Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: Enda Cavanagh on March 21, 2013, 01:49:27 pm

Title: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on March 21, 2013, 01:49:27 pm
Well. I've decided to go all Arca Swiss after 4 years with my beloved Cambo Digitar Wide DS.
I'm getting the
RL3Di camera
the viewfinder,
the new Rodenstock 90mm (have to wait a good 4 months :'()
they are modifying my Schneider 28mm, 35mm and 47mm from the Cambo mount
the e cloud module
the Cube Tripod Head
a Mono rail for 360 degree panoramics.
Other bits and pieces.
I have to get a 72mm or 90mm for the 5 x 4 inch back
Looking forward to trying out some 5 x 4 inch as well as digital. The RM3Di fell a wee bit short on it's movements with my digital back. Can't wait to take advantage of the tilt on the camera.
Just sent my 3 lenses to Arca Swiss to get get modified from the Cambo mount plus I sent my H3D 39 back to get calibrated for my Arca Swiss for an exact match.

I asked Martin to customize the camera for me. He's adding bar levels. I hate the one on the RM3Di. Also he is adding movement in increments of mm for more prices movements. (important for 4 movement image stitches for example)

Heading over probably next friday to pick it up and to run through the entire system. Need to get my head around the focus and iCloud and (throw away years of instinctively knowing where to focus using a standard focus scale  ;D )

Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Brian Hirschfeld on March 22, 2013, 12:32:02 am
Sounds awesome, let us know how it goes, I've been very interested to see some first hand experiences with the RL3Di, the ability to take some 4x5 film pictures seems pretty cool...
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on March 22, 2013, 02:43:35 pm
Ya Brian. Can't wait to get working with it. I'll let you know how it goes. :)
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Ken Doo on March 22, 2013, 02:47:55 pm
Christmas was either really early or really late!

Congrats either way!

 ;D
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Paul2660 on March 22, 2013, 03:04:55 pm
Congratulations, on the new camera.   When you see Martin, pass on many others would prefer the bar levels also. 

You didn't mention the grip extension, however you might want to look at that also, allows for a much great control/security when hold the camera and back.

Paul Caldwell
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on March 22, 2013, 03:11:50 pm
Thanks Paul. Will do. Hopefully there won't be too many things I'm tempted to get when I go over  :D
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: buckshot on March 23, 2013, 03:49:52 pm
Good stuff - quite some set up - would be interesting to hear about your experiences with the RL3Di, not much user feedback on that (the larger) model to be had on the old interweb.

For anyone else out there contemplating such a move, how long did Arca say it would take to remount your lenses - is this something that they do quite quickly or is it a long turnaround? (since Arca have a bit of a reputation for taking an age to do most things). Did you just FedEx them, or send them back via a dealer (is there an Arca dealer in Ireland?)

Cheers,

Jim
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on March 23, 2013, 04:08:16 pm
Hi Jim
No dealer in Ireland unfortunately. I sent the lenses direct to Arca Swiss with UPS (plus back for exact calibration) on thursday I think. Martin will probably have the lenses on tuesday. He said he would need 2 days to modify the lenses and calibrated the camera to the back. I can collect the camera on friday!! Pretty quick turnaround I would say.
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: johnasmith on March 23, 2013, 11:01:46 pm
Hi from John Smith I spend a year of trying to decide which tec camera to buy and reading what
other people were saying good and bad about all of the tec cameras. I went with the Rl3Di as you have.
focus is very critical in digital with the arca you have the big focus ring to work with very fine focusing. I thought
about the linhof tecLhno but whent with arca because of that focus ring.For hyper focus all I have to do is look at
hyper focus card I have figured out and dial in the focus number like for my 43xl sc dial at 8 and 21 ft to inf is n focus.Also
I use a Leupold RX-1000 for finding distance.this is a great unit for distance finding 6x sighting finder and very bright red
led cross hairs low light bright light reads up to 3000ft which is over kill,also it gives you the angle of degree
reading when your tilting. If you have not shot with the digital lens from sc,or rodos you are for treat in sharpness.
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: buckshot on March 24, 2013, 09:50:12 am
Hi Jim
No dealer in Ireland unfortunately. I sent the lenses direct to Arca Swiss with UPS (plus back for exact calibration) on thursday I think. Martin will probably have the lenses on tuesday. He said he would need 2 days to modify the lenses and calibrated the camera to the back. I can collect the camera on friday!! Pretty quick turnaround I would say.

Fair play to Arca - that's a pretty impressive turnaround.
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Harold Clark on March 24, 2013, 05:50:56 pm
Well. I've decided to go all Arca Swiss after 4 years with my beloved Cambo Digitar Wide DS.
I'm getting the
RL3Di camera
the viewfinder,
the new Rodenstock 90mm (have to wait a good 4 months :'()
they are modifying my Schneider 28mm, 35mm and 47mm from the Cambo mount
the e cloud module
the Cube Tripod Head
a Mono rail for 360 degree panoramics.
Other bits and pieces.
I have to get a 72mm or 90mm for the 5 x 4 inch back
Looking forward to trying out some 5 x 4 inch as well as digital. The RM3Di fell a wee bit short on it's movements with my digital back. Can't wait to take advantage of the tilt on the camera.
Just sent my 3 lenses to Arca Swiss to get get modified from the Cambo mount plus I sent my H3D 39 back to get calibrated for my Arca Swiss for an exact match.

I asked Martin to customize the camera for me. He's adding bar levels. I hate the one on the RM3Di. Also he is adding movement in increments of mm for more prices movements. (important for 4 movement image stitches for example)

Heading over probably next friday to pick it up and to run through the entire system. Need to get my head around the focus and iCloud and (throw away years of instinctively knowing where to focus using a standard focus scale  ;D )



I am sure you will be very pleased with the Arca, I rented a RM3 and IQ180 for a shoot where we needed higher resolution than my Canons could provide. I loved the feel of precision, and the focus is deadly accurate once calibrated.
I used the sliding back for viewing, are you getting one? It did make the whole package somewhat bulkier. If you are used to the Cambo you are no doubt accustomed to working without this. Please let us know your impressions once you have put it through it's paces
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on March 24, 2013, 05:54:36 pm
Hi Harold
No I'm definitely not going for the sliding back. As you say I'm used to the Cambo and I much prefer the viewfinder for guestimating the composition and than viewing the image it on the lcd. It would not suit my workflow. Looking forward to getting my hands on the e module though
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Harold Clark on March 24, 2013, 06:01:37 pm
Hi Harold
No I'm definitely not going for the sliding back. As you say I'm used to the Cambo and I much prefer the viewfinder for guestimating the composition and than viewing the image it on the lcd. It would not suit my workflow. Looking forward to getting my hands on the e module though

You will find the Arca viewfinder much more accurate than the Cambo too, it was part of the kit I had and I quite liked it. This is the shot I did, a very large mural for a condo developer.
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on March 24, 2013, 06:04:55 pm
The mask on the viewfinder seems like a great idea. Not sure how it will work when trying to visualize panoramics because I will only be able to see what a single image looks like. In affect what makes the viewfinder so accurate will at times hamper me.
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: gigdagefg on March 24, 2013, 09:19:11 pm
I am a huge fan of the Arca Swiss rm3di, but the viewfinder is almost useless
Stanley
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: julienlanoo on March 25, 2013, 04:20:29 am
The Cloud is Realy easy to use, once you get it callibrated correctly ( as it comes un calibrated) ..

You have to calibrate it for your eyes..
And also, the viewfinder of the Cloud is so clear you have to "adapt" or get used to the way of working, as "sharp" doesn't mean "Tack sharp", always have to Try 2 times to get exact, as it's so precise you can jump 2 - 3 meters by half a milimeter turn..

I als remarked i have to start always at infinity and go back to sharpness to get the " sharpest" measurement ...

but any how, i now can use F5.6 and be shure i am tack-sharp where i want to   
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: ltucker on March 25, 2013, 12:00:20 pm
I am a huge fan of the Arca Swiss rm3di, but the viewfinder is almost useless
Stanley

You need some assistance then Stanley, as I find the viewfinder very accurate for composing a shot for focal length selection, then determining how much rise/fall and shift is required. I prefer that to guessing as I am fussy about composition, especially leading lines into the corners of the frame and such. Also, use of the viewfinder can speed your set up time.

If there is something inaccurate with your viewfinder, then I'd call your dealer for some support.
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on March 25, 2013, 12:15:37 pm
You need some assistance then Stanley, as I find it very the viewfinder very accurate for composing a shot for focal length selection, then determining how much rise/fall and shift is required. I prefer that to guessing as I am fussy about composition, especially leading lines into the corners of the frame and such. Also, use of the viewfinder can speed your set up time.

