"Standard" lensboard

[Laurent]

Hi,

I'm currently in the process of building a view camera (based on J.Grepstad's design) as my current budget does not allow for a purchase and my time is not available for the landscape photography I like... (joices of paternity)

Over the 1000s of questions during this process, there's one that remains : what lensboard should I consider ?

The design is for 140X140 mm, 4 mm thick board.

I know I will purchase a used view camera in the mid-term future (when my time allows for serious photography instead of photographic dreams) and my choice at this time should be between an ARCA-Swiss and a SINAR F.

I understand the SINAR lensboard is 140X140, does it mean that my plywood one will fit, or will I need a new board anyways ?
In this case, would it be wise to make my board smaller so that I can build/buy an adapter ?

Concerning ARCA, I understand their board is 171X171mm, so I guess I could make/buy an adapter if my purchase goes for an ARCA.

I'm interested in hearing about your experiences on the subject

 

[Joe Symchyshyn]

If you determine which camera you WILL be buying, I would design your new camera to accept the common board.

Haven't built my own camera yet, but as I have a Wisner, I'll make my new board to match the current set I have. No adapters, but a straight swap for whichever lens is required.

joe

 

[argentic]

I guess the most clever solution is to use industry made Linhof lensboards. It's a de facto standard for several camera brands. And because they are small, they can easily be mounted on other brand conversion lensboards that are larger. Wether you buy an Arca or a Sinar later, ready made conversion boards for Linhof exist.

G.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

It's good to be standardized on Linhof Technika and Sinar type boards, since these are the most common, and it's easy to find adapters from other cameras to these.

My Technika and Gowland 4x5" use Linhof Technika boards, and my Gowland 8x10" uses Sinar sized boards, and it was easy to convert the front standard on my 1890's American Optical wooden 11x14" camera to take the Sinar sized boards. I also have a Sinar-Technika adapter board so that I can swap smaller lenses mounted on Technika boards between all 4 cameras (so long as they cover the format), and so that they aren't so bulky to pack.

My 5x7" Press Graflex uses 4x4x1/4" boards, so I mount barrel lenses that I only use on this camera on 4x4" boards, but I'm planning to make an adapter so that this one will take the Technika boards as well.

 

[BradS]

Sinar Lens Board Dimensions?

How thick is a sinar (140mmx140 mm) lensboard?

 

[Laurent]

Thanks for your answers !

My current issue is that I'm not 100% sure of what will be the purchased camera.

A friend of mine, with extensive photographic experience, told me Sinar was the best for him, but I'd be tempted to look for an Arca. As Arca has bigger boards than Sinar, it would seem reasonable to make a 140X140 board ?

What is the Linhof board standard ?

 

[Stan. L-B]

The 140X140 board as used by SINAR and many other makes, is by far the most convenient as it is produced by a number of companies with any lens cut out size. So, is not necessaryto use Sinar panels. A cheaper version is produced by Horseman who also make panels for many other field type cameras and their lenses.
From your choice of possible cameras, you are intending to travel.
They are both lightweight large format and well suited to humping over rough terrain!
For what it is worth, my advice is to choose one make and stick to it. The Acra and Sinar, are faultless and stand supreme! Whatever your choice, whatever you build, good luck and stay in touch.

 

[Laurent]

OK, looks like I'll go for the 140X140 board. If I buy an Arca, then I'll have to make an adpater, but this small board will make the homebrew camera smaller and nicer.

Stan.L-B : my purpose is landscape photography as the main use of the large format, so yes, I guess I'll travel a bit.

Thanks all for you answers !!