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Actar, Cambo Actus, Cambo DSLR, Quick Tip

Actus Lens Compatibility Chart

Frequently here at the Cambo USA office we get asked questions that go something like this:

“I’m considering buying an Actus, and I don’t know what lenses to look for. What can you recommend?”

For anyone who has used an Actus (or have spoken with us at length) know that this is a very loaded question. Because there are so many different configuration options (and due to the nature of being able to adapt several hundred if not more legacy lenses to the system) it’s sometimes hard to quantify which lenses are going to work best for what system.

Without getting too technical, the answer to the compatibility question mostly relies on the Flange Focal Distance (FFD) of your camera body of choice when compared to the same measurement from your lens of choice.

FFD is the distance between the image plane (image sensor) and the front of the camera interface (mount or bayonet).


This measurement can also be known as: “Ahhhh why did this helpful article suddenly become all about math?”.

Generally speaking, for the greatest number of users, the Actar series of lenses will be a great starting point. These lenses were designed to offer the widest amount of usage across many different camera types. The only exception to this rule would be of course the Actus DB for digital backs (which is a whole other conversation in itself) because unless you are using a back with an electronic shutter, there is no way to trigger the capture process with these lenses.

“I see there is a ______ lens adaptor, can I use it on my camera?”

To make things a little clearer, please reference the below PDF for a general list of what modern or relatively available lenses could work to fit your needs. Or download a copy for yourself here.

This is not an end all list, because of the sheer number of lenses available that could possibly work. However, this should give a pretty basic starting point for looking at which options may be the best for your needs.

Cambo Actus lens compatibility table (2019-V1)

**Please note, some of these configurations may require additional bellows or monorails needed to achieve proper focus**

May 16, 2018by CamboUSA
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Cambo Actus, Cambo Studio, Cambo Wide RS, Dealer, News, Phase One, Studio Equipment

Cambo Products Now Available at Mega Pixels Digital

 

We are excited to announce that your favorite Cambo products are now available for order and purchase from Mega Pixels Digital!

Please reach out to your sales contact for more information, or to be paired with a salesperson please contact Cambo USA at info@Cambousa.com

www.Megapixelsdigital.com

Longmont

Megapixels Digital Logo
11856 Niwot Rd
Longmont, CO 80504
303-774-0712
www.megapixelsdigital.com
March 26, 2018by CamboUSA
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Actar, Adapter, Cambo Actus, Cambo Studio, Cambo Wide RS, Conference, News, Studio Equipment, Trade Show

Cambo at Society of Photographic Education – 55th Annual Conference

Please join Cambo USA at the 55th Annual Society of Photographic Education conference coming up in a few weeks in Philadelphia.

We will be sharing a booth with Phase One and showing off some of the best made equipment in the photographic industry. Including the latest accessories for the Actus series of cameras, Studio stands, light booms, and more.

 

When March 01-03, 2018 (Exhibits Fair)
Where Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

 

February 12, 2018by CamboUSA
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Bundle, Cambo Actus, Cambo Wide RS, News, Phase One, WRC, WRS

Cambo & Phase One – The Perfect Pair.

We are pleased to announce, that we’ve joined forces with Phase One to offer the market three VERY attractive bundles of Phase One, and Cambo products.

These bundles will be available for a limited time from your local Phase One Camera Partner, starting today, February 1st.

For anyone considering making the jump to digital medium format these package bundles are the perfect solution to get you shooting in no time! And of course, we here at Cambo USA are here to support you in your journey.

Any of our Cambo USA dealers will be able to assist with the purchase of any accessories or additional lenses, and of course the Cambo USA support team is here to answer any questions that may arise, or guide you on how to get the most out of your new camera!

 

February 1, 2018by CamboUSA
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Adapter, Cambo Actus, News

Cambo ACDB-989 – Interchangeable SLW Adaptor Holder For Actus-G

Since the launch of the Actus-EDU last year (and more recently the Actus-G/GFX/XCD) with its interchangeable rear bayonet system for DLSR/Mirrorless cameras. we have been getting a lot of questions for users who were looking to swap between using a Mirrorless camera and a Digital Back.

