Acra-Swiss Musira 4x5 camera

[genecrumpler]

Any one here have any experience with the Musira 4x5? I e-mailed Badger Grapics about a Acra-Swiss web page and there is none!!!!

I'm thinking about up grading from my Toyo CF45 and am looking at options for light weight 4x5's. So far an Ebony SW45 is in the lead, with the Techkardan in second place. Wondering about the Musira?

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

You might find more info on it by searching for "Misura" rather than "Musira." I've seen it on the shelf at B&H, and it certainly looks attractive. I don't know how practical that leather case really is, though.

 

[genecrumpler]

Badger Graphics told me there is no Acra Swiss web site. The only description I can find is on Badgers web site and one of the the specs missing is max.bellows draw.

I tried searching for A-S on both google and dogpile. There is non!

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I know they don't have a website, but you might be able to turn up a user report. Also, check the Precision Camera Works website. They sometimes have A-S brochures in PDF format.

 

[Richard Wasserman]

Does this help? http://www.galerie-photo.com/misura_peronne_us.html

Richard Wasserman

 

[Bandicoot]

Robert White's site has some information:

http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/products.asp?PT_ID=294

Their old site, which they warn is no longer maintained, had rather more, including this link to download a Misura brochure (if the link still works):

http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/pdf/misura brochure E.pdf


Peter

 

[ReallyBigCameras]

I'm thinking about up grading from my Toyo CF45 and am looking at options for light weight 4x5's. So far an Ebony SW45 is in the lead, with the Techkardan in second place. Wondering about the Musira?

The Technikardan is NOT lightweight camera. It's a very well-built, cleverly designed, instrument capable of handling lenses from ultrawide (with the optional bag bellows) to 450mm. However, compared to other field cameras, it is neither compact nor lightweight (over twice as heavy as your 45CF). It's a full featured monorail with a collapsible, pivoting rail that allows it to fold up small enough to transport in a pack.

It is also a very different animal than the Ebony SW45, which is a a non-folding wide angle camera with only 190mm of extension.

I can't imagine what criteria you are considering that would lead yo to narrow your choices to these two very different cameras. It's sort of like saying I'm considering trading in my Toyota Corolla, and have narrowed my choices down to a Miata and a Peterbuilt.

Kerry

 

[ReallyBigCameras]

Concerning the Misura... It lacks rear tilt and swing - just like your 45CF. It's much closer in size and weight to the Ebony SW45 than the Techikardan, but has a longer maximum extension than the SW45.

I use it's big brother, the F-Line in 4x5, 4x10, 8x10 and 7x17 configurations and can attest to the outstanding build quality, rigidity, smoothness and precision of the ARCA-SWISS products. The locations of all controls are intuitive and they are easy to get at and operate, even while wearing gloves (important for me as I photograph outdoors, often in sub-freezing temperatures).

I like having rear tilt and using longer lenses. So, I have not considered the Misura, but I have seen it and handled it in person. It's a very clever design with a wonderful bellows (no bag bellows needed) and very generous front movements.

Kerry

 

[GeorgesGiralt]

Hi !
Last year I had the opportunity to use the Misura fr a few minutes.
The only thing I can say is that it was the only time I wanted to buy a purse !
i is a gem !

 

[eclarke]

Maybe better to consider..Arca Field and the Ebony 45s..Evan Clarke

 

[HerrBremerhaven]

Dead Link Removed

At some point, if the Misura fits into my expense to profit ratio, I will get one. The engineering and design are what attract me to it.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
A G Studio

 

[genecrumpler]

Leads on Miusra Camera

Thanks for the web sites. I found out what I was unable to deteremine about this camera. I did not have a feel for the back movements and the max lens usable. It looks to me that a 300mm lens is questionable on this camera. Since I have the classic 300mm nikkor M and i use it a lot, this may be a deal killer. Also I meant the Ebony RW45(not SW45) which can use a 300mm lens. As I look more and more, the CF45 continues to look better and better for what I want to do.

The TechniaKardon is a bit heavier, but seems to have a lot of versility for its size.

thanks for the info

Gene

 

[herb]

Misura

Gene, I had the demo that b&h has/had. I sent it back because it had some quality issues.

I am a big arca fan, have all three sizes, but the Misura was not that user friendly. If you are a bug on weight, the reduced front and collapsible rail system will get the F line into usable weight, and IMHO many times better camera than the Misura.

I found the clamshell thingy to be irritating, and the whole idea behind the Misura, as someone else said, is for the wealthy retiree market, not the serious shooter.

I am in Raleigh, send a pm and we can phone about it.

 

[eclarke]

Gene, I still contend you should consider the newest Arca Field. Call Rod Klukas at Photomark in Phoenix for good info and best access to the cameras..Evan Clarke

 

[jeroldharter]

You might check the View Camera Store website. they are an APUG advertiser. You can download the complete Arca Swiss catalog from their website and they sell the cameras also.

 

[eclarke]

Gene, I still contend you should consider the newest Arca Field. Call Rod Klukas at Photomark in Phoenix for good info and best access to the cameras..Evan Clarke

Here is a picture of my 141mm Fmetric next to my 171mm Fmetric. It's a really compact camera and I can draw from 58mm to 720mm tele and gives the most flexible options with lensboards..EC

 

[genecrumpler]

Response to Herb

I fortuately fit into the senior well-off category. Price is not a real issue if I really-really want it. I currently own about $20-25k (orginal retail) of camera equipment, total of 27 at last count,
and $50k in investment-grade Rolex watches!

I just got a 24 inch HP Pro printer, so if you need some large 200 year inkjet prints in Raleigh, let me know!

Herb- we have formed a Master Photographers Group here in the Trinagle. I know you don't have much time now but you may be able to qualify. We currently have 7 members that were juried into the group. One member is currently on inactive status due to health porblems. So we have 6 active. Our first Exhibit will be July 08 in Raleigh. Getting exhibits to show off the group's high level of skill is one of our priorities. Have room for two more people, as two have decided the group does not meet there objectives and have dropped out. Our juried turned down about 7-8 people due to lack of Master Skills. The name is "Triangle Fine-arts Photography Group".