The following blog post first appeared on the Cold Snap Photography blog and is re-posted here with permission from the author John Gregor.

Perspective Control In Camera

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

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:

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:

Perspective Control

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 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:

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.

For more information about the Cambo Actus Mini or other Cambo perspective control cameras go to: https://www.cambo.com/en/actus-series/

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/

Frequently here at the Cambo USA office we get asked questions that go something like this:

“I’m considering buying an Actus, and I don’t know what lenses to look for. What can you recommend?”

For anyone who has used an Actus (or have spoken with us at length) know that this is a very loaded question. Because there are so many different configuration options (and due to the nature of being able to adapt several hundred if not more legacy lenses to the system) it’s sometimes hard to quantify which lenses are going to work best for what system.

Without getting too technical, the answer to the compatibility question mostly relies on the Flange Focal Distance (FFD) of your camera body of choice when compared to the same measurement from your lens of choice.

FFD is the distance between the image plane (image sensor) and the front of the camera interface (mount or bayonet).

This measurement can also be known as: “Ahhhh why did this helpful article suddenly become all about math?”.

Generally speaking, for the greatest number of users, the Actar series of lenses will be a great starting point. These lenses were designed to offer the widest amount of usage across many different camera types. The only exception to this rule would be of course the Actus DB for digital backs (which is a whole other conversation in itself) because unless you are using a back with an electronic shutter, there is no way to trigger the capture process with these lenses.

“I see there is a ______ lens adaptor, can I use it on my camera?”

To make things a little clearer, please reference the below PDF for a general list of what modern or relatively available lenses could work to fit your needs. Or download a copy for yourself here.

This is not an end all list, because of the sheer number of lenses available that could possibly work. However, this should give a pretty basic starting point for looking at which options may be the best for your needs.

Cambo Actus lens compatibility table (2019-V1)

**Please note, some of these configurations may require additional bellows or monorails needed to achieve proper focus**

Words and Photos by Lee Varis of Varis Photomedia

This 2nd part of my examination of the Cambo Actus GFX system focuses (literally) on the lens tilting functionality. The tilting lens stage allows the photographer to alter the plane of focus, usually to match the plane of focus with the subject, to achieve better depth of focus with near-to-far subjects, or with macro focus situations.

This lens tilt takes advantage of the Scheimpflug principle, a geometric rule that describes the orientation of the plane of focus of an optical system (such as a camera) when the lens plane is not parallel to the image plane.

Arranging the lens tilt so that the desired plane of focus intersects with the image plane, and the lens plane, at the same point, allows for enhanced focus along that focus