Because of the innovation of mirrorless cameras the modern view camera has more opportunities to thrive than ever before. Using the Nikon Z series as an example, because of the change in design the flange focal distance–
( flange focal distance (FFD), is the distance from the mounting flange (the metal ring on the camera and the rear of the lens) to the film plane. This value is different for different camera systems. The range of this distance, which will render an image clearly in focus within all focal lengths)
–was reduced by 30mm which means that more lens options become viable as they no longer are limited to focusing at a much farther point on the sensor plane. Let’s compare this to some other modern flange distances:
If you have ever written us an email asking for help choosing lenses you may have been sent the below PDF “Cheat Sheet” that describes the most commonly available lenses today, and how well they play nicely with various modern camera systems
When I say the words View Camera, I can imagine that you are envisioning one of two things:
You either know and remember (and may even miss) the “old days” where you as the photographer were in complete control over your image, and the master of your domain.
Or if you are of the more modern crop of upcoming photographers, you may be thinking of some arcane monstrosity that is too big and complicated to lug around.
If you spent some time today searching the web for answers you probably came across the following definition on Wikipedia:
A view camera is a large format camera in which the lens forms an inverted image on a ground glass screen directly at the plane of the film. The image viewed is exactly the same as the image on the film, which replaces the viewing screen during exposure. It is comprised of a flexible bellows that forms a light-tight seal between two adjustable standards, one of which holds a lens, and the other a viewfinder or a photographic film holder.
The bellows are a flexible, accordion-pleated box [that] encloses the space between the lens and film, and flexes to accommodate the movements of the standards. The front standard is a board at the front of the camera that holds the lens and, usually, a shutter.
At the other end of the bellows, the rear standard is a frame that holds a ground glass plate, used for focusing and composing the image before exposure—and is replaced by a holder containing the light-sensitive film, plate, or image sensor for exposure. The front and rear standards can move in various ways relative to each other, unlike most other camera types. This provides control over focus, depth of field, and perspective.
Lets stop right there, before we go any further let’s get one thing straight–
The current definition of a view camera is WRONG.
The image you have in mind of your Grandfather’s view camera is wrong because the view camera has changed.
In days past the view camera primarily was a tool designed to work with 4×5, 8×10 or larger pieces of film which at the time was the only way to capture extremely high resolution images.
Typical sensor sizes today are very small comparatively to the size of the film from the past, however the resolving power today is incredibly close (or even better) than it ever has been. But resolution is only part of the battle. There are many other reasons to use a view camera that aren’t only about the size of the image captured.
A view camera can do the following things better than ANY other camera or lens can do alone:
Change Perspective – Control perspective on products or buildings
Plane of Focus – Maximize or Minimize Depth of Field
View Cameras have the ability to do something else that is extremely valuable even in today’s digital world:
Get things right in camera– Not in post.
The theories and principals are the same, even though the medium today is drastically different.
Over the next few blog entries we hope to enlighten you to some of what makes a view camera unique and why even today they are still a valuable part of the photographer’s toolkit.
Following the official introduction of the Fujifilm GFX100 on May 23rd, 2019 Cambo is pleased to announce a dedicated interface for mounting, and supporting this new flagship camera in the GFX line of products.
As a result of the different body design compared to the Fujifilm GFX50 series, the bayonet holder for the GFX100 will have a different shape than the existing holder AC-792, and includes an extra riser block for the front standard.
The existing Cambo Actus-GFX for the GFX50S and GFX50R
Cambo’s new AC-795, designed as an interchangeable bayonet holder kit, will be compatible with the current Actus-G series.
However, due to the design changes of the Fujifilm GFX100 body, this needs to be positioned on a higher distance to allow enough clearance. This results in an additional 30mm riser block to be needed for the front standard. As well as an additional spacer that needs to be added on the rear bayonet mount.
Because of this additional flange spacing the Actar-60, and some other wider angle lens options will not be able reach infinity setting with this kit.
NOTE: Alternatively the Fujifilm GFX100 will fit the Actus-GFX unchanged, in portrait orientation only without the need for the additional spacer, but because of the new design the AC-795 is required for landscape orientation.
A pre-production Cambo AC-795 without final anodization process.
Cambo ACB-795 Specifications:
Bayonet : Fujifilm GFX
Available Color: Black anodized Internal Rotation:90 degrees between Landscape and Portrait Raiser block front standard: 30mm high, included with kit.
The interface kit AC-795 will be available shortly and can be pre-ordered as of today from your dealer of choice.
Shipping now, the AC-380 and AC-381 fine gear drives add yet another option for customers looking to get the most out of their existing Actus camera.
The new dual knob design allows for both standard and reduced gearing.
Cambo Actus DB-II with AC-380 and AC-381 installed.
This double gear knob kit for focus and tilt will be interchangeable with the current axle/knob/gear. The large knob controls as it does with the existing knob set, however this will add a smaller knob that reduces the movement to 1:5 gearing for more precise control and self locking.
The AC-380 is identified by the white dot.
Because of the slight differences in tilt mechanism design, two versions of this upgrade will be offered. The AC-380 is for focus on all Actus cameras and for the tilt movements of the Actus-Mini. The AC-381 exits for those customers wishing to upgrade the tilt movements on their Actus-G or Actus-DB II. Both kits will be identically priced, and will be sold individually for users that only wish to upgrade one knob at a time.
The AC-381 has a red indicator dot to distinguish itself from its counterpart.
The install process is fairly simple and straight forward, and both kits include all of the instructions and tools needed to perform the swap yourself without the need to ship anything back to Cambo.
Both the AC-380 and AC-381 are available now from any of or US Dealers.
It was only a matter of time. First was the Fuji GFX, then came the Hasselblad X1D, The Leica SL and Nikon Z was soon to follow, and now even the new Canon EOS R can be a part of the Actus family.
Because of the smaller bayonet size of the Canon EOS-R it is able to be used across the entire Actus (Actus XL or Actus-G with Optional AC-78E Interchangeable bayonet) range.
Just replace or attach the four mounting screws, and your EOS-R is ready to be used.
Our design team is busy updating our lens compatibility list to reflect the latest camera bodies, so please keep checking back for more information as it becomes available.
Cambo Actus-G with Actar 60, AC-782, and Canon EOS-R
Cambo Actus-G with Actar 24, AC-782, and Canon EOS-R
Contact your Cambo dealer of choice to get yours ordered!
In 2016 during the Society of Photographic Education conference we had the opportunity to sit in on a round table where the topic was
“How can manufacturers help support and educate the next generation of Photographers?”
The topic of teaching aids and videos quickly came up, and it was then were the gears started turning for how Cambo could help. In partnership with Dutch Photographer and Filmmaker, Gerhard Witteveen , The View Camera Movement was started.
The View Camera Moment is a five video series that walks through why view cameras were and still are an important part of Architectural, Landscape, and Product Photography.
Each video in the series is designed to quickly cover a specific topic, and contain both interesting demonstrations and compelling visuals.
These videos are offered free for educational usage and can be accessed by visiting the Cambo USA EDU Portal
This AC-784 Bayonet Holder is an optional accessory for the ACTUS-G series and allows the mounting of a Nikon Z-mount Mirrorless Camera Body to the interchangeable top part of the rear standard of the ACTUS-G View camera base.
Announced earlier this year, the Nikon Z series of cameras opens up some very interesting options for Actus users. With its 16mm flange distance and full frame sensor, the Nikon Z cameras are able to make use of the entire range of Actar lenses as well as all other lens options available to the Actus platform.
More testing will be required, but the Nikon Z may even be able to take full advantage of Nikon F-mount lenses! Stay tuned for more in depth testing and results.
This adapter includes a built-in rotation between landscape and portrait position.
Note: Due to the size of the Nikon Z bayonet mount the AC-784 will not fit to the Actus-B version.
The AC-784 adaptor is shipping now. Contact your Cambo dealer for more information, or to place your order.
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.
Will you be attending Photokina or Photo Plus Expo this year?
We invite you to stop by and see the latest product releases and get your hands on some of the best designed and manufactured camera equipment in the world! Cambo will be showing the full range of Tech cameras, Wide RS and the updated ACTUS series, updated Studio Stands and more!
Hall 2.1, Booth A-017
An international flight not exactly something in your budget? How about something a little more local?
Booth 458
Looking to attend Photo Plus Expo but don’t yet have a badge? Use our link to get your free Expo badge, or save 15% on a Conference badge today!
Great news for Leica SL users! The Actus-G will soon feature a compatible bayonet option. SL users can now take advantage of the tilts, shifts, and swings that Actus users have been enjoying since the launch.
Coming this September, the AC-791 Bayonet Holder, is an optional accessory for the ACTUS-G series and allows the mounting of a LEICA SL mirrorless camera body to the interchangeable top part of the rear standard of the ACTUS-G base.
This adapter includes a built-in rotation between landscape and portrait position.
This bayonet holder with the LEICA SL bayonet can be replaced with the AC-78E holder and the AC-792 for Fujifilm GFX or AC-793 for Hasselblad X1D.
Contact your Cambo dealer of choice for more information.
