I want to buy a field monorail

David A. Goldfarb · Jun 25, 2006

Four ways of transporting a Sinar F-series--

1--Assembled and ready for use. This requires a trunk case. Fine for wheeling about town or in a vehicle for architectural jobs and such, but the case is bulky and heavy.

2--Packed like a brick, either on a short rail or with the rail removed. This is the most compact and sturdy way of carrying the camera, best suited to backpacking. You can leave the tripod mount on the tripod and it acts as a quick release. Just pop the rail into the tripod mount, level using the handy bubble levels, and tighten, and you're ready to go. Add more rail if you need it.

3--Unclip the bellows from the front panel (a flick of a lever), tilt front standard all the way back, raise rear standard and tilt it all the way forward. I don't have the camera in front of me, so I think I've got that right. If not it's the other way around with regard to the front and rear standards. You can leave the camera on the 12" rail this way and carry it easily in a shoulder bag with the tripod mount on the tripod.

4--Unclip bellows and set both standards parallel to the rail. The camera packs flat this way for transportation in a briefcase.

roteague · Jun 25, 2006

The collapsable rails on the Arca-Swiss are nice. I've thought about getting one, for this very reason.

Amund · Jun 25, 2006

roteague said:
The collapsable rails on the Arca-Swiss are nice. I've thought about getting one, for this very reason.

The Arca Misura looks really nice. Very portable. I want one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...s&Q=&sku=385414&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/pdf/misura brochure E.pdf

Ole · Jun 25, 2006

Amund said:
The Arca Misura looks really nice. Very portable. I want one.

Ah - but the "shell" is not a part of the structure, like it is on the Carbon Infinity.

Amund · Jun 25, 2006

Ole said:
Ah - but the "shell" is not a part of the structure, like it is on the Carbon Infinity.

But you Carbon wonder doesn`t weigh 2.65kg(including the case) either

JohnArs · Jun 25, 2006

Can't recomand a camera like Arca wich has the troubles thad when you focused and you lock the camera down it still slides on the rail and creates focus shift, this is the worst thing a camera can do espesially if you work in a hassle to catch the light!
My rec. buy a Sinar F, F1 or F2 the F stands for Field!
F1 3,3 kg, F2 3,6 kg

Ole · Jun 25, 2006

Amund said:
But you Carbon wonder doesn`t weigh 2.65kg(including the case) either

No - it weights 3.3 kg. Not in the case, it is the case. There's an additional black leather bag with it, another kilo or so.
And usable extension (flat board) from 30 to 540mm, closes up nicely with a 180mm Symmar inside, et cetera....

No focus creep, fine and coarse focus on both front and rear, movements only limited by bellows (and everything locks down very tightly).

argus · Jun 25, 2006

A field monorail?

That sounds like contradictio in terminis to me, except for Ole's Carbon. But than again, it's a folding, not a monorail.

Field cameras are lighter that monorails. If not, the budget to buy a lightweight monorail will be high!

G

David A. Goldfarb · Jun 25, 2006

Sinar F and Arca F-line are field cameras in comparison with their studio models, Sinar P and Arca M.

Gowland and Toho are ultralight cameras more for backpacking.

morkolv · Jun 25, 2006

Carbon Infinity

Ole said:
No - it weights 3.3 kg.
No focus creep, fine and coarse focus on both front and rear, movements only limited by bellows (and everything locks down very tightly).

Ole, where can we meet to have a (envy) look as this wonder of a camera (girl)?? 90-60-90 ?

Stockholm?? Or can I watch your house and water the flowers in mid/last july ??

SteveH · Jun 25, 2006

I *********LLLLLLLOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEE********* My Sinar F2. All of the calculators are great for noobs, and techie geeks alike. I've taken mine every where. If you're a biker, shoot me a PM and I'll give you plans to make a nice rack for your bike to carry the cam with

resummerfield · Jun 25, 2006

JohnArs said:
Can't recomand a camera like Arca wich has the troubles thad when you focused and you lock the camera down it still slides on the rail and creates focus shift.....

I have never had focus creep with my Arca. I would suggest a trip to the repair shop!

Markok765 · Jun 25, 2006

You should acctually make a poll about this.

Markok765 · Jun 25, 2006

David A. Goldfarb said:
Sinar F and Arca F-line are field cameras in comparison with their studio models, Sinar P and Arca M.

Gowland and Toho are ultralight cameras more for backpacking.

