• Welcome to Photrio!
    Registration is fast and free. Join today to unlock search, see fewer ads, and access all forum features.
    Click here to sign up

Sinar cameras

St Ives - UK

A
St Ives - UK

  • 2
  • 0
  • 50
Across the Liffey

H
Across the Liffey

  • Tel
  • Feb 25, 2026
  • 1
  • 2
  • 47

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
202,438
Messages
2,840,874
Members
101,332
Latest member
Paul William
Recent bookmarks
0

Marcus

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Mar 2, 2006
Messages
81
Location
London, Engl
Format
Medium Format
I Have been recently lent a beautiful Sinar camera but unsure as to which model it is, as I know there are several models!

Can anyone tell me which one it is please? (It is 5x4)

Marcus
 
Well, how about giving us a little more information or at least a picture? Also, click on "groups" on the tab bar at the top of the screen to find and join the Sinar Users Group.

I've moved this from "Plate Cameras" to "Large Format," since Sinar wasn't around in the age of plate cameras as far as I know (i.e., the wetplate era).
 
The Sinar Webiste shows some of their more modern models. If you can't find yours, it might be a Sinar "Norma". But without a photo of the camera, its only guessing.

Gerd
 
The Sinar Webiste shows some of their more modern models. If you can't find yours, it might be a Sinar "Norma".
Gerd

Thanks for the website.

From this, and according to the technical data, it sure does look like a F1 model and not the Forma.

As for giving extra info, Mea Culpa! It is monorail, has a Schneider-Kreuznach Super-Angulon 1:8/90 lens. Comes with 'normal' bellows, and 'bag' bellows. Also a Synchro-Comper shutter, f8 to f64, B, 1sec -1/500 speeds, plus M, X & V.

Marcus
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Well, how about giving us a little more information or at least a picture? Also, click on "groups" on the tab bar at the top of the screen to find and join the Sinar Users Group.

I've moved this from "Plate Cameras" to "Large Format," since Sinar wasn't around in the age of plate cameras as far as I know (i.e., the wetplate era).

I was unsure as to which forum to place it - Plate or Large. Thanks for putting it in an appropriate place for me.

I have come across the Sinar Group, but thought it might be better to ask it in the forums first.

Thanks again,

Marcus
 
As for giving extra info, Mea Culpa! It is monorail, has a Schneider-Kreuznach Super-Angulon 1:8/90 lens. Comes with 'normal' bellows, and 'bag' bellows. Also a Synchro-Comper shutter, f8 to f64, B, 1sec -1/500 speeds, plus M, X & V.

Marcus

These features could also apply to any Sinar model. They're all monorails that take interchangeable bellows, and the lens could be used on any Sinar or pretty much any 4x5" camera made by any manufacturer.

If it looks like an F1, then it's probably an F-series camera (F/F1/F2), unless it has a flat rail, in which case it's probably an A or the earlier Alpina. These cameras are all pretty similar in functionality and are designed to be relatively portable.

The other main line of Sinar view cameras is the P series (P and P2), which are heavier cameras for the studio with fully geared movements and asymmetric tilts and swings.

The F and P cameras and the Norma use the same cylindrical rail, so they can share components that clamp to the rail. A Sinar with an F front standard and a P rear standard is called a "C" for instance.
 
These features could also apply to any Sinar model. They're all monorails that take interchangeable bellows, and the lens could be used on any Sinar or pretty much any 4x5" camera made by any manufacturer.

If it looks like an F1, then it's probably an F-series camera (F/F1/F2), unless it has a flat rail, in which case it's probably an A or the earlier Alpina. These cameras are all pretty similar in functionality and are designed to be relatively portable.

Thanks. This is probably why I am so confused!
I'll stick with F1 - the most likely candidate.

Marcus
 
If you have a chrome rail (previous generation), the camera is probably an F. If the rail is black (last generation, they renamed it F1 (or, with a few extra features, F2). In any case they are good sturdy cameras with some unique features. Once you learn how to use these features including some scales helping you to set e.g. tilts, swings and depth of field, your life as a large format photographer will be much easier.
Sinar has made a beautiful manual/book describing the system and the camera. Try to get hold of it.

//Björn
 
Marcus:

If your camera's standards (the square thingies the bellows fits onto) tilt from the base you have a "F" model or an older Sinar/Norma. If you aren't that familiar with a view camera, that's a good thing; I say that for a reason.

Had I not fiddled and diddled the old Omega I had and a couple of Cambos, I never would have developed an appreciation for the "P" model I use now with its movements. I'll never suggest anyone ever start with something that sophisticated for that reason.

When you tire of the constant refocusing after any small correction (assuming you do develop a liking for large format cameras/photography) borrow a "P" or "P2" for a weekend. You'll throw rocks at almost anything else for the rest of your life.
 
"I Have been recently lent a beautiful Sinar camera but unsure as to which model it is, as I know there are several models!

Can anyone tell me which one it is please? (It is 5x4) "

Are you serious?

How you expect us to answer your inquiry is beyond me. I am flabbergasted.
 
Please post some pictures
 
"I Have been recently lent a beautiful Sinar camera but unsure as to which model it is, as I know there are several models!

Can anyone tell me which one it is please? (It is 5x4) "

Are you serious?

How you expect us to answer your inquiry is beyond me. I am flabbergasted.

2F, buddy... chill already. Marcus provided as much information as he could later in the thread. Your propensity for jumping on newer posters is starting to reflect badly on APUG.

Sorry, but it had to be said.

Respectfully,
 
Whilst not new to photography, I am new to owning & using a Sinar and anything similar. I just didn't know which particular model it was/is! I always like to know which model I am using.

Marcus
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom