are easily machined, and I can see them being offered in different sizes/depths for different uses. (10mm, 15mm, 25mm for instance)
just a thought, cuz I know I'd be getting some made for myself if I was getting one of these(which I'm not, but still)
-Dan
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Call me crazy, but I'd love to hook an Oly EM-1 to it and use Nikkor lenses. I wonder what focal lengths are workable. Steve?
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Call me crazy, but I'd love to hook an Oly EM-1 to it and use Nikkor lenses. I wonder what focal lengths are workable. Steve?
Bob, I would expect similar focal lengths will work like we've seen and tested with the SK/Rodenstock lenses, maybe 35mm, but likely at least 40mm and up.
Dan - won't bringing an enlarging lens closer to the sensor have the opposite effect of your objective?
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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Call me crazy, but I'd love to hook an Oly EM-1 to it and use Nikkor lenses. I wonder what focal lengths are workable. Steve?
If you're talking about SLR lenses, all Nikkors have the same flange distance, so if one works, all should (at infinity).
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If you're talking about SLR lenses, all Nikkors have the same flange distance, so if one works, all should (at infinity).
Yes, that would make sense - the same way all the Hasselblad or RZ lenses would work.
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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Zowie, I've got to get my hands on one of these to test. Very cool.
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Is the Actus being shipped yet? Anymore tests?
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Is the Actus being shipped yet? Anymore tests?
We received our demo unit this week - the first finished version, and are preparing an update to the original review. It should be available for download early next week.
For delivery of Cambo Actus units, we expect to receive our first shipment for customer orders in the next week or two, and any orders taken now will likely ship before end of August.
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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Hello guys, are there any Actus outside in the wild? Some reviews?
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Nobody ?!?
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Dear Steve, it seems your hands-on report is now offline. It´s a pity I just wanted to read it again before eventually deciding for the August bundle offer ......
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Dear Steve, it seems your hands-on report is now offline. It´s a pity I just wanted to read it again before eventually deciding for the August bundle offer ......
Hi O Viva -
Sorry, I am updating this prototype review to a full review on the actual shipping version. It should be up in the next day or so.
Thanks,
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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The original prototype article has now been updated to reflect the first shipping version of the Cambo Actus.
https://captureintegration.com/first-look-cambo-actus/
Also, we're now featuring a $3,990 Cambo Actus/Sony A7R Special Bundle available through August 31.
https://captureintegration.com/cambo-actus-and-sony-a7r-bundle/
I have been following some of the comments and questions - mostly surrounding lensboard options, like Bronica, Pentax, etc. Cambo is considering additional boards, but it depends upon demand. In the meantime, blank lensboards can be ordered for the enterprising...
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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The original prototype article has now been updated to reflect the first shipping version of the Cambo Actus.
https://captureintegration.com/first-look-cambo-actus/
Also, we're now featuring a $3,990 Cambo Actus/Sony A7R Special Bundle available through August 31.
https://captureintegration.com/cambo-actus-and-sony-a7r-bundle/
I have been following some of the comments and questions - mostly surrounding lensboard options, like Bronica, Pentax, etc. Cambo is considering additional boards, but it depends upon demand. In the meantime, blank lensboards can be ordered for the enterprising...
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
IMO, the Rollei SL-66 lens board should have been included in the first place! ...it's a surprise that those SUPERB lenses have been ignored continuously by ALL makers that introduce lens option adapters in cameras with bellows for so many years... Totally inexcusable! ??? I am sure that these lenses would give the best possible performance on that camera! :o
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IMO, the Rollei SL-66 lens board should have been included in the first place! ...it's a surprise that those SUPERB lenses have been ignored continuously by ALL makers that introduce lens option adapters in cameras with bellows for so many years... Totally inexcusable! ??? I am sure that these lenses would give the best possible performance on that camera! :o
I agree - they're great lenses. If more would have been sold, the decision might be easier. I think it is excusable if a manufacturer wishes to keep costs under control and create a profitable product. That does not always coincide with what users feel is the best possible product for their needs. Nonetheless, Theodoros, by raising your voice, you may bring it more forcefully to their attention and change their perspective. :)
We shall see!
