Roll film view camera? (not for 4x5)

[TerryThomasAtlanta]

Is there now made or discontinued a scaled-down monorail view camera strictly designed for 120/220 roll film? Am not interested in it handling sheet film.

Before my Toyo monorail 4x5 system was stolen I had it along with regular & bag bellows, an assortment of lenses and a bunch of sheet film holders. So I know how much weight and bulk a complete kit can be.

Somewhere I read or heard that someone like Cambo used to make a mini monorail system as I'm describing. Does anyone know where to point me? Even if the camera isn't currently in production I can always keep my eyes out for it in local shops or eBay.

Since I have to replace all my lenses anyhow, I can just get ones designed for the smaller format. Plus a smaller kit could easily be configured to go on airplanes as a carry on. Couldn't do that with my Toyo system. Plus the airlines want $80 per extra check bag - Yikes!

I just looked at the Cambo web site. They do have some monorail units that are designed to take a digital camera body but these are much too big and way too expensive for my blood.

Oh, I'm not interested in a field camera or 2¼ Graphic, thanks.

Terry Thomas...
the photographer
Atlanta, Georgia USA

See some of my work on the set of the forthcoming movie here: www.psychopathia.com

 

[marko_trebusak]

Hi Terry!

Arca Swiss is still producing 6x9 version of their F-line. It's very nicely made camera (I have 5x4 version), that shares support with 5x4, 7x5 and 8x10 versions. Only both frames and bellows are different. So you can imagine how sturdy it is.

Marko

 

[JohnArs]

Hi Terry
Sinar has now also a Sinar f3 line for 6x9 or Digibacks which is not so heavy like the P3 and also cheaper, Linhof had also one, Plaubel had also one but the old one the new one is in the same wight category like the Sinar P3 or the Cambo!
Linhof and Rollei have also new heavy ones for Digibacks and very expensive!

 

[Soeren]

Hasselblad Arc- or Flexbody though they might be discontinued.
Linhoff have some in their technika and teknikardan series and the M679cc.
Søren

 

[P C Headland]

There is the Horseman VH series. IIRC, you can also "upgrade" these to 4x5 if you wish.

<edit> Oops, just read what you wrote. Sorry! That'll learn me for reading too quick...

Paul

 

[JohnArs]

He PC Headland

Did you not read what he stated!
"Oh, I'm not interested in a field camera or 2¼ Graphic, thanks. "
The little Horseman is a Tech field camera!!

 

[eclarke]

Is there now made or discontinued a scaled-down monorail view camera strictly designed for 120/220 roll film? Am not interested in it handling sheet film.

Arca F-compact, Takes RFH like the Horseman 6x6 up to 6x9..I have one and it is a delight..EC

 

[medform-norm]

It seems the OP has found his hearts desire, judging from his post in another thread , a Liere Minima, and is now looking for this on eBay...it's an interesting camera, this Liere, with the major disadvantage of not being able to shoot bigger than 6x7 - well, we would think that a disadvantage, being a 6x9 and wider addict.

 

[Claire Senft]

Arca as already mentioned, Cambo, Linhof, Toyo..not currently in production are some of the chioces.

I like roll film view cameras; However, I think that a 4x5 may be a better choice:
Easier to sell. With the larger bellows there should be less in camera flare.
For sheet film, when sheet film is desired, a far greater selection. I do not believe that there is a substantial weight differential.

If I were making the choice for myself and had the funds I would choose the compact Toyo 4x5 monorail. I do not remember the model number. Light weight and should be extremely flexible roll film use. If I remember correctly it can handle focal lengths as short as 25mm at infinity. So a 38mm Super Angulon with a 53mm flange distance wquld be easily accomodated. I find it hard to believe in 6X7 or 6X9 that 38mm would not be wide enough.

Happy hunting.

 

[MattKing]

If you can find one, a Galvin with a roll film back. Here is a link to a comparison from a few years ago between a Galvin and a Toyo:

Galvin/Toyo Comparison