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News, Uncategorized, Workshops

Cambo Factory Tour 2019 – Event Roundup

Pim, and our team of adventurers ready to set out for a day of shooting.

When we set out to create what would become the 2019 Cambo Factory tour late in 2018 we sat and tried to create an event that both was visually interesting as well as something that would be stimulating for a fan of Cambo equipment (or someone who was curious about how a final camera is “born” from raw materials).

Our workshop tour-guides Koop and Rene from Cambo NL.

We started the first official day of our workshop at Cambo Headquarters and Factory in the small town of Kampen in The Netherlands.

Our hosts gratefully started with a brief history lesson which served to tell us how Cambo as a company was started, and walked us through some of the design ethos to help us understand where the company would be going.

Renè shows a part in the process of being milled.

We then were lead through a guided tour of the factory floor. We would see how each product begins as a digital rendering, which then gets fed into a computerized milling machine that transforms raw aluminum blocks into a final product.

We also just happened to be in the factory while some new products were making their way off the line. Our tour group were the first people outside of The Netherlands to see these upcoming camera accessories!

“These are our ‘lucky stones’ that remove the rough edges” – Koop

After lunch in the neighboring village we were back in the conference room and it was time for the fun to really begin. Each participant was given the opportunity to check out whatever equipment they could possibly imagine.

Each participant then received specialized one-on-one training as to how to best get the most out of what would be their tools for the rest of the week. As well as a special gift, a personalized camera bracket, that was laser engraved with each participant’s name and markings to indicate it came from our Tulip adventure that would commence the next day.

Sunrise wasn’t a challenge for Geneviève, our Swiss visitor.

Our plans to capture Kampen at sunrise may have fallen short due to morning mist and cloudy skies, but that didn’t stop us from trying.

Photo by Steven Barger

After a nice breakfast, it was off to the races!

All packed and ready to go!

We met with Pim Van Der Maden, a well known Dutch photographer, and Renè from Cambo who would be our local guides for the tour.

Our wonderful tour guide, Pim Van Der Maden
“You see a photo with your eyes, but you feel a photo with your heart”
Pim and Judy discuss the best ways to apply camera movements to her image.
Steven got his hands on the WRS-1600 and a new Rodenstock Aperture Only mounted lens.
Photo by Steven Barger
Renè made sure to have a spare WRS body near by, just in case anyone wanted something else to try.
Photo by Judy Doherty

If we had waited another week all of these tulips would have already been harvested. The warm winter earlier in the year caused the bloom to start before we arrived. While we were shooting, the farmers were walking the rest of the fields removing any stray colored flowers that had made their way into the neatly organized rows.

After a full morning of Tulips, we went back to Pim’s studio for a much needed cup of hot coffee.

The clay ground of the tulip fields definitely needed proper footwear. The inside of our tour van looked much worse once we were done with it.
Pim invited us into his studio for refreshments and to see some of his recent projects.

We then moved to the (former) island of Schokland, which back before the reclamation in the 1940s was known to have the North and South ends almost completely separated from each other every day during high tide.

Suzanne quickly learned what the Actus was capable of.
The (Former) island of Schokland made for some beautiful images of the reclaimed land.
Photo by Judy Doherty

Just 77 years ago, most of this area was under water as it exists below sea level.

Photo by Blake Griffin

We then moved to the seaside village of Urk for a chance to shoot some perspective corrected architecture of an old light house that no longer shines.

Photo by Steven Barger

Urk is also the home of a functional port, as any good seaside village should be. The local population still makes a living by fishing and the maintenance of boats.

Photo by Blake Griffin
Photo by Judy Doherty

After Urk we returned back to Kampen for dinner, and to our surprise the city streets began to fill. We knew that the next day was going to be a big celebration for The King, but little did we know that the party started the night before!

The Kampen Sturgeon – One of the many floats in the Pre-King’s Day Parade.

Kings day proper was left open for everyone to explore the local celebrations. Booths lined the street offering games, treats, and a celebration of all things orange!

Photo by Judy Doherty

Later that night we were in for one last surprise. We were granted VIP access to a special concert at the medieval cathedral in the heart of Kampen where our host Renè was performing as part of the nationally celebrated Men’s choir.

Photo By Suzanne Barger
The organ in the Kampen cathedral is one of the largest in The Netherlands, and is very impressive to see in person, photos just don’t do it justice.