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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I agree - they're great lenses. If more would have been sold, the decision might be easier. I think it is excusable if a manufacturer wishes to keep costs under control and create a profitable product. That does not always coincide with what users feel is the best possible product for their needs. Nonetheless, Theodoros, by raising your voice, you may bring it more forcefully to their attention and change their perspective. :)
We shall see!
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
If raising the voice will be accompanied by others it will be even better! ;D How much another adopter may cost them? ...it's among the easier ones to make! :o MAKE A SCHNEIDER for ROLLEI SL-66 ADAPTER you... B@@@@ds!!! (was that loud enough?) ;D ...i'll buy one on the spot (with Sony A7 body) if you do! (does this helps further?) >:(
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never seen a Rollei camera used professionally over 20 years in the business, not saying they are not used but don’t seem to be very popular (here in the u.k.) and never seen any rental stock or any for sale at pro-dealers. i guess it makes sense to go with what the majority of potential customers will want to use.
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never seen a Rollei camera used professionally over 20 years in the business, not saying they are not used but don’t seem to be very popular (here in the u.k.) and never seen any rental stock or any for sale at pro-dealers. i guess it makes sense to go with what the majority of potential customers will want to use.
It's a consideration - I mean, Cambo is not plotting to exclude certain lenses, they are only open to the possibility of the effort and expense at adding various lensboards for lenses that may not produce as much demand as others. Seems practical. I do agree it's a shame that Rollei lenses have not been featured more prominently in the manufacturing landscape. Sometimes a small segment produces a very loud noise (as we've seen), but very quiet actual sales numbers. The volume of the requests does not factor as large as the actual number of them. ;)
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration
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never seen a Rollei camera used professionally over 20 years in the business, not saying they are not used but don’t seem to be very popular (here in the u.k.) and never seen any rental stock or any for sale at pro-dealers. i guess it makes sense to go with what the majority of potential customers will want to use.
The "potential customers" better realise first what will maximise their "potential" use... It's the result that makes a thrill out of a camera not the "average knowledge" of those who call themselves "photographers"... This camera with Sony A7 mounted on it and Schneider lenses aimed for the SL-66 will challenge at 90% the result of a P3 with MFDB on it... Can you understand why? "...because I won't bother to explain it to you" is the only answer I can give you.. (technically). I just wish Sony will bring up a software upgrade that will crop the sensor at 32/24 4:3 ratio... so that one gets in LV the full image he aims for (instead of taping his monitor)... You still are free to buy whatever adapters you think are best for you... all the rest! ;) :-*
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" Can you understand why? "...because I won't bother to explain it to you"”
you mean i have to guess? they are good lenses with high enough resolving power. just like lots of other lenses that are likely to be in photographers bags/store cupboard.
you dont need to be a genius to work that out, just a photographer with “average knowledge" ::)
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" Can you understand why? "...because I won't bother to explain it to you"”
you mean i have to guess? they are good lenses with high enough resolving power. just like lots of other lenses that are likely to be in photographers bags/store cupboard.
you dont need to be a genius to work that out, just a photographer with “average knowledge" ::)
I just didn't like your attitude where you attempted to turn this into a "democracy" issue ("whatever the majority (states that) wants")... when most people that are posting here... 1. Are not buying the product 2. Don't know why the Schneiders of the SL-66 would be the optimum choice for it... Yet, you had a "democratical" ...opinion! ...I suggest to express your opinion as personal and let those that know different ...their right to know better than you!