Ultra-light? Like a minox?

epatsellis · Jun 25, 2006

jnanian said:
game

what kind of lenses were you thinking of using ?

there is a graphic view 1 in the classifieds right now ( lens, film holders and fiber box included ). looks like a good deal

i had a graphic view 2 and it was a great camera ( i still miss it )
took it on location all the time ( documented a quarry with it -- close to 200 negatives delivered ). the only reason i sold mine was because i needed to be able to use a 65mm lens, and while i was able to use a 90mm with a recessed lens board without a problem ( full movements ) i knew the 65 was going to be a tough customer.

sometimes expensive / exquisite isn't always the best

good luck

--john

I'd second that recommendation, of course I'm biased as it's my GVI in the classifieds

Seriously, though, I used that camera in the field quite a bit, with one endcap left off, the standards rack right off, and it can be packed in a small, school sized backpack with another lens on a board and a dozen or so holders. I'd still be using it, were it not for winning a stupidly low bid on a 45D on Ebay 7 months ago, I'm in the middle of a move and realized that while it looks good sitting on the shelf, I'd rather see somebody use it and get involved in large format more than as a decoration. I still have a GVI project I bought to have spare parts and will probably build a short monorail for field use with it. If I wasn't moving, chances are I'd never sell it.

erie

raucousimages · Jun 25, 2006

Toyo 45D or 45E. They were ment to be studio cameras but if you take them to the field it's a field camera, Right? I have used them in the field many times. They are easy to find, inexpensive, easy to find parts and accessories and easy to resell if you upgrade to a nicer camera. Of the cameras on your list the only one I have had a lot of experence with is the Toyo 125VX. I paid $1600.00 USD. I love it. I am a big Toyo fan.

epatsellis · Jun 25, 2006

If I told you what I won mine on Ebay for, you'd kill me, but basically cheaper than a toyo lensboard.

erie

raucousimages said:
Toyo 45D or 45E. They were ment to be studio cameras but if you take them to the field it's a field camera, Right? I have used them in the field many times. They are easy to find, inexpensive, easy to find parts and accessories and easy to resell if you upgrade to a nicer camera. Of the cameras on your list the only one I have had a lot of experence with is the Toyo 125VX. I paid $1600.00 USD. I love it. I am a big Toyo fan.

bob01721 · Jun 25, 2006

Just curious about the term field monorail. I always thought there were field cameras (which fold) and monorails (which don't fold). I always considered folding cameras more appropriate to "the field" and monorails more appropriate to "the studio."

Mine is a monorail (B&J Grover) which I use "in the field," but I don't think of it as a field camera. Am I being pedantic?

bob01721 · Jun 25, 2006

raucousimages said:
"... They were ment to be studio cameras but if you take them to the field it's a field camera, Right...?"

Hmmm. Maybe you just answered my question. Ha!

removed account4 · Jun 26, 2006

epatsellis said:
I'd second that recommendation, of course I'm biased as it's my GVI in the classifieds

Seriously, though, I used that camera in the field quite a bit, with one endcap left off, the standards rack right off, and it can be packed in a small, school sized backpack with another lens on a board and a dozen or so holders. I'd still be using it, were it not for winning a stupidly low bid on a 45D on Ebay 7 months ago, I'm in the middle of a move and realized that while it looks good sitting on the shelf, I'd rather see somebody use it and get involved in large format more than as a decoration. I still have a GVI project I bought to have spare parts and will probably build a short monorail for field use with it. If I wasn't moving, chances are I'd never sell it.

erie

i know erie

it is a great camera

-j

naturephoto1 · Jun 26, 2006

I like my Linhof Technikardan 45S. You do have to get used to folding and unfolding the camera. As Roger indicates it is a very nice camera but a bit heavy. When you get used to setting up, it is fairly quick to use. However, it is probably out of your price range.

Rich

game · Jun 26, 2006

thanks for the comments!

Can someone elaborate on the differences between the toyo's and the sinar F's. Are they quite comparable?

game

David A. Goldfarb · Jun 26, 2006

Given how cheap the Sinars are these days, I'd go for a Sinar F-series over a Toyo 45D or E.

The Sinar has handy DOF and tilt/swing calculators and yaw-free swings, interchangeable bellows, and lots of flexibility with many system accessories. It's easy to add more rail, another bellows and standard, format conversion kits, or mix and match between the F system and the P system. They sold a camera called the "C," for instance, with a P rear standard for asymmetric tilts and swings and an F front standard for lighter weight than a P.

One downside to the F and F1 is that the front clamp is easy to break, if you overtighten it. It's also easy not to break, if you don't handle the camera like a gorilla, but if purchasing a used camera, make sure the front standard clamp is intact.

jovo · Jun 26, 2006

I have and use a Toyo 45D in the "field" which is pretty much the only place I take photographs anyway. With the darkcloth on my shoulder I carry it resting on the darkcloth mounted on the tripod. The relative comfort or lack thereof depends on the terrain and the distance carried. Whichever monorail you choose (other than the ultralight Toho or Gowland) you will probably encounter a similar set of variables that will also vary with your fitness. It's always amusing to 'haggle' over a pound or so in choosing a 4x5, and then to encounter someone with an 8x10 over their shoulder....one just has to stop and laugh.

I think David's suggestion about the Sinar is excellent. The Toyos are also good when the price is a factor....a solid performer with all the status of a rusty Yugo. Good luck.

game · Jun 26, 2006

Guess I will go on a sinar hunt than.

there is a thing I always wonder regarding LF lenses. I sometimes see the ones that still have the metal coloured housing. And some that are all black. I have the feeling the latter are newer, and therefor better. Is that a save assumption?
Or quicker, what to pay attention to, as it comes to lenses?

and does it matter for the field wether you buy a f,f1,f2?

Thanks! game

I want to buy a field monorail

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