If there is something inaccurate with your viewfinder, then I'd call your dealer for some support.

How do you use it to compose panoramic shots when you can't see the full image circle. That's my worry. The Cambo viewfinder is not as good but you can see the full image circle and than guestimate the amount of movement needed as a starting point. I just think the main plus about the Arca Swiss viewfinder will be it's biggest drawback when shooting panos
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: ltucker on March 25, 2013, 01:11:48 pm
How do you use it to compose panoramic shots when you can't see the full image circle. That's my worry. The Cambo viewfinder is not as good but you can see the full image circle and than guestimate the amount of movement needed as a starting point. I just think the main plus about the Arca Swiss viewfinder will be it's biggest drawback when shooting panos



When I was learning to shoot 4"X10" film panoramics, I'd carry a little cardboard mask with the 4X10 ratio cutout. Moving it away from the eye was a representation of longer focal lengths, moving it closer to the eye simulated normal focal lengths, and up to the eye, wide angle. With experience it became easy to use and I'd know what to select - 450mm, 300mm, 210mm, etc.

Now working panoramics digitally, I'll choose focal length based on the vertical aspect I need to capture. The Variofinder can be handheld for making focal length and composition decisions (very useful off camera for technical scouting days).

I begin with the center frame and make any minor adjustments to fine tune. After I'm happy with the center, I'll capture the left and right by shifting each direction. I usually shoot 3 frame panoramics so I have ample overlap. If I'm working with fast moving clouds in a scene, and a focal length longer then 47mm, 2 frames are enough overlap (one shifted all the way left and one all the way to the right) I'm sure Enda knows this part, but for anyone new to panoramic stitching, the overlap needed is dependent on your DB sensor size, and the amount of movement your lens can handle. For landscape and architectural subjects, I almost always use either rise or fall plus shift to make panoramics. The all in plane movements, all made from the rear of the Arca Rm3di make stitching almost error free. I use the reposition method in Photomerge Photoshop CS6 (works great in PS4 and PS5 too).
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on March 25, 2013, 01:19:19 pm
Hi there
Thanks for the info. I have a lot of experience with panos but my point is how do you use the variofinder to compose a panoramic when you only see what a single image looks like. The mask is in the way. This in affect hinders you from properly assessing what is possible with the given lens without having to move the mask around while looking through the viewfinder. Is that easy to do if so than it should be ok. 
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: ltucker on March 25, 2013, 01:42:40 pm
Hi there
Thanks for the info. I have a lot of experience with panos but my point is how do you use the variofinder to compose a panoramic when you only see what a single image looks like. The mask is in the way. This in affect hinders you from properly assessing what is possible with the given lens without having to move the mask around while looking through the viewfinder. Is that easy to do if so than it should be ok. 

The mask of the Variofinder slides up, down, left and right. First decide on rise/fall, then determine the center of your panoramic scene, next slide the mask left to see where your left edge will end, then repeat on the right. It just takes a bit of user experience. Small pinpoints of light are revealed when the mask is moved. Each dot of light is 5mm of movement. So for a left/right shift, revealing 3 dots of light will be the full shift in one direction.

Rod Klukas from Arca-Swiss USA has a video online that you'll find helpful. The Variofinder explanation is about 9 minutes into the video. You should be able to quickly slide over to 9:00 min to see the Variofinder segment.
http://rodklukas.com/video/

Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on March 25, 2013, 01:50:14 pm
Looking at the video it's quite easy to move the mask around while looking through the viewfinder
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Doug Peterson on March 25, 2013, 02:12:58 pm
Edna, it would also be possible to create a custom mask with a custom aspect ratio representing a fixed stitch (e.g. +/-20mm).
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on March 25, 2013, 02:14:25 pm
Thanks Doug. I'll talk to Martin about that. That would be useful
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: johnasmith on March 25, 2013, 07:23:07 pm
Hi Enda I have a 4x5 ground glass sliding back for my Arca Rl3D I can see all of the image on
the ground glass plus there are crop marks to shoot 3 verticals with my p65 back making a 30x60
image .The thing I like is cropping pano right on ground glass.Also with other lens I can see the whole image
circle so I can see whats out of the p65 image box.If you send me your email I;ll send you image of back
as its still a beta back John
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on March 25, 2013, 07:33:28 pm
Hi John
The sliding back just doesn't suit me, because of
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on April 01, 2013, 08:05:05 am
I had a great Skype video call with Martin.
Some great functionality I wasn't aware of
If I rotate the camera 90 degrees on the tripod and rotate the back 90 degrees on the camera it allows up to 60mm of shift with 40mm in one direction!!
This will also allow me to apply swing. Very useful.
The zoom on the viewfinder means I only need one mask for all my viewfinders. No more messing around with different masks which was a bit of a pain with the Cambo.
Have booked flights for next Monday. Hoped to go tomorrow but flights would have worked out too expensive. :o(
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: julienlanoo on April 02, 2013, 05:23:17 am
E module cloud is great, certanly for wide angles..

