Lens hoods for large format lenses

toyotadesigner said:

An Arca Swiss 6x9 F-Line.

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I know they're a bit expensive; but, I would recommend the Arca Swiss compendium lens hood. I think that there's one currently on EBay that's reasonably priced. It includes the adapter that attaches the hood and rod to the format frame.

I have the same camera, and I use an Arca hood. If you ever get a 4x5 conversion kit for your camera, the hood can do double duty. The hood is small, so it fits anywhere. It also attaches to the camera, and not to the lens. It's very convenient to use.

Anyone know how much the Arca compendium hood weighs? I have always wondered if it was light or heavy.

Ambrown31 said:

Anyone know how much the Arca compendium hood weighs?

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My 6x9 hood weighs 192 grams, they are quite light and compact.

Arca-Swiss 171mm compendium (with bracket & rod) - 399 grams

K.B. Canham compendium (with bracket & rod) - 382 grams

The only method that makes complete sense is an adjustable bellows-style compendium shade. Glare can come from other angles than just above, like in reflected glare of snow, ice, or water below. And one needs the ability to adjust the compendium just right, viewing through the clipped corners of the ground glass at the taking aperture. The Sinar system has a rod and clips available to turn a spare of their basic box bellows into a compendium. On my 8x10 folder I use the Lee compendium if necessary, but I also have a very light option for both my 4x5 and 8x10 folders, which shades just from above. I'd avoid ordinary hoods like those used on small cameras without view camera movements. A Stetson hat works only if you're equipped with a bent nose and beard too.