Until now, the only real solution was for a user to purchase both an Actus-Mini as well as the Actus-DB conversion kit. While this would provide a working solution for both platforms, it did add a significant cost to the Actus system as well as the inconvenience of having to swap the rear standard either before shooting had begun or in the field.

The ACDB-989 is built around the quick change mechanism of the AC-78E rear standard. It can replace the bayonet holders AC-792 (GFX), AC-793 (X1D) and AC-78E (DSLR/Mirrorless) and offers the possibility to use a digital back on the Actus-G series.

When combined with the matching SLW adaptor for your digital back, and the appropriate set of Digital Back bellows,this solution allows the user to swap between SLR/Mirrorless Cameras and Digital Backs quickly and effortlessly.

Additionally needed SLW-adapter:
  • SLW-80 for Hasselblad-V compatible digiback
  • SLW-89 for Hasselblad-H compatible digiback
  • SLW-83 for PhaseOne XF compatible digiback
  • SLW-84 for Sinar 30|45 compatible digiback
  • SLW-81 for Leaf AFi/Hy6 compatible digiback
  • WRS-1068 for Mamiya RB roll film back
Additionally needed bellows:
  • ACDB-250 as normal bellows
  • ACDB-252 as wide-angle bellows
  • ACDB-254 as long extension bellows (on AC-330 monorail)
  • ACDB-256 as macro extension bellows  (on AC-345 monorail)

The ACDB-989 is shipping now, and available for purchase from your local Cambo USA dealer.

January 24, 2018by CamboUSA
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Actar, Cambo Actus, News, Uncategorized

Distagon-35 Retrofit for Cambo Actus

We’re happy to announce another lens option for the Cambo Actus.

A special order Carl Zeiss Contax Distagon-35 refitted for use on our view cameras.

The skilled technicians at Cambo carefully remove the helical focussing mount and replace the aperture control with a manual, 15 bladed, version.

This beautiful lens works perfectly paired with both mirrorless medium format cameras and DSLRs. Even with Nikon (Nikon has the longest Flange Focal distance), thanks to the new barrel without helical.

The below test shot was made with an Actus-GFX. 5mm of fall, combined with horizontal shift to enable a stitched image.

 

 

But why? The R&D team at Cambo have this to say:

“Rebuilding a Contax 645’s 35mm into a new housing, getting rid of the helical and replacing the aperture may seem like putting a lot of effort in something you could achieve a lot easier. By i.e. mounting the lens to a Contax to Canon adapter. One reason to do it the ‘hard way’ was obviously the broader range of cameras for which the lens becomes suitable after this operation. Another is making better use of the lens’ image circle.”

They continue with:

“Stacking the lens to an adapter causes serious vignetting when shifting the rear standard of the Actus. This is caused by the relatively narrow Canon bayonet (although the biggest bayonet for 35mm cameras)”.

“The side-by-sides shown here (Above) are made with a Phase One back (using its ES shutter). In its Actar-35 incarnation the Distagon covers the complete sensor and still enables a fair bit of shift. Used via an adapter, it just covers the sensor and a minimum amount of shift will vignette.”


Due to the special conversion requirements of needing a donor lens, this service will need to be arranged with your Cambo dealer of choice. A list of dealers can be found at Cambousa.com/dealers and we at Cambo USA would be happy to provide more information or to begin the conversion process.

 

October 9, 2017by CamboUSA
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Cambo Actus, Quick Tip

Actus Quick Tip – Shooting Longer Focal Lengths without Additional Monorails

Heres a quick tip for all of our Actus users. Recently we received an email asking for us to perform a “science experiment”.

One of our users wanted to take his Actus hiking while carrying the least amount of gear possible. He also wanted to use longer focal length lenses without the need to change monorails in the field.

He asked whether or not the rear standard of his Actus-DB2 would support the use of the macro adapters designed for our WRS line of cameras. After some experimentation and many calls back to Cambo HQ in The Netherlands, I was reminded of a more elegant (and often overlooked) solution.