The next morning it was time to pack up and head back to Amsterdam for our last day together. We all enjoyed the time we had spend with each other, and agreed that the adventure would need to continue again next year!

We couldn’t have asked for better weather before we hit the road back to Amsterdam.

We have already started planning for our 2020 trip, which will be an all new adventure. Please keep checking back for more information as it becomes available. We can’t wait to have you join us!

May 15, 2019by CamboUSA
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Coming Soon, Education, News, Uncategorized, Workshops

Private Cambo Factory Tour & Workshop – 2019.

 

A Tour of a Lifetime

Join Cambo In the Netherlands

Do you love your Cambo gear as much as we do? Ever wonder what kind of care and craftsmanship goes into the making of your favorite camera? Is there a Cambo camera you have had your eye on but just haven’t had the chance to get it in your hands yet? Would you like to find out for yourself??? Well then… this is the tour for you! Enjoy five nights and four days in the Netherlands filled with multi-city tours, amazing shooting locations and an exclusive Cambo Headquarters & Factory tour. Oh… and you will get to join in with the natives countrywide King’s Day celebrations! 


Private Factory Tour

Cambo USA is hosting a private tour to the Netherlands this coming Spring that is sure to WOW every Cambo camera lover. This five day tour will begin with an exclusive invitation only factory tour in Kampen with Cambo’s key executives and engineers.

Try Out The Gear of Your Dreams

After you see what goes into each Cambo camera, it’s time to borrow the kit you have had your eyes on. For two whole days Cambo is loaning a special  kit to every participant! Like what you tried? Take it home at the end of the trip with a special PRIVATE discount. 

Stunning Shooting Locations 

Have you heard about the beautiful tulips that are in full bloom during springtime in Amsterdam? Get prepared because you will have the chance to experience this in person…CAMBO STYLE! We will spend four days shooting gorgeous sites in Kampen, Urk and Amsterdam!  We are pleased to have the talented Pim Van der Maden as our guest photographer and tour guide. 

Guest Photographer Pim van der Maden

Full-time professional photographer since 1988 Pim specializes in floral photography, landscapes and people.

Pim is a well-known name to many international top florists, flower publications, books, brochures, and websites. 


Pim will be your guide through the Tulips, the Dutch Countryside, and the Seaside Village of Urk.

Learn more about Pim, and see more of his work by visiting his website (Website in Dutch). 

Kings Day Weekend

To add to your once in a lifetime experience… we are planing this entire trip around Kings Day Weekend! On King’s Day you will be free to celebrate how ever you wish! That’s right.. we’ve decided to clear the schedule so that you will have the ability to go out and join in all of the city’s festivities. 


Registration Includes
  1. Private Shuttle Transportation will be provided from the airport to the hotel in Kampen, to and from the scheduled shooting locations and to the hotel in Amsterdam on the final day. You will be responsible for your transportation on free days and on your departing flight from Amsterdam.
  2. Hotel Accommodations four nights will be spent in Kampen at Hotel Van Dijk and one night in Amsterdam at Hotel Vondel.
  3. Cambo Factory & Headquarters Tour Get answers directly from Cambo’s developers, give your thoughts on what new and exciting products you think should come next, and get to see where the best camera equipment in the world is born! 
  4. Private “try before you buy” Cambo Demo Equipment try out the latest Cambo equipment that you have had your eyes on. and take home the equipment of your dreams with special event only pricing. 
  5. Guided Sunrise & Sunset Shooting Tour capture the beautiful scenery of Kampen on one day followed by a Tulip driving tour on the following day using Cambo equipment.
  6.  Konigsdag “Kings Day” Party celebrate with the locals at a nation-wide party.
  7. Cambo Limited Edition souvenir jacket.

CAMBO Factory

Meals Included in Registration:

  1. Wednesday Welcome Dinner at De Stadsherberg  in Kampen.
  2. Thursday Lunch at Cambo Headquarters during the Factory Tour.
  3. Thursday Dinner at the Peppermill Restaurant in Kampen.
  4. Friday Lunch on the road to Amsterdam day of the Tulip Driving Tour.
  5. Sunday Farewell Dinner at Hotel Vondel.

