Cambo SCX question

Greg Heath · Dec 17, 2011

Quick question... Maybe.

I have a Cambo SCX that someone gifted me. I don't have a front plate for it or lens/shutter. If I wanted to get it up and running on a budget, what would you suggest. I realize this is a bit vague but give me some ideas. I do landscapes and some portraits. I realize this is not a field camera but I could make it work for a while.

Greg

BrianShaw · Dec 17, 2011

Greg, the SCX takes the Cambo/Calumet 6-3/8 x 6-3/8 inch lens boards. They are made of metal and when you buy them you buy them with the hole size that is appropriate to teh shutter attached to the lens you will be using. In general, one mounts a les & shutter to a board and leaves it on the board, meaning for 2 lenses you'll need 2 boards with teh appropriate holes.

As far a lens goes, you'll get a lot of varying opinion based on everyones experiences. I landscape mostly with a 135mm and 210 mm Schneider Symar-S. Its a 1980s-era lens that is easily and affordably available. I also have a 90 but don't really like using it too much -- too wide for me. The 135 is just a bit wider than "normal', which is commonly believed to be 150mm for 4x5 format. (Opinions on that vary also... but thats another thread topic!)

BrianShaw · Dec 17, 2011

p.s. I take my Cambo monorail to the field. It works out OK as long as you don't go too far on foot.

BrianShaw · Dec 17, 2011

So here's an example of something you might want to consider, Greg:

Dead Link Removed

The 210 would be good for both landscape and portrature. The shutter is Copal (the maker) #1 (the size).

How the hole sizes translate into measurements are:

Copal O - 34.8 mm.

Copal 1 - 41.8 mm.

Copal 3 - 65.8 mm.

BrianShaw · Dec 18, 2011

Greg... is this answering your question?

jgjbowen · Dec 18, 2011

Greg,
Don't be afraid to take that 'ol SCX on a field trip. My first LF camera was a spankin new SCX. I photographed everywhere with it EXCEPT indoors! It made two extended field trips to California with me and although it is heavy, I found carrying it in one hand by the rail fairly easy. Of course, I was in my 20's at the time.

BrianShaw · Dec 18, 2011

p.s.... Ian... that was good information even if it didn't directly address the original question!

pgomena · Dec 18, 2011

Ditto the 210mm lens. Good for landscape and portraits. A 135 or 150mm is a good second choice for a landscape lens. All three focal lengths are common and affordable.

Peter Gomena

Greg Heath · Dec 18, 2011

Yes ! Thank you all for the input. It's been on my lower shelf in a box for 2 years. I have been shooting 4x5 pinhole off and on, but have wanted to mess with something with a lens. I need to sell my digital SLR and get a lens. I have been wanting to get a durst enlarger for 8x10 and just do large format, but it's something that I will work up to... I appreciate the replies.

Greg

BrianShaw · Dec 18, 2011

I'd find something else to sell if I were you. Do you have a spare left kidney, perhaps? I understand there is a good market for redundant body parts. When you get started with the Cambo I think you'll enjoy it.

Greg Heath · Dec 18, 2011

Not sure a kidney would cover it.....

BrianShaw · Dec 18, 2011

By shopping carefully you can get into business for about $200. At KEH there is 180 mm lens for cheap and a lensboard for cheap that would work quite well for what you want to do. There is also a 210 for under 200, but with some filter ring damage. Just a few pints of blood.

Greg Heath · Dec 19, 2011

Thank you for the heads up

Greg

Cambo SCX question

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency