Galvin 6x9 View Camera and Digital Back?

[Fragomeni]

Simple question that I'm hoping someone here might be able to answer for me. Aside from machining a way, can a digital back be used with a Galvin 6x9 view camera? Set aside all of the worry about how the sensor would work with movements and color casts and such. I'm simply talking about a back fitting the camera. Thank you!

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I think I've seen Galvins that take RB67 backs, and it seems you should be able to put a digital back on an RB with the right adapter.

 

[Kirk Gittings]

The general consensus is that DBs require super refined movements like focusing and tilt etc. to realize proper resolution etc. Putting one on a Galvin would be a bit like putting a Ferrari engine in an old Volkswagen bug. Yeeeee HAAAA!

 

[Fragomeni]

I think I've seen Galvins that take RB67 backs, and it seems you should be able to put a digital back on an RB with the right adapter.

David, thanks for the insight on the RB67 backs. That may mean its possible with the right adapter. I'll look into this more.

The general consensus is that DBs require super refined movements like focusing and tilt etc. to realize proper resolution etc. Putting one on a Galvin would be a bit like putting a Ferrari engine in an old Volkswagen bug. Yeeeee HAAAA!

Kirk, thats only relevant if you're working inside of the perameters that are governed by rules determined by general consensus. My best work often comes from doing the opposite of the general consensus! I've used and I've seen digital backs used on cameras that are completely outside of what is generally accepted as "correct" and beleive it or not they all work and produce excellent results (of course depending on what you're going for). All in all, I'm not at all concerned with most of the problems that many would site regarding the use of this camers with a DB. Those problems for me often turn into creative tools. I just want to know if I can get a DB that will fit.

 

[Kirk Gittings]

I can respect that. At SAIC we went through trying to use a DB on our old view cameras and came to the conclusion that we simply could not get he full capabilities out of the backs without high precision cameras and digital lenses. The difference was dramatic. For me personally, I wouldn't invest in MF digital without that precision. With that I could always back off the precision if I wanted a more funky effect, but with an old camera and old lenses I could never step up to the higher precision if I wanted.

One guy who does really interesting work with old cameras, antique lenses and Betterlight backs is Jim Collum. Look at his "Personal Work" portfolios.

 

[Fragomeni]

I can understand that and realistically if I ever go the medium format digital route I'd probably be too nervous to piece together something that might not give me everything I need. At this point I'm just interested in a few things but I am aware that spending the extra money for a system capable of everything I might need would be wiser then a system which was limited. In the end who knows what I'll end up with.

Thanks for the link to Jim's webpage. Looks like he's doing some cool stuff! Thanks again.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

So Kirk, what in your experience is sufficiently precise to get the most out of a digital back. If I were to rent one for a project, it would probably be easiest for me to use it with a Sinar P or Linhof Tech V, since these are cameras I have, but the ultimate would be something like a linhof 679, which I dont have