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my opinion was just based on economics. i.e. the amount of lenses out there new and used/out of production that would be suitable for the camera and why there are certain mounts available at launch and not others. while I (and you) do not work for cambo Steve suggested:
"It's a consideration - I mean, Cambo is not plotting to exclude certain lenses, they are only open to the possibility of the effort and expense at adding various lensboards for lenses that may not produce as much demand as others"
perhaps you thought my observation about rollie cameras and the amount of lenses in use/available as some kind of personal slight on your choice of camera?
i attach no emotional sentiment to my own camera choice so see no need to attack people i have never met by criticising their choice of equipment, i also try to ignore reactionary emotional outbursts from fanboys.
FWIW i have started buying lenses for my impending actus purchase. my opinion is not some kind of de-facto absolute, this is after all a forum for discussion
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my opinion was just based on economics. i.e. the amount of lenses out there new and used/out of production that would be suitable for the camera and why there are certain mounts available at launch and not others. while I (and you) do not work for cambo Steve suggested:
"It's a consideration - I mean, Cambo is not plotting to exclude certain lenses, they are only open to the possibility of the effort and expense at adding various lensboards for lenses that may not produce as much demand as others"
perhaps you thought my observation about rollie cameras and the amount of lenses in use/available as some kind of personal slight on your choice of camera?
i attach no emotional sentiment to my own camera choice so see no need to attack people i have never met by criticising their choice of equipment, i also try to ignore reactionary emotional outbursts from fanboys.
FWIW i have started buying lenses for my impending actus purchase.
Opinion "on economics" can only be applied on products for the mass market... Is there something you don't understand on this? ...are you buying the product or not? ...I've already stated that I am if they release the lens adapter that I want... Please don't reply back unless you answer if you are buying the product or where you (technically) oppose my decision of lenses for it... I don't want to turn this into one's "BS opinion of economics" personal argument... This is a product for photographers and is asking photographers to find the solutions around it... There is no "democracy" or "marketing economics" here... One, either knows what he is doing with it or not... Is there anything puzzling you on this ....common sense? :P
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my last and final word on the subject:
i am buying the camera
i dont technically oppose your decision of lenses for it, i dont care what you use it makes no difference to me.
i hope your dreams come true and an SL66 mount is released as soon as possible so you can take some wonderful images with an actus camera that satisfy your needs.
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my last and final word on the subject:
i am buying the camera
i dont technically oppose your decision of lenses for it, i dont care what you use it makes no difference to me.
i hope your dreams come true and an SL66 mount is released as soon as possible so you can take some wonderful images with an actus camera that satisfy your needs.
Then why you proposed (!!!) not to make the adapter? ??? :P Was it because it was different to your choice? ;) ...In fact I don't understand at all why you replied on the matter... but I believe neither have you! :'(
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never seen a Rollei camera used professionally over 20 years in the business, not saying they are not used but don’t seem to be very popular (here in the u.k.) and never seen any rental stock or any for sale at pro-dealers. i guess it makes sense to go with what the majority of potential customers will want to use.
I don't expect it to make huge inroads immediately but it is a start…:
http://rolleiflex.co.uk/blog/
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So I have been following this camera with interest and was initially put off as it seemed that Canon TS-E lenses were out..
I just saw this blog post which definitely seems to suggest otherwise..
http://cambouk.wordpress.com/2014/09/18/cambo-actus-canon-lens-control/
I would be happy with just a Canon Eos lens board and to use the preset aperture technique but this is obviously much better! :)
I assume that the Canon Eos lenses are able to focus to infinity?
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Wow,
i would really like to see this aperture control lensboard with a Hasselblad H mount.
/Axel
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For Canon glass, why wouldn't you just use an adapter? Seems like way less headache.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/1553432_10202319767210618_1555625771_o.jpg)
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To obtain tilt/swing at the same time as well as shift/rise&fall. Otherwise I'd agree Chris.
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For Canon glass, why wouldn't you just use an adapter? Seems like way less headache.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/1553432_10202319767210618_1555625771_o.jpg)
Right - in the case of a 35mm TS Lens on a full frame 35mm sensor, perhaps not much additional benefit other than combined movements. A medium format TS lens, with its larger image circle, would offer more capability.
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration