Medium format technical / view camera

[pkr1979]

PMFJI.

Its appreciated

 

[pkr1979]

They are both very well made and relatively easy to use. The Cambo has two issues that make me like it a little less perfect for me. These may or may not be relevant for you.

a) the Cambo doesn’t fold up into a nice compact package. It’s not huge, but one of the reasons I started looking into 6x9 view cameras was to make a smaller and lighter than my 4x5 kit. The Cambo is lighter but takes up as much or more space in a bag than a 4x5 like the Technikarden 45 or Sinar Norma.

b) you have to jump through some hoops to focus wide lenses. A 75mm works normally, but wider than that you need to: 1)disconnect the bellows from the rear standard, 2) rotate the rear standard 180 degrees. 3) move the ground glass to the opposite of the rear standard. Finally, 4) reconnect the bellows. Those steps work, but because of the shape of the Cambo standards, it only works in portrait orientation. If you need landscape, you’ll need to rotate the entire camera.

The Horseman obviously packs up in a smaller form. I have general issues using technical cameras that carry over to the Horseman—the biggest is that movements frequently have more issues due to design. The small 80x80mm lens board potentially limits lenses you can use.

If I was looking for a field camera, I’d go Horseman, if I was looking for a studio camera then the Cambo. Neither are great with wide lenses, but most of the Cambo issues can be worked around.

Thanks for this! This is very relevant - and much appreciated. Im leaning towards the Horseman.

 

[hardly any color]

One more vote for the Horseman 6x9. I love mine, but the only drawback is the inability to use anything wider than 65mm.

 

[hardly any color]

One more vote for the Horseman 6x9. I love mine, but the only drawback is the inability to use anything wider than 65mm.

I did have the GX680 for some time. It’s a beast in terms of portability but the 50mm lens is superb.