You need to get used to it.. as it's really precise, and you eyes can corrupt your self.

I also found, you have to calibrate it, ( at infinity), but the first time you do it you're wrong :) :p, so you have to do it a few times.
Eventually you'll get it right, you just need to get used to it..

Also i've remarked the leveling strangely, you have to recalibrate more than once. As it changes, no big deal, just level your camera and press the button...


Few remarks...
Have to turn it off, sooner after a photo, as you can't shoot a day with it ( complete day)
the cable for one a Rm3di is just a bit to long :)


Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on April 02, 2013, 05:29:31 am
Thanks Julien. Can't wait to test it out. The benefit of going to the factory is that Martin can run through the different issues. 6 days and counting  8)
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: julienlanoo on April 02, 2013, 05:39:27 am
Rotate 90%? how do you fix it to your tripot-head ? ..
As at one side you have the orange ting to hold it..
On the other side you have your cloud module?..

Without a Hudge L bracket i don't see how i can do it ?..
Swing could interest me to that's why i ask you..

Also for images with different focus points, the cloud is hudgely practical, as you know what you do :) ..

More than this, the R serie is compatibel with all the arca F or M line and so ( depending on the size of R you have-, ..
Thus if you want a " complete " technical camera, you can buy a " half " F or M, and use your R as a lens plate..

I've got the sliding back too and find it extreamly use full,
But what you might want to get too ( if you don't want the sliding back), is the back rotating add-ons. So you don't have to get your back of the camera to rotate it...

I fell in love with the arca system, as i can have multiple different camera's, with on the end a "smaler" investment, as everything works together!..

Next thing i'll buy is a F line, 6x9, and all my accesories form the R works on it. Even the lenzes, ( as arca has a R lens mount for the F line). That's what Sinar and linhof didn't have.
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: julienlanoo on April 02, 2013, 05:45:59 am
By the way, while you are in Bessançon,
rent a car and go around..

You have the Birth place of victor Hugo,
You have the citadel in the mountains
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on April 02, 2013, 06:20:03 am
Rotate 90%? how do you fix it to your tripot-head ? ..
As at one side you have the orange ting to hold it..
On the other side you have your cloud module?..

Without a Hudge L bracket i don't see how i can do it ?..
Swing could interest me to that's why i ask you..

Also for images with different focus points, the cloud is hudgely practical, as you know what you do :) ..

More than this, the R serie is compatibel with all the arca F or M line and so ( depending on the size of R you have-, ..
Thus if you want a " complete " technical camera, you can buy a " half " F or M, and use your R as a lens plate..

I've got the sliding back too and find it extreamly use full,
But what you might want to get too ( if you don't want the sliding back), is the back rotating add-ons. So you don't have to get your back of the camera to rotate it...

I fell in love with the arca system, as i can have multiple different camera's, with on the end a "smaler" investment, as everything works together!..

Next thing i'll buy is a F line, 6x9, and all my accesories form the R works on it. Even the lenzes, ( as arca has a R lens mount for the F line). That's what Sinar and linhof didn't have.


You just rotate the tripod head as if you were shooting a portrait format shot on a regular camera. You don't need to remove the camera itself. You than take the back off and rotate that too.
I actually wanted to fly to Geneva and rent a car because of the nice drive but the flights were ridiculously expensive so I'm going to Paris and down with the TGV
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: julienlanoo on April 02, 2013, 06:33:53 am
-> Flights Paris - Geneva, are dirt cheap, ( Easyjet 50 euros or so, ) (But it think to Bessançon your travel would be shorter).
-> TGV is much more confortable :)

-> You can still rent a car in Bessançon,

-> Ok rotating, but then you're camera isn't in the center of your head anymore.


Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on April 02, 2013, 06:53:02 am
The problem is I just left it to late :D
I don't think that's a problem unless you are doing 360's which you wouldn't to do this way anyway. If you are just doing a single image or a panoramic of say 3 exposures (because of the huge amount of shift possible) than the lens stays still so there shouldn't be any issues.
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: julienlanoo on April 08, 2013, 01:15:27 am
Get your pountt,

But to get it leveled its much easier :)

I ve got the C1 ( like most gearheads have) wonderfull head, but the 90° option, i only use if i can t do other wise, as its, with a heavy cam difficult to level tilt wise... Thats why a L bracket on my 645 was a must !!
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on May 21, 2013, 04:05:49 pm
Well. After 2 months of been fu*ked around I now have an Arca Swiss Camera system that appears to work.
Went to Arca Swiss to pick up the camera system and get a 3 or 4 hours tutorial on the focus ring and the emodule. First problem. Emodule falsely calibrated. Too much time been spent to rectify the problem and as a result, I missed my flight. Got emodule a week later. Went to calibrate emodule. Noticed focus ring was off 2 indexes on all 3 lenses. Sent 3 lenses back for calibration. Got 3 lenses back. Went to calibrate module. Now lenses were all off by 2 indexes in the opposite direction. Sent lenses, back camera, everything back. Got everything back today. Problem solved. One very unimpressed customer. It better be worth it.

Things I love about the camera.
The emodule is a piece of genius. Once calibrated it works like a dream. Will make my like so much easier.
The Cube head (which I've had for the 2 months) is a thing of engineering beauty. Love it. I love the way once leveled it is level for 360 degrees. This will be invaluable for my 360 degree panoramics.
The viewfinder is fantastic. No comparison between it and the Cambo viewfinder. Although what I love about the Cambo viewfinder is that you can see the whole image circle and you can place the rectangle (in your mind) around the viewfinder. Great for someone like me who does a lot of panos.
I love the way you can zoom the viewfinder. No need for rummaging around looking for masks as you change lenses. (Right now all lenses are wide angle so I just use the one mask.)
I love the ability for tilt in the camera adding extra depth of field. Not always suitable, especially for architectural work where you may have something tall and low down in the shot which would be outside the focus plane (rendering it soft) Never used tilt before so there is a learning curve here.
I love the way you can take the front part of the camera off and turn it 90 degrees. This gives you swing as the tilt know is now rotated. This is not possible with RM3D.
I love the way you can quickly take the back off 90 degrees as opposed to rotating the camera 90 degrees. This combined with the viewfinder having a second connection piece on it's side makes life easier for portrait format shots. Also it meant I just had to buy a monorail for the camera to get 0 parallax shots for my 360 degree panoramics as opposed to having to use something like a nodal ninja head.
I love the way the lens is always fixed during camera movements and not just in one direction and without a bloody expensive adaptor plate (Alpa)
I love the incredible amount of movement with the camera. Up to 40 mm rise (and fall if you rotate the camera upside down) and 20mm shift. Great for the 43mm Schneider and the 90mm Rodenstock when I get it.
I love the quick release Arca Swiss connection between camera and head.
I love the precision of the focus ring. This combined with the emodule will give outstanding precision.
Haven't used the 5 x 4 inch back yet but that should be fun.

Things I don't like about the camera.
The mask on the viewfinder has several negatives along with the positives. You can only move the mask 15mm up/down and 10mm left/right. A major drawback for anyone who stitches and shoots panoramics beyond 10mm. The mask falls off way to easily and isn't very precise with it's markings. (and yes I have bent the mask slightly to make it "stick" better)
I am not a fan of the magnetic cable release. It falls out so easily when holding it in your hand. I'll use if for another while. Hopefully I'll get used to it. Otherwise I'll use a standard cable release.
Attaching the lenses is very fiddly. It is quite easy to incorrectly attach the lens, whereby it is not parallel to the sensor. As a result anything beyond 5m or so is soft, even when focused on infinity. For low light photography this may prove to be a right pain in the ass as I may not notice the lens is not completely parallel to the focus ring. Also because the 28mm plate is recessed it is even harder to assertion if it's in correctly.

All in all though it seems to be a fantastic camera. Now to take some bloody photos.

 
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: FMueller on May 21, 2013, 09:15:40 pm
"Green light"?

Is that from your accountant, your wife, or your trust fund? ;)
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on May 22, 2013, 11:45:23 am
"Green light"?

