For Sale FS: 4x5 ARCA-Swiss F-Line Field, Kinda, Sorta, Maybe, Almost, Not Quite...

[ReallyBigCameras]

Ok, this isn't a 100% F-Line model, it's a half and half hybrid that uses the front a rear format frames, telescoping monorail and bellows from an ARCA-Swiss F-Line with the function carriers and ground glass back (with fresnel) from an earlier ARCA-Swiss B (base tilts) model.

I have previously sold off my main ARCA-Swiss F-Line camera and custom made 4x10 conversion kit, but was left with enough pieces to almost assemble another F-Line Field model. This camera is the result. Because it has the F-Line front (110mm) and rear (171mm) format frames and F-Line 30cm Optical Bench Telescopic rail, it is compatible with all F-Line accessories (of the proper size), i.e. bellows, rails, lens boards, lens shade, etc.

The F-Line field, with the more compact 110mm front standard, was always my favorite ARCA-Swiss configuration and served as my regular "daily driver" for many years. I always loved the modularity of the system, that let me configure it exactly how I wanted it. It was also the basis of my custom made 4x10 Lotus/ARCA hybrid shown here:

As you can see in that photo, that camera also used an older ARCA-Swiss B rear function carrier combined with an F-Line 30cm Optical Bench Telescopic rail and a 110mm F-Line front format frame. So, it's a combination of parts I am very familiar with that works well together (again the beauty of the ARCA-Swiss modular design).

The ARA-Swiss B model function carriers provide the EXACT same movements (base tilt, shift, and swing) as the F-line function carriers. And, of course, they are also 100% compatible with the F-Line rails and format frames. So, you don't lose any functionality with these older function carriers, you just save some money and a few grams of weight. I've owned several of the older ARCA-Swiss cameras over the years and still have many bits and pieces, including several of the A and B model function carriers. I chose the best B model function carriers for this camera, including the rear function carrier I used for many years on my custom 4x10 camera. Of course they are 100% functional, operate smoothly and lock down tight. The rear functional carrier includes a built-in bubble level that is intact and accurate - perfect for leveling the camera side-to-side. Here's a couple pics of the function carriers:

Front Function Carrier:

Rear Function Carrier:

My price is $850 + shipping, but I still have many more photos, and further detailed description of this unique camera to follow. Since this is a custom/hybrid camera configuration, I want potential buyers to know exactly what they are getting.

Thanks,
Kerry

 

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[ReallyBigCameras]

For the bellows for this camera, I am including a NOS, never before used, 50cm Conical 6x9 (110mm) to 4x5 (171mm) bellows (ARCA-Swiss PN: 071032). I bought this bellows several years ago from a dealer in Germany and until I took it out of the box last night to take some photos, it had never been mounted on a camera. The box is a little shop worn, but the bellows is perfect and as new as new can get.

NOS 50cm Conical Bellows 6x9 (110mm) to 4x5 (171mm) PN: 071032:

The 30cm Optical Bench Telescopic is also my all-time favorite ARCA-Swiss rail configuration. It's compact, light weight, fast, and easy to set up and supports a wider range of lenses than the 30cm folding rail. With the 30cm extension bracket and two 15cm monorail sections, you can extend the rail out to 495mm (19.5"). With the included 50cm bellows, you can easily use a conventional 450mm lens (450mm Fujinon C or 450mm Nikkow M) with this camera for general purpose landscape photography. You can even focus a 720mm Nikkor T-ED at infinity with about an inch to spare.

Maximum Extension = ~19.5" (495mm):

For transport, you simply put both standards on one of the 15cm rail sections and remove it from the extension bracket with the flip of a lever - you can even leave a lens mounted on the camera during transport. This makes the camera much faster to set up and be ready to shoot than any other full featured 4x5 camera I've ever used. This camera, with this rail configuration really is a joy to use, and very versatile.

Both Standards on Rear 15cm Rail Section for Transport:

 

[ReallyBigCameras]

The minimum bellows extension with the included bellows, with a flat lens board, is 2.5", but at that distance the bellows are fully compressed making movements (other than maybe a little tilt) impossible. There are two different recessed boards (13mm and 26mm) available in the 110mm size, of if you shoot a lot with ultrawide lenses, I'd recommend adding the 24cm 6x9 - 4x5 Leather Wide Angle Bellows (071030) to your kit. I had this bellows that I used with my previously sold camera and it allows full movements with any lens you can focus on this camera (down to 47mm on a recessed board).

Minimum Extension = ~2.5" on a Flat Board:

Speaking of movements, as I mentioned in my first post in this thread, the ARCA-Swiss B function carriers provide the exact same movements (base tilt, shift and swing) as the newer F-Line function carriers. Although this camera is small enough and light enough to easily use in the field, it is a full featured monorail capable of extreme movements - more extreme than you will ever use.

Maximum Front and Rear Base Tilt:

Extreme Swing:

More Extreme Swing:

Of course, you would never actually use such extreme movements. These photos are just to illustrate how versatile and capable this camera is - all in a lightweight (6.5 lb.) camera that is compact enough to carry in the field, but capable of using long lenses and provides or movements than you will ever need.

 

[ReallyBigCameras]

Finally, the one last piece in this puzzle is the ground glass back. Like the function carriers, it is from an older ARCA-Swiss A/B model. Like with the function carriers, I cherry picked the best example from my stock pile of ARCA-Swiss parts. The back is in excellent physical condition, as is the included fresnel. The ground glass is gridded and also includes frame lines for the European 9x12cm format. The fresnel provides a nice bright image to assist in composing and focusing with wide angle lenses.

The Ground Glass Back:

And One Last Shot of this ARCA-Swiss F-Line/Model B Field Camera:

As you can see form the photos, the overall condition of the camera is excellent (or better) and the bellows are brand spanking new. The only flaw is one of the levels, the one the right side of the front standard, has lost its fluid. The one on the left side of the front standard is intact, as are both of the levels on the sides of the rear standard and the one in the rear function carrier. You could replace this level, or just use the level on the left side of the standard, since they are redundant.

There you have it - 100% of the functionality of an ARCA-Swiss F-Line Field for less than half the cost (such a deal!). You get the highly desirable (most desirable, IMHO) 30cm Optical Bench Telescopic rail, a brand new bellows, full movements front and rear and compatibility with all F-Line accessories (boards, bellows, rails, shades, etc.) in a compact, lightweight, versatile, easy to operate system camera. If you've longed for an F-Line Field, but were put off by the price, here's your chance to get the same form and function at a much lower price.

Any questions or comments, shoot me a PM.

Thanks,
Kerry

 

[Bob Smaith]

What is the wieght?

 

[ReallyBigCameras]

The camera has been sold.