Arca Swiss Rm3Di Vs RL3D Vs Alpa Max

[Jim2]

I bought the RL3D from Capture Intergration after about a year of trying
to decide on what tec camera to buy for my p65.I read all the forums and talked to
a lot of people before deciding on this camera.I wanted to make the right choice for my
landscape photography,because your going to spend lot money for a tec kit.Also I
wanted to buy a camera that hopfully I would not have to replace for a long time.

I understand your point above... and this is probably not directly relevant - but nevertheless a question, especially for the Rm/rl3d owners: Are the same lenses usable on both RL3D and RM3D ? And what about m-line2 ?

[buckshot]

Also I had
a Idea about something that I would like to have this camera do,so I called up a company
that makes after market products for tec cameras and asked if they could build a specific
thing for this camera.They said they would and I have the prototype in my hands now doing
testing.the final unit will be available soon.It will something that no other tec camera can do.

It's not a pop-up flash is it? 

Would be interesting to know what it really is...some form of back tilt perhaps?

Answers on a postcard please.

[Chris Eyrich]

Are the same lenses usable on both RL3D and RM3D ? And what about m-line2 ?

Yes and yes. As to using the lenses on the M-line 2, have a look at the pictures on Christopher Barrett's blog:

http://christopherbarrett.net/blog/?p=1350 (scroll down)

Chris

[BillOConnor]

Good for you! That's what I love about tech/view cameras, the user can create options the rest of us can use.
I can't wait to see what you've come up with.

Bill

[MNG]

Hi Christopher,

Have you received your RM3Di camera and lenses?
Can you report back with anything which you like or dislike?
Do you use it with the viewfinder and which lenses did you end up with?
Cheers
Michael

[Christopher]

I currently use the camera with the R32, R40, S43, R90 and S150. The back i use is a IQ180 and that is the reason why I'm probably selling the S43, just to much Colorcast. I really like the camera and can't complain. I love the lens shade system, which I personally think is a Joke on the Alpas, or should i say none existend ? Especially on the Rodenstock lenses a good lens shade is important. I will probably write more on the subject once i'm back from Asia and have some more time.

I think both the Alpa and Arca are great systems. In the end I think currently the Arca is the better option, if one does not plan to get a camera like the Alpa TC. This is where Alpa really shines, being able to use the same lenses on a camera like the Alpa Max and the Alpa TC. However, I still have the Phase One 645 with some great lenses so i don't need a "tech" camera for this prupose.

[TH_Alpa]

Dear Christopher

There exists actually a professional lens shade system, for the lenses used on an Alpa camera, here:

http://www.alpa.ch/en/products/lenses/pro-lens-shades/pro-lens-shade7075.html

It can be used on following Rodenstock lenses:

Rodenstock HR Digaron-S 23 mm
Rodenstock HR Digaron-S 28 mm
Rodenstock HR Digaron-S 35 mm
Rodenstock HR Digaron-W 40 mm
Rodenstock HR Digaron-W 50 mm
Rodenstock HR Digaron-W 90 mm

As well as on these Schneider lenses:

Schneider ALPA Apo-Helvetar 48 mm
ALPA AAA 45 mm
ALPA AAA 55 mm
Schneider Super-Angulon 47 mm XL
Schneider Super-Angulon 58 mm XL

Worth IMO to have a look at it.

Best regards
Thierry

I love the lens shade system, which I personally think is a Joke on the Alpas, or should i say none existend ?

[Christoph C. Feldhaim]

There exists actually a professional lens shade system, for the lenses used on an Alpa camera, here:
http://www.alpa.ch/en/products/lenses/pro-lens-shades/pro-lens-shade7075.html

For a price of    493 Swiss Franken = 590 US$.
My mind is doing hard gymnastics to understand this ... and fails.

[Christopher]

I have seen the system and while it is really well made and great quality, I personally think it is not enough. I feel that a lot of modern lenses are very prone to flare and need more shading. The Alpa lens shade system, is way to limited for me. I personally would say that Sinars, Arcas and Linhos bellow/shade system are far better.

[TH_Alpa]

Dear Christoph,

It is not a mass production, it is tooled with the most precise CNC machines, in very limited quantities, in Switzerland. If you have the opportunity to visit Alpa do it, you will understand what means ultimate quality in terms of costs and that quality has its cost.


Best regards
Thierry

For a price of    493 Swiss Franken = 590 US$.

[TH_Alpa]

Then there is another solution: the Lee Filters compendium can be mounted as well, among other compendium systems:

http://www.leefilters.com/camera/products/range/ref:I46C9C213A68B5/

Best regards
Thierry

I have seen the system and while it is really well made and great quality, I personally think it is not enough. ....

[Christopher]

Then there is another solution: the Lee Filters compendium can be mounted as well, among other compendium systems:

http://www.leefilters.com/camera/products/range/ref:I46C9C213A68B5/

Best regards
Thierry

Yes or one could use the Sinar Artec Shade system. There are options and everyone can choose the own. I just realy love how the bellow of the Arca works and I find it better than the Linhof System.