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Actar, Cambo Actus, Cambo Wide RS

Great Flavors & Wonderful Scenery

Landscape photo shot with Cambo Actus-G, Leica SL2 and ACTAR-24
Stitched Image – ACTUS-G with Leica SL2 & ACTAR-24

With 14 book publications behind his name and over three decades of experience as a chef, we may well consider Heinz von Holzen an authority on Indonesian food. During his entire professional career Heinz managed to combine his passion for authentic food with a passion for photography.

It probably all started with a strong desire to keep moving and discovering new things. As a youngster Swiss born Heinz von Holzen aspired a career as an engineer. He soon got bored sitting behind a desk and found a position as an apprentice cook. Working as a chef at various first class hotels in Europe, Australia and Asia gave him the opportunity to see the world and along the way his camera has been his travel companion. Heinz developed the good practice of visually documenting the recipes he created. Especially after he had started working in Singapore. “It was then in Singapore that I became hooked on photography, which allowed me to visually document many great dishes that we prepared.” And he didn’t settle for mediocre results, not in cooking nor in his photography.

Food Photography shot with Cambo Actus-G, Leica SL2 and ACTAR-90

Working as a chef in Singapore, Heinz was asked to become the executive chef of the new Grand Hyatt at the Isle of Bali. Shortly after his arrival, now 32 years ago, Heinz by chance met a publisher. He was impressed by Heinz’ food shots and encouraged him to publish his first book on Balinese cuisine. It became a success and many would follow.

Food Photography shot with Cambo Actus-G, Leica SL2 and ACTAR-90
After 4 ½ years at the Grand Hyatt Bali Heinz decided to resign. Together with his wife Puji, he set up a company specializing in commercial photography, advertising and food consulting. The photographing chef now had become a professional photographer. However, he wasn't happy, as he enjoyed photography a lot less now it had become his bread and butter. So he went back to his first passion, food. This resulted in the opening of Bumbu Bali, a restaurant and cooking school, which was soon followed by a second restaurant and a small hotel.

A good chef remains inquisitive throughout his career and Heinz’ photography has probably benefited greatly from his investigative nature. “During the past 32 years I was utmost fortunate to be able to travel extensively across Indonesia. Whenever I got stuck with answers about food in a specific part of Indonesia, I searched for a reliable contact in that region. Next I purchased a ticket, flew to this region and spent some time with the experts, home cooks, at markets, ceremonies, kitchens, road side food stalls and cooked, wrote recipes and took lots and lots of photos.

All this would not have been possible without the full hearted support of my family and the teams in our restaurants.”

To photograph the beautiful landscapes he travels and the venues he visits, Heinz acquired a Cambo WRS system with a Phase One digital back. His favorite tool to document the dishes he creates is the Cambo Actus-G paired with a Leica SL2 and ACTAR-90 lens. Complemented with Cambo’s adapter to enable the use of Mamiya RB/RZ lenses. “What I love most about the Actus and shooting food is the tilt and shift capabilities and with it the great DOF. Simply amazing. No need for photoshop. Yes the system is slow, but offers photography pure. Then again, when combined – as in my case – with a Leica SL2 body, it gives you total control over your picture.”

Food Photography shot with Cambo Actus-G, Leica SL2 and ACTAR-90

Heinz was introduced to the Cambo brand by Warren Kiong, owner of Primaimaging. A valued Cambo partner who has decades of experience in representing professional brands from his beautiful Jakarta based studio. As Heinz expresses his appreciation: “We are incredibly fortunate here in Indonesia to not only have a distributer of all Cambo products, but also an owner gentleman behind prima-imaging which does an amazing amount of extra work for the photographic community. Absolutely nothing is too much, and their fast expertise and know-how in high-end camera gear is extremely useful when questions or challenges arise.”

Landscape Photography shot with Cambo WRS-1600

It seems appropriate to end with one of Heinz von Holzen’s recipes here. Thank you for sharing this with us Heinz.

Food Photography shot with Cambo Actus-G, Leica SL2 and ACTAR-90

Art Cafe Bumbu Bali

More on Heinz von Holzen

March 10, 2022by CamboUSA
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Actar, Cambo Actus, Education

New View, New You – Part Three: Lenses are forever.

This brings us to the second part of the view camera equation. Lenses. 

Actus Camera Lenses
Perspective Control – Selective Sharpness

But why do lenses matter? Well, simply put, not all lenses are created equal. Generally speaking in recent photographic history, lenses are designed to work both with a single camera system as well as made to cover with very little overlap only the size of the piece of film (or sensor) inside of the camera. With Mirrorless cameras becoming more and more common the idea of adapting lenses from one system to another is becoming much more common. 

Cambo ACTUS-GFX

Lenses with larger image circles are more ideal for usage with view cameras because it allows for more movements within that circle. Tilting, shifting, rise, fall, and swing movements all require more “room” within a lens. The larger the image circle of a given lens, the more room becomes available. 

As you can see from the chart above, given the smaller sensor size (when comparing against medium or large format) of modern cameras, the 24x36mm sensor can have a fair bit of movement when paired with the larger image circles of medium format lenses. 

But, I already have a lens that does that…

So you may be asking, why wouldn’t I just buy a native Tilt Shift lens (Canon TS-E, Nikon PC) for my camera? And the answer all comes back to movements. Tilt shift lenses only allow for 2 of the 3 directions of movements (and usually don’t allow for more than one adjustment at a time depending on camera orientation). Only a view camera can give you the full range of movements for perspective control.

When comparing the cost of these incomplete solutions you will also find that they are similarly priced. But for the same investment, why would spend the same amount but only get 2/3rds of the features?

March 17, 2020by CamboUSA
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Cambo Actus, Education

New View, New You – Part Two: Mirrors, Who Needs ‘Em?

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

Cambo-Actus-lens-compatibility-table-2019-V1-1

November 12, 2019by CamboUSA
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Accessory, Cambo Actus, News

AC-380/AC-381 – Cambo Actus Fine Gear Drive Upgrade

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.

June 5, 2019by CamboUSA
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Actar, Adapter, Cambo Actus, Coming Soon, News

AC-782 – Canon EOS-R Bayonet for Cambo Actus


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.

Cambo Actus-G with Actar 35 lens. Using Cambo AC-782 bayonet for Canon EOS-R

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!

November 27, 2018by CamboUSA
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Adapter, Cambo Actus, News

AC-784: Nikon Z Bayonet for Actus G

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. 

November 1, 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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Adapter, Cambo Actus, Coming Soon, News

AC-791 – Leica SL Bayonet Adapter (For Actus-G)

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.
August 29, 2018by CamboUSA
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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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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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Recent Posts

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  • Great Flavors & Wonderful Scenery

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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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