Following the official introduction of the Fujifilm GFX100 on May 23rd, 2019 Cambo is pleased to announce a dedicated interface for mounting, and supporting this new flagship camera in the GFX line of products.
As a result of the different body design compared to the Fujifilm GFX50 series, the bayonet holder for the GFX100 will have a different shape than the existing holder AC-792, and includes an extra riser block for the front standard.
The existing Cambo Actus-GFX for the GFX50S and GFX50R
Cambo’s new AC-795, designed as an interchangeable bayonet holder kit, will be compatible with the current Actus-G series.
However, due to the design changes of the Fujifilm GFX100 body, this needs to be positioned on a higher distance to allow enough clearance. This results in an additional 30mm riser block to be needed for the front standard. As well as an additional spacer that needs to be added on the rear bayonet mount.
Because of this additional flange spacing the Actar-60, and some other wider angle lens options will not be able reach infinity setting with this kit.
NOTE: Alternatively the Fujifilm GFX100 will fit the Actus-GFX unchanged, in portrait orientation only without the need for the additional spacer, but because of the new design the AC-795 is required for landscape orientation.
A pre-production Cambo AC-795 without final anodization process.
Cambo ACB-795 Specifications:
Bayonet : Fujifilm GFX
Available Color: Black anodized Internal Rotation:90 degrees between Landscape and Portrait Raiser block front standard: 30mm high, included with kit.
The interface kit AC-795 will be available shortly and can be pre-ordered as of today from your dealer of choice.
Shipping now, the AC-380 and AC-381 fine gear drives add yet another option for customers looking to get the most out of their existing Actus camera.
The new dual knob design allows for both standard and reduced gearing.
Cambo Actus DB-II with AC-380 and AC-381 installed.
This double gear knob kit for focus and tilt will be interchangeable with the current axle/knob/gear. The large knob controls as it does with the existing knob set, however this will add a smaller knob that reduces the movement to 1:5 gearing for more precise control and self locking.
The AC-380 is identified by the white dot.
Because of the slight differences in tilt mechanism design, two versions of this upgrade will be offered. The AC-380 is for focus on all Actus cameras and for the tilt movements of the Actus-Mini. The AC-381 exits for those customers wishing to upgrade the tilt movements on their Actus-G or Actus-DB II. Both kits will be identically priced, and will be sold individually for users that only wish to upgrade one knob at a time.
The AC-381 has a red indicator dot to distinguish itself from its counterpart.
The install process is fairly simple and straight forward, and both kits include all of the instructions and tools needed to perform the swap yourself without the need to ship anything back to Cambo.
Both the AC-380 and AC-381 are available now from any of or US Dealers.
In 2013 the announcement was made that no more Copal shutters were going to be produced, which was a shock to large format photographers worldwide.
Over the last six years the stock of existing shutters has been at a high enough level that Photographers were still able to get their hands on these essential lens accessories.
Late last year we were made aware that Rodenstock’s stock of these shutters had finally been used up, and that no other lenses would be mounted in a Copal-0 mechanical shutter. And sadly today I must report that new Rodenstock lenses are no longer able to be purchased with mechanical shutter options.
The Future of Shutters:
We are left now with two options for our Actus and WRS camera system customers:
The E-125 and E-250 shutter system: Built and designed by Sinar, this shutter system relies on an exterior powered control box to set shutter speed and actually trigger the shutter itself. Depending on the shutter model these units are capable of a max shutter speed of 1/125th or 1/250th of a second and allow for synchronization of flash units
Due to the form factor of these shutters, new Rodenstock optics are able to be delivered for use with both the Actus (unmounted) or mounted in the Cambo WRS mount.
Sinar E-Shutter mounted for WRS. The shutter is connected to the controller box by the thick cable attached to the shutter.
More information can be found by reading Sinar’s the E-Control PDF
Please note that the E-Controller itself is not directly available through Cambo USA, and instead should be ordered through your Cambo dealer of choice, many of whom are also Sinar-Leica dealers
Rodenstock Aperture-Only Mount:
A Computer rendering of what the new Aperture-Only mounting solution will look like on an unmounted lens.
Technical Data:
Aperture size #0
Aperture control manual
Aperture range 6 f/stops.
9-Blade Design
No Flash synchronisation
Rodenstock 23HR mounted for Cambo WRS shown in Aperture Only mount.
Coming later this quarter Rodenstock will be releasing a newly designed Aperture-Only mount for their current HR optics line-up.
This newly designed mount will share the Copal-0 sizing standard, which allows it to be used with all existing Copal-0 boards available today. And like the E-125/E-250 shutters, this new option will be available in both an un-mounted version or in a WRS lenspanel for use across the entire lineup of Cambo camera options.
This is a great option when working with the latest Digital backs that have a built-in sensor-activated Electronic Shutter (Such as the Phase One IQ3-100 and new IQ4 series digital backs). In this case, there is no need for a synchronisation between lens and back, as there are no moving and vibrating shutter parts. The desired aperture is set on the mount itself, and then the back can be fired either by touching the rear screen, or remotely via cable.
Unfortunately due to the current capabilities of the modern digital back sensor assembly, flash synchronization is limited and cannot be used in all shooting situations.
(We recommend reviewing information from your manufacturer specific to your digital back of choice for more information on this type of capture situation).
Better news for Actus camera users, as this allows for high quality optics to be used much easier than in the past with modern Mirrorless or DSLR cameras. Since ISO and Shutter speed are controlled on the rear-mounted camera, the aperture can quickly be adjusted and in many cases live view can accurately show a preview of the final image before capture.
What’s Next for Lens Shutters?
As digital back sensor technology continues to get better and better, and with the eventual packaging of a global electronic shutter into digital backs, the Rodenstock Aperture-Only mount will continue to be a light-weight and easy to use option for Photographers of all types.
As for now, we wait patiently what the future will hold, and hope to have something that is as long lasting as the legacy that Copal is leaving behind.
For more information, or to purchase lenses in E-250 & Rodenstock Aperture-Only mount, please contact your Cambo USA dealer of choice by visiting our Dealer page.
What is perspective control? How can you achieve perspective control in your images? In this article I will discuss the concept of perspective control and what it means in our photographs.
To achieve In-camera Perspective Control you must have either a view camera or a tilt shift lens. For the examples here I am using the Cambo Actus Mini B. More information about the Cambo cameras can be found at the end of this article.
Perspective control is the process of composing or editing of images to ensure that vertical parallel (or near parallel) lines remain parallel or near parallel.
Perspective Distortion
If the Camera is kept level then no distortion occurs.
Perspective distortion doesn’t occur if the camera is kept level as shown in the camera position above. Typically however this might not result in the image we want. As shown in the image below:
These vertical trees are straight and roughly parallel but notice that we have much more foreground than we probably desire.Camera pointed upwards to show more of the tree tops and sky.
Perspective distortion occurs when the sensor plane is not parallel to lines that are required to be parallel in the photo. Most commonly this happens when the camera is tilted or pointed upwards–typically to include the top of a building or more sky or as in this case more of the tree-tops. The resulting photograph is shown below:
Notice that we have included more of the tree tops. While perhaps a better composition the trees have the feeling like they are receding or falling away from the camera.
Perspective Control
Notice that both the camera base and lens are level, however, the lens has been shifted upwards.
The camera and lens above are level but the lens is shifted upwards. This results in the the perspective of the trees to be maintained (vertical lines are parallel). Here is the resulting image below:
The roughly parallel lines of the trees have been maintained and the trees no longer feel like they are falling away from the camera.
The most frequent use of perspective control lenses and cameras are for architectural photographs. Using the same concepts as the tree photographs above the images below demonstrate the use of perspective control:
Keeping the camera level means clipping the top of the house.Tilting the camera upwards includes the top of the house but the house looks like it is falling away from us.Using the lens shift results in the top of the house being included in the image without the feeling that the house is falling over!
Perspective control in camera is the most precise method of achieving perspective control. These methods can be replicated using the tools found in most post process programs, however, post processed perspective control can result in distortion in other areas of the image. I prefer to get it right in camera.
The camera featured for these images is the Cambo Actus-Mini. It is designed as a digital view camera, giving all the features of the traditional view camera (shift, swing, and tilt). This camera has the capability to interchange digital backs (DSLR’s or Mirrorless) and offers a wide variety of lenses that are compatible.
ColdSnap Photography is the work of professional photographer John Gregor. In addition to fine art and commercial photography ColdSnap Photography is the Upper Mid West’s leading photography workshop provider. Hosting workshops on the shores of Lake Superior and beyond. Committed to guiding photographers to awe-inspiring places, where they can create masterful photos. For more information on his upcoming workshops you can visit https://coldsnapphotography.com/workshops/
Cambo USA is happy to be a part of the Digital Transitions East Coast Tour of the new Phase One IQ4 digital back.
We will be bringing a complete Actus-DB II and WRS-1600 setup with lenses and accessories for display and demonstration purposes. So please come by and see them for yourself , while testing out the latest in digital back technology.
From DT:
“Experience Infinite Possibilities with the Phase One XF IQ4 Digital Transitions invites you to join us as we bring infinite possibilities across the East Coast. We will review the newest features in Phase One’s IQ4 150 megapixel digital back. Feel free to stop by any time during the event to try it for yourself!
This event is for photographers in every field – the IQ4 150MP has unique features that make it ideal for photographers in any specialty. DT representatives will be available to discuss Commercial, Fine Art, and Cultural Heritage specialties.”
Secure your free ticket today by visiting the links below:
It was only a matter of time. First was the Fuji GFX, then came the Hasselblad X1D, The Leica SL and Nikon Z was soon to follow, and now even the new Canon EOS R can be a part of the Actus family.
Because of the smaller bayonet size of the Canon EOS-R it is able to be used across the entire Actus (Actus XL or Actus-G with Optional AC-78E Interchangeable bayonet) range.
Just replace or attach the four mounting screws, and your EOS-R is ready to be used.
Our design team is busy updating our lens compatibility list to reflect the latest camera bodies, so please keep checking back for more information as it becomes available.
Cambo Actus-G with Actar 60, AC-782, and Canon EOS-R
Cambo Actus-G with Actar 24, AC-782, and Canon EOS-R
Contact your Cambo dealer of choice to get yours ordered!
In 2016 during the Society of Photographic Education conference we had the opportunity to sit in on a round table where the topic was
“How can manufacturers help support and educate the next generation of Photographers?”
The topic of teaching aids and videos quickly came up, and it was then were the gears started turning for how Cambo could help. In partnership with Dutch Photographer and Filmmaker, Gerhard Witteveen , The View Camera Movement was started.
The View Camera Moment is a five video series that walks through why view cameras were and still are an important part of Architectural, Landscape, and Product Photography.
Each video in the series is designed to quickly cover a specific topic, and contain both interesting demonstrations and compelling visuals.
These videos are offered free for educational usage and can be accessed by visiting the Cambo USA EDU Portal
This AC-784 Bayonet Holder is an optional accessory for the ACTUS-G series and allows the mounting of a Nikon Z-mount Mirrorless Camera Body to the interchangeable top part of the rear standard of the ACTUS-G View camera base.
Announced earlier this year, the Nikon Z series of cameras opens up some very interesting options for Actus users. With its 16mm flange distance and full frame sensor, the Nikon Z cameras are able to make use of the entire range of Actar lenses as well as all other lens options available to the Actus platform.
More testing will be required, but the Nikon Z may even be able to take full advantage of Nikon F-mount lenses! Stay tuned for more in depth testing and results.
This adapter includes a built-in rotation between landscape and portrait position.
Note: Due to the size of the Nikon Z bayonet mount the AC-784 will not fit to the Actus-B version.
The AC-784 adaptor is shipping now. Contact your Cambo dealer for more information, or to place your order.
The ACDB-987 is an interchangeable insert that fits on to Actus-G Camera System. It allows uses to replace the bayonet holders AC-792, AC-793 and AC-78E and offers the possibility to use a digital back on the Actus-G series.
Cambo ACDB-987 Tilt Adaptor with a Phase One IQ3 Back on an Actus G
The ACDB-987 also adds an extra 12º tilt function (+6/-6 degrees) close to optical center of sensor. You only have to add the appropriate fitting bellows and a SLW-adapter for your digital back.
ACDB-987 showing Actus-G connector Pins
The ACDB-987 makes it even easier to switch from shooting with your DSLR or Mirrorless camera body to shooting with your digital back, while adding additional movements that you come to expect from a larger view camera, while not adding much additional size to the Actus you already know and love.
This adapter is compatible with:
ACTUS-GFX ACTUS-XCD ACTUS-G
In order to have a complete, solution users will need to add one of the below SLW-adapters:
SLW-80 for Hasselblad-V compatible digiback SLW-89 for Hasselblad-H compatible digiback SLW-83 for PhaseOne XF compatible digiback SLW-84 for Sinar 30|45 compatible digiback SLW-81 for Leaf AFi/Hy6 compatible digiback WRS-1068 for Mamiya RB roll film back
And additionally need a set of the below bellows for Digital Backs:
ACDB-250 as normal bellows ACDB-252 as wide-angle bellows ACDB-254 as long extension bellows (on AC-330 monorail) ACDB-256 as macro extension bellows (on AC-345 monorail)
The ACDB-987 will be shipping soon from the Cambo USA Dealer of your choice, and will be on display at Photokina 2018 and Photo Plus Expo 2018.
Will you be attending Photokina or Photo Plus Expo this year?
We invite you to stop by and see the latest product releases and get your hands on some of the best designed and manufactured camera equipment in the world! Cambo will be showing the full range of Tech cameras, Wide RS and the updated ACTUS series, updated Studio Stands and more!
Hall 2.1, Booth A-017
An international flight not exactly something in your budget? How about something a little more local?
Booth 458
Looking to attend Photo Plus Expo but don’t yet have a badge? Use our link to get your free Expo badge, or save 15% on a Conference badge today!