Daily Agenda

Wednesday, April 24th – Arrival Day

  • 12Noon – Shuttle pick-up from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) 
  • 1:30pm – Check- In to Hotel Van Dijk
  • After Check-in explore Kampen until dinner
  • 6:30pm – Meet in hotel lobby for dinner
  • 7:00pm – Cambo welcome dinner at De Stadsherberg 

Thursday, April 25th – Factory Tour & Gear Day

  • 07:30am – Breakfast at Hotel
  • 09:00am – Leave Hotel for Cambo Factory
  • 09:30am – Arrival to Cambo Factory
  • 10:00am – Cambo Factory Tour
  • 12:30pm – Lunch at the Factory
  • 01:30pm – Gear Hand Out and User Agreement
  • 02:00pm – Gear Education Bootcamp
  • 04:00pm – Tour of Old Town Kampen + Shooting
  • 07:00pm – Dinner at “The Peppermill” in Kampen

Friday, April 26th – City Tour and Urk Shooting Day 

  • 05:00am – Meet in Hotel Lobby for Sunrise Shooting
  • 08:00am – Return and Have Breakfast at the Hotel
  • 09:30am – Tulips Driving and the Town of Urk Tour
  • 12:00pm – Lunch on the Road in Urk
  • 01:00pm – Visit the Reclaimed Area in Urk
  • 06:30pm – Return to Hotel (Dinner On Your Own)

Saturday, April 27th – King’s Day and Free Day

  • 05:00am – Meet in Lobby for Sunrise Shooting Tour
  • 08:30pm – Return and Have Breakfast at Hotel
  • Enjoy Your Day: King’s Day Celebration Festivites

Sunday, April 28th – Voyage To Amsterdam

  • 06:00am – Gear Return in Hotel Lobby
  • 07:00am – Breakfast at Hotel
  • 08:00am – Check Out of Hotel Van Dijk
  • 08:30am – Drive to Amsterdam
  • 09:00am – Shooting Pit Stop in route to Amsterdam
  • 12:30pm – Lunch on Your Own
  • 01:30pm – Shooting Pit Stop in route to to Amsterdam
  • 03:00pm – Hotel Check In at Hotel Vondel
  • 03:30pm – Explore the City at Your Leisure
  • 07:00pm – Farewell Dinner at Hotel

Monday, April 29th – Departure Day

  • Remember to arrange transportation to the airport for your departing flight.

Kings Day - Things to Explore During Your Free Time

Kampen (King’s Day Festivities):

  • Koningsdag in Kampen (Music, Parades, and Street Markets)
  • Visit the Medieval city of Zwolle (10 Minutes by Train)
  • Enjoy a performance from the National male choir D.E.V. in Kampen Cathedral
  • Walk around Kampen and celebrate with the locals Kampen Residents

Amsterdam:

  • Anne Frank Museum (Must Get Tickets Early)
  • Van Gogh Museum (Explore & Purchase Tickets)
  • Canal Tour by Boat (View Tour Options)
Kampen Lodging: Hotel Van Dijk

Hotel Van Dijk is to be found in a monumental building at the front of the river IJssel. It is favorably located in the town center and you can easily walk to the shopping areas and museums.

The attractive hotel rooms have a private bathroom and a TV. All rooms also have Wi-Fi access. In the morning you can start your day with a good breakfast in the breakfast room of the hotel.

A cozy bar is available for refreshing drinks.

There are many recreation facilities in the city and surrounding areas, such as water and forests. You can take walks, cycle or explore the sights of Kampen and Giethoorn. Bikes can be stored at the hotel. There are also museums, shops and other attractions along the river in the town center. 

(Description by Booking.com)


(Image Provided By booking.com)
Amsterdam, Lodging: Hotel Vondel

Hotel Vondel is nestled among Amsterdam’s lively centre. The hotel offers outstanding accommodation at an excellent location. Distinguished by its extraordinary interiors, the hotel has a very stylish and unique ambiance. The 86 guestrooms have been specifically designed to provide comfort for everyone’s taste.  The hotel’s exclusive and intimate size doesn’t prevent it from possessing an array of facilities oriented towards both business and leisure travelers. The hotel is located a stone’s throw away from the Leidseplein, Vondelpark, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museum right in the museum quarter & fashion district.

(Description by tripadvisor.com)

Kings Day - Koningsdag

History of King’s Day (and Queen’s Day)

Amsterdam celebrated King’s Day (Koningsdag) for the first time in 2014, after the inauguration of King Willem-Alexander on 30 April 2013 (what was then still Queen’s Day). 

The royal celebrations were first held on 31 August 1885 in honour of the birth of Queen Wilhelmina, and the Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag) tradition was born. After Wilhelmina’s daughter (Juliana) succeeded to the throne in 1949, the day was changed to 30 April in accordance with the new Queen’s birthday.  