 


The front standard of the Actus is designed in such a way where it can be rotated 180º and a standard Actus lens board can be re-mounted. The magnetic bellows even still connect and effortlessly lock into place.

This allows for the standard 175mm monorail of the Actus DB-2 (150mm of the Actus Mini) to effectively be extended by 45mm. The photo above is taken from the Actus manual itself, and even though it shows the Actus-Mini, you get the same movements on the Actus DB2 as well.

All you need is the right length of bellows and you are back in action with as little extra equipment as possible!

 

October 5, 2017by CamboUSA
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Actar, Cambo Actus, Cambo Studio, Cambo Wide RS, Cambo X2-Pro, Dealer, MBX Studio Stand, News, WRS

Cambo Products Now Available at Fotocare.

We are happy to announce that Cambo products are available for order and purchase at Fotocare in New York City!

Please reach out to your sales contact for more information, or to be paired with a salesperson please contact Cambo USA at info@Cambousa.com

 

41 W 22nd St,
New York, NY 10010
(212) 741-2991
www.fotocare.com

September 12, 2017by CamboUSA
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Actar, Cambo Actus, Coming Soon, News, PhotoPlus Expo

Cambo Actar-105

We are happy to announce the latest addition to the Cambo Actar series of lenses pre-mounted for use with the Actus camera system.
The ACTAR-105 is a lens dedicated to the Cambo Actus in combination with any DSLR or mirrorless camera, mounted to the Actus. This lens is permanently attached to an Actus lens panel and has a focal length of 105 mm. This makes it an ideal companion for dedicated studio and primarily macro photography.
Cambo’s ACTAR-105 is based on the Rodenstock HR-Macro lens with a focal length of 105mm, dedicated to the Cambo Actus series.
It is optimised for maginifications between 1:4 and 4:1, with a floating element for the best performance at the set magnification.
It can be used on the Actus in combination with mirrorless and DSLR camera bodies, as the lens has no shutter.

The design of this lens is build of 8 elements in 4 groups.

focal length
105mm
aperture range
f 5,6 – 16  (manual)
lens construction
8 elements/ 4 groups – 1 floating group
coating
multi coating
front filter thread
m40.5
size L x W x H
75 x 98 x 130 (includes Actus mount)
weight
548 gram
image circle
82 mm
build for
Cambo Actus (non DB)
works in combination with Actus for
Canon, Nikon, Canon M, Sony A7, Fuji X, Panasonic, Leica M, Olympus OMD, Fuji GFX
availability
November 2017

Available November 2017, get your first look at Photo Plus Expo 2017.

September 7, 2017by CamboUSA
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Cambo Actus, Coming Soon, News, PhotoPlus Expo

Cambo Actus-XCD

Now that Hasselblad has released a new firmware for their X1d camera, that allows the use of the built-in electronic shutter, we at Cambo are pleased to introduce new products that support the Hasselblad X1d body.

As a further development of the ACTUS-G product line for medium format mirrorless cameras, Cambo is now introducing the ACTUS-XCD to host the Hasselblad X1D camera body. 

The ACTUS-G system was already available as ACTUS-GFX for the Fujifilm GFX series, now the bayonet holder can be supplied with the XCD bayonet from Hasselblad. The bayonet holder is interchangeable and include Cambo’s convenient internal rotation between landscape and portrait position.

The below photo is of a working prototype unit, and does not indicate the final build/finish of these units. 

The ACTUS-XCD is available for pre-order now, and will ship later in September 2017.  For pricing and ordering information please contact your closest Cambo dealer. A list of dealers are available at Cambousa.com/dealers.

September 1, 2017by CamboUSA
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“Cambo BV was founded in The Netherlands in 1946 and has the distinction of being the first studio camera manufacturer to produce an all-metal large format camera. Based in the town of Kampen in the East of the Netherlands, Cambo has since built a reputation for high quality, precision engineered cameras, stands and other studio equipment.”

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