Is that from your accountant, your wife, or your trust fund? ;)

Mr. Bank man oh Mr. Bank man ooooooh yaaaaaaaa
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: FMueller on May 24, 2013, 10:40:53 am


Mr. Bank man oh Mr. Bank man ooooooh yaaaaaaaa

Yes, of course. I suspect this sort of capital expenditure in a business context is justifiable.

We enthusiasts are subject to a more sobering calculation.  :-\

Enjoy that new equipment. Fine tools are always a joy for the artist and craftsman.
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on May 27, 2013, 06:27:09 am

Yes, of course. I suspect this sort of capital expenditure in a business context is justifiable.

We enthusiasts are subject to a more sobering calculation.  :-\

Enjoy that new equipment. Fine tools are always a joy for the artist and craftsman.

The impression I get from LL and GetDpi is that it's the enthusiasts who seem keen to have the most up to date and expensive camera systems.  ;D
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Ken R on May 27, 2013, 10:30:06 am
The impression I get from LL and GetDpi is that it's the enthusiasts who seem keen to have the most up to date and expensive camera systems.  ;D

Yes. The thing is MFDB's have not reached a point where they are so well sorted out that they make a new generation of backs frivolous. That is in regards to primarily untethered Live View (nonexistent with the exception of the Phase1 IQ series and the Leaf Credo's, and its still not where people want it to be), screen quality/functionality and high iso/long exposures. The Phase IQ backs are a pretty big leap in those aspects hence they are worth the upgrade and are almost there. The new IQ2XX series back add wireless connectivity and the IQ260 long exposures. All these qualities/features are of particularly high importance for tech camera users.

Tech cameras have come a long way also. The new Arca R's seem very well sorted out. The only weak link in the system that I see is the copal shutter. I am sure in the future we will see a nice compact electronic leaf shutter option that can be controlled either by the back or a small controller (maybe a new version of the e-module?).

Medium Format SLR's are also pretty much well behind current DSLR technology. Mostly they are inherited systems from the film era. The Hasselblad H5D's look well sorted out and the Mamiya/Phase 645's have been improved. But, people are still left wanting. They still look like hybrid systems and are somewhat clunky. The Leica S looks like it's superb though. The Pentax 645D is also really nice (I used it for about a month).

So a lot of people will gravitate to the latest gear since even the previous generation is still not exactly cheap!

The Arca should work very well with the future generation of backs though (specially with the rodenstock HR lenses) and Arca seems to be committed with digital. (Alpa and Cambo also)
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on May 27, 2013, 10:45:51 am
new IQ2XX series back add wireless connectivity and the IQ260 long exposures. All these qualities/features are of particularly high importance for tech camera users.

As long as dark exposures are needed on all exposures for Leaf and Phase One backs I will not use those systems as good as they are. The camera still has to work for me. I would in affect double my shooting time. In regards to my commercials work I charge for my time. In regard to my fine art work, I shoot mostly panoramics with multiple exposures and I have no desire to stand around twiddling my thumbs. If even Phase One could eliminate the need for the dark exposure for anything under say 4 to 8 minutes that would be a game changer for me. Anything over that would be rarely shot anyway. Hasselblad do not require a dark exposure so I am leaning towards the H5D 50 as an upgrade. The max exposure is 128 seconds. I also won't have the issues with Schneider wide angles. All my lenses are Schneiders. The H5D 40 can shoot at 256 seconds but would not suit me because of the image crop


So a lot of people will gravitate to the latest gear since even the previous generation is still not exactly cheap!

A lot of professionals can't gravitate to the latest gear because budgets have been shot to sh*t   :-[
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Ken R on May 27, 2013, 04:54:55 pm
A lot of professionals can't gravitate to the latest gear because budgets have been shot to sh*t   :-[

True. I'm a professional and I make all my money using Canon gear. I will try to incorporate my Phase One / Arca rig into some of the professional work I do though. I got the Medium Format system for my landscape photography. I do some paid Architecture photography every month and for that I would need the 23mm HR and thats a very expensive proposition :).

The camera gear is only one part of the equation. A lot of my equipment is more on the lighting side of things. I concentrate a lot of my efforts on pre production and just giving the best service I can to my clients. For me photography is a business but before that I was and still am an enthusiast. I love it. Things are tough but there is always a market.

But yeah, a lot of doctors, lawyers, patent holders and wealth management folks (among others) that are enthusiast photographers purchase quite a bit of the high end gear. I think that has always been the case to some degree.
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: FMueller on May 27, 2013, 08:12:36 pm
The impression I get from LL and GetDpi is that it's the enthusiasts who seem keen to have the most up to date and expensive camera systems.  ;D

Yes, I would agree. I'm trying to not be that guy. I'm printing more because screen gazing only feeds into the gearhead syndrome. At least for me, a print is the end product. Can't say that I don't enjoy fine equipment, but I enjoy a fine print even more. First thing I did with my new (refurbished) DB was get a few shots so I could pull a print. It made me smile.

I also have to add this link to a blogpost from a photographer, Kirk Tuck. It is so relevant to your comment.

More like play, less like work. http://visualsciencelab.blogspot.com/2013/05/more-like-play-less-like-work.html
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Smoothjazz on May 27, 2013, 11:32:40 pm
I don't use the Variofinder either- the IQ 180 back becomes the viewfinder in a certain sense.
 It seems to be more work than benefit to put the finder on.
Using it handheld is a good tip; I have to try that.
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: julienlanoo on May 28, 2013, 11:14:40 am
I've got a magnetic tip trick ( i've worked out being just as annoyed as you).
I even use magnetic tip now with the Kature group 1 shot cable.

The moment you put the magnetic tip on the lens, turn it a few times clockwise, just like you would screw in the release cable.
This to magnetise the metal round completely, and to generate a bit of static, => it sticks way better that way :p

There is a way to reinforce the magnet ( called using fisics) an that's by rubbing it with a more powerfull magnet... Only problem i didn't find how to rub a more powerfull magnet in that small plug.
Any way i am thinking of making a 12V electro magnet the size of a pen to magnetise the magnet more :)

The focus error was quite big at 2, i have one of 1.1, that's fine for me , as i've calibrated my cloud to it..

greets
ju
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: julienlanoo on May 28, 2013, 11:19:21 am
By the way, the front 90% flip ,
does work on the Rm3di, as i use it constantly :p
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: julienlanoo on May 28, 2013, 11:32:17 am
One more Remark Enda,
Welcome in France, if you see it will take 4 hours, count on it it will take 8 :) , that's france, why? So you have bloody time to go and have a coffie in Bistro, or have "aperitifs" before you eat of course,.. In France 4 hours is the "actual time working on it" not the actual time you will be spending on it .. of course! :p

( Love France for that :) )
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on May 28, 2013, 11:32:56 am
By the way, the front 90% flip ,
does work on the Rm3di, as i use it constantly :p

Ah. Ok. I was told it's just on the RL3D. Thanks for the tip Julien with the cable release. I'll do that from now on.
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Enda Cavanagh on May 28, 2013, 11:33:43 am
One more Remark Enda,
Welcome in France, if you see it will take 4 hours, count on it it will take 8 :) , that's france, why? So you have bloody time to go and have a coffie in Bistro, or have "aperitifs" before you eat of course,.. In France 4 hours is the "actual time working on it" not the actual time you will be spending on it .. of course! :p

( Love France for that :) )

Ya but I was dealing with Swiss.  They must have left the clock at home ;D
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: julienlanoo on May 28, 2013, 11:51:17 am
wether you are dealing with "swiss, chineese, italians, germans, " whatever, you are dealing with them in France :) :p that's the difference
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: julienlanoo on May 28, 2013, 11:58:54 am
I have an other tip,
You know those "calibrated rings" wel your lens is mounted on a lens plate that is screwed into that ring.
Always be shure to check it that plate is well attached..
I once had the problem with my 90 mm that the plate wasn't completely screwed in and almost fell down ( fell in my hand) ..
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Paul2660 on May 28, 2013, 12:13:09 pm
On the rm3di the flip works but its much less 20mm and 30mm vs the 40 and 60 on the rl3d.  On a 60mp back I only have 1 lens that will go to 20mm,  the 60mm SK. 

Paul Caldwell
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Smoothjazz on May 28, 2013, 12:52:13 pm
I took the magnetic cable releases off all of my lenses, as they seemed to come off too easily.
I am now trying the Kapture group cable, which has the benefit of pressing one single cable release that both wakes up the camera back and also releases the shutter- saving one step.
Title: Re: Green light for complete Arca Swiss RL3Di
Post by: Paul2660 on May 28, 2013, 01:27:27 pm
+1 to Kapture group cable. 

Paul Caldwell