When she became queen, the now Princess Beatrix chose to retain the day in honour of her mother but as of 2014, King’s Day is officially celebrated on 27 April (the king’s birthday). 

The name may have changed slightly but the festive spirit of the day is sure to remain! You’ll be treated to a sea of orange as everyone – and their pet – is covered head to toe in oranje (orange) as a show of pride for the Dutch Royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau.

Every year, the royal entourage visits a town or municipality in the Netherlands as part of the celebrations.

(Source: IAmAmsterdam.com )

Learn more about the Official Kings Day Party!

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

This trip is limited to 10 slots, so don’t miss out! Fill out the form below and a Cambo USA representative will follow up as soon as possible, or contact your dealer for more information.

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Subject

    Your Message

     

    Find your closest Cambo dealer by visiting Cambousa.com/dealers or contact Cambo USA for a personal introduction. 


    December 17, 2018by CamboUSA
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    Adapter, Cambo Actus, Coming Soon, News, Uncategorized

    ACDB-987 – Tilting SLW Adapter (for Actus G)

    The ACDB-987 is an interchangeable insert that fits on to Actus-G Camera System. It allows uses to replace the bayonet holders AC-792, AC-793 and AC-78E and offers the possibility to use a digital back on the Actus-G series.

    Cambo ACDB-987 Tilt Adaptor with a Phase One IQ3 Back on an Actus G

    The ACDB-987 also adds an extra 12º tilt function (+6/-6 degrees) close to optical center of sensor. You only have to add the appropriate fitting bellows and a SLW-adapter for your digital back.

    ACDB-987 showing Actus-G connector Pins

    The ACDB-987 makes it even easier to switch from shooting with your DSLR or Mirrorless camera body to shooting with your digital back, while adding additional movements that you come to expect from a larger view camera, while not adding much additional size to the Actus you already know and love.

    This adapter is compatible with:

    ACTUS-GFX
    ACTUS-XCD
    ACTUS-G

    In order to have a complete, solution users will need to add one of the below SLW-adapters:

    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

    And additionally need a set of the below bellows for Digital Backs:

    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-987 will be shipping soon from the Cambo USA Dealer of your choice, and will be on display at Photokina 2018 and Photo Plus Expo 2018.

    September 17, 2018by CamboUSA
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    Bundle, Cambo Wide RS, News, Uncategorized, WRS

    Cambo WRS-7250 Wide RS Anniversary Kit

    Today in 2018, Cambo celebrates not only 72 years of accumulated expertise and dedicated craftsmanship of in-house design and manufacturing, but also 50 years of CAMBO Wide series of technical cameras.

    The WRS-72|50 kit is built around an ergonomically optimised camera body. Based on the WRS-1600 introduced in 2016, the WRS-72|50 adds many exclusive design changes, including rounded corners, protected spirit levels, angled placement of a hand belt support and more. The special shaped handgrip is made of fine Rosewood. While keeping the unique body rotation between landscape and portrait position without removing digital back or lens, that help will protect your equipment against dust and damage.
    The optics in this kit are Rodenstock’s finest 32HR-W and 90HR-SW, both in a tilt/swing lens panel for the best image quality and control. Additionally, Cambo has designed a new precision tilting function to the 90HR’s rear spacer, which adds an additional six degrees of tilt -or swing- on top of its lens panel movements. This offers you even more flexibility and image optimisation.

    Each kit is individually numbered out of a limited series of only 50 units. It includes a Certificate of Authenticity with matching serial numbers.
    This exquisite kit is delivered in a luxury Rimowa case with dedicated cavities for your equipment, including space for a digital back and extra lens or accessories.
    The kit is completed with Cambo’s PCH precision controlled ball and geared head, with exclusive anniversary trim.
    Full contents of the kit consist of:
    • WRS-72|50 body in Anniversary trim
    • Dedicated aluminium body cap
    • WTS-32 HR-W Digaron in T/S mount in Anniversary trim
    • WTS-90 HR-SW Digaron in T/S short barrel mount in Anniversary trim
    • WTS-2048 Tilt/Swing rear spacer Anniversary edition
    • Dedicated aluminium lens caps
    • PCH precision controlled Ball and Gear head in Anniversary trim
    • Luxury Rimowa case with dedicated interior
    • Certificate of Authenticity with matching numbers

     

    With limited units, this special offer will not last long. Make sure you secure yours today!

    Contact your Cambo USA Dealer of choice for more information.

     

    March 22, 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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    Coming Soon, News, Uncategorized

    Cambo CA-XCD

    Based on the knowledge used in our other Canon lens adapters, Cambo has now created an adapter to enable the use of Canon lenses on the Hasselblad-X1D camera.

    This adapter is mounted directly to the X1D camera bayonet and it controls the aperture of Canon lenses electronically, by similar controls as on the ACB-CA, WRE-CA and CA-GFX. Be aware that there is no further protocol to communicate with the X1D camera for setting aperture, auto focus or EXIF date from the lens.

    It may be obvious that only Canon lenses that have a larger image circle, such as the T/S lenses, will have enough coverage for this sensor.

    This combination makes it possible to use the Hasselblad X1D camera with a 17mm (and 24mm) focal length that covers the full format of the X1D 33x44mm sensor. Depending on the composition you may still be able to use the T/S movements on the lens unobstructed. More information will be released about compatibility with the newly announced Canon TS/E Lenses as they are available for testing, however at this time it can be assumed that the image circles will be of an acceptable size. 

    As there is no mechanical shutter in this setup, there are limitations in use with certain light sources, exposure times and subjects, we refer to the information from Hasselblad about this.

    The below photos are of working prototype units, and do not indicate the final build/finish of these units. 

     

    The CA-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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    Coming Soon, News, Uncategorized

    Cambo ACXL-985 – Cognisys StackShot Bracket.

    Introducing the ACXL-985 Bracket system for the Cognisys StackShot system.

     

    Cambo has enabled the use of the Cognisys StackShot on the Ultima and Actus-XL view cameras.

    This kit includes the needed bracket and gearing to connect to your Cambo view camera.

    By applying tilt and/or swing to the front standard the amount of shots needed to obtain the optimum result can be reduced significantly. Stacking is done by moving the rear standard in small increments

    The ACXL-985 Available now. Please contact your nearest Cambo dealer at Cambousa.com/dealers for more information. For more information on the Cognisys StackShot, please contact them directly for more information.

    Please note this configuration is for Cambo Ultima or Actus XL cameras, this bracket solution will not work on other manufacturer’s camera systems. 

     

     

    August 30, 2017by CamboUSA
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    Actar, Cambo Actus, Cambo DSLR, Cambo Studio, Cambo Wide RS, Dealer, MBX Studio Stand, News, Uncategorized, Video Products

    Cambo Products Now Available at Samy’s Camera & Samy’s Cinema Works.

    We are very excited to announce that Cambo products are now available for purchase at Samy’s Camera and Samy’s Cinema Works locations.

    A big welcome from all of us at Cambo USA to everyone who is a part of the Samy’s team!

    For more information or to place your order contact your Samy’s salesperson or Cambo USA.

    Burbank

    148 S Victory Blvd.
    Burbank, CA 91502
    (818)-562-1960
    www.samyscinemaworks.com

    (Video Products)

    (Video Products)

    Culver City

    Los Angeles

    4411 Sepulveda Blvd.
    Culver City, CA 90230
    310-450-4551
    www.samys.com
    431 S. Fairfax Ave.
    Los Angeles, CA 90036
    323-938-2420
    www.samys.com

    Pasadena

    San Francisco

    1759 E. Colorado Blvd.
    Pasadena, CA 91106
    626-796-3300
    www.samys.com
    1090 Bryant Street
    San Francisco, CA 94103
    415-621-8400
    www.samys.com

    Santa Ana

    Santa Barbara

    3309b S. Bristol St.
    Santa Ana, CA 92704
    714-557-9400
    www.samys.com
    530 State Street
    Santa Barbara, CA 93101
    (805)963-7269
    www.samys.com

    June 15, 2017by CamboUSA
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    Uncategorized

    Who is Cambo?

     

    Earlier this year I had the opportunity to visit the Cambo HQ and Factory in The Netherlands to take a look at how the Cambo products we all know and love are designed, machined, and hand assembled to perfection.

    IMG_3701

    Cambo started producing cameras in 1947 and has the distinction of being the first company to produce an all metal medium format camera. Since then they have always built a reputation for high quality, precision engineered cameras, stands and other studio equipment (and accessories too!).

    In 1965 the factory was re-located to its current location in Kampen, where it remains to this day.

    Manufacturing_panorama

    The Cambo machine shop now contains five computer powered machine tools capable of producing individual parts out of solid aluminum at a steady and fast pace. As well as many other tools from de-burring tanks and even a tool for making their own ground glass inserts.

    This portion of the process is all computer controlled. Aluminum blanks are loaded into cradles, which are then bulk loaded into the CNC machines.

    Every product is designed with the aid of a computer to very precise tolerances, some even down to the one hundredth of a millimeter range. These designs are translated and loaded into the CNC mills alongside the blanks.

    Cambo_Visit 7

    The CNC machines are designed to run with or without human interaction, allowing work to be completed around the clock. Depending on the component, each individual part can go from raw blank to machined part in as little as 30 seconds, to around 30 minutes for larger parts.

    Because all of this work is done in house, products can be revised and updated features can be added if needed. This also means that prototype parts can be machined and tested very quickly, making the final product ready for market much faster.

    Cambo_Visit 5

    Each of these individual components were once solid aluminum, and now are archived as masters for test fitting and to compare each batch of products that come off the production line.

    Cambo_Visit 6

    This shows the complexity and tight tolerances of each Cambo product. For example the WRS-1200 shift mechanism is made up of 5 different parts, each one having to fit perfectly within it’s mate. If even one piece is out of spec, the entire camera cannot be used properly.

     

    After machining and powder coating, the parts are moved into the assembly shop.Cambo_Visit 4

    This organized chaos is where a team of trained professionals assemble each Cambo product by hand, pulling parts as needed to complete batches of items.

    IMG_3719

     

    Each assembly technician is an expert in specific product lines, and performs both assembly and repair for products as needed. This allows for multiple products to be assembled simultaneously, and keep production wait times as low as possible.

    During and after assembly each product is also checked to verify that each of the careful tolerances are within range.

    Cambo_Visit 2

    Cambo_Visit 3

    Special die cut blocks are used to emulate the location of the film plane or digital back to ensure correct measurements are maintained.

    Cambo_Visit

    WRS Lens Panels too are tested and calibrated to fine tune each individual lens to its machined home.

    Cambo_Visit 19

    Cambo_Visit 15

    Once each part has been carefully assembled it is packaged and placed into storage, where it waits for an order to be placed.

    Cambo_Visit 14

    Not only does Cambo keep well in stock of new products, but spare parts from products past are also stored within the assembly facility. Each part being carefully cataloged so that individual pieces can be grabbed in the event of a repair or replacement.

    Cambo_Visit 17

    During my visit, a long time customer brought in an older model studio stand that aside from needing a new set of brake pads installed in its central column, looked and functioned fantastically. Even more impressive is that this stand was over 30 years old, and after a little refreshing still worked as well as the day it was purchased.

    It’s easy to see that the upmost care is given to every part of the design, machining, assembly, and longevity of each Cambo product. So when you purchase Cambo equipment, you aren’t just buying into a brand. You truly are investing in a system that was built with you in mind.

     

    April 5, 2017by CamboUSA
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    Cambo X2-Pro, Uncategorized

    Cambo X2Pro – Introduces Enlarger Lens Plate!

    Cambo Fotografische have introduced a new lens plate to enable photographers to experiment with enlarger lenses!

    The lens plate fits to the Cambo X2Pro camera and has an M39 thread so you can try that trusted enlarger lens or buy a new lens that it less expensive to experiment with .

    Cambo X-229 Lens Plate fitted with Rodagon 135mm

    Cambo X-229 Lens Plate fitted with Rodagon 135mm

    Price at €96.00 / £82.00 excluding VAT & Taxes, the X-229 recessed lens plate is available from Cambo UK, Cambo NL or your local Cambo stockist.

     

    Cambo X2Pro fitted with Rodenstock Rodagon 135mm

    Cambo X2Pro fitted with Rodenstock Rodagon 135mm

    The Cambo X2Pro enables you to move the front standard (lens) to tilt, swing, horizontal shift and rise & fall. All movements are repeatable and greater than any DSLR lens on the market. Its compatible with Nikon, Canon & Sony mount cameras. There is also a Macro version available for 1:1 reproduction.

    Enlarger lenses could be a good option as you can experiment before investing in dedicated digital lenses. Here are some “Before” and “After” shots captured by Richard Lotte using the Rodagon 135mm enlarger lens. They look pretty good.

    In the meantime, sign up to to this blog to receive updates and future developments.

    No Camera Adjustment

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    With Camera Adjustment

    December 16, 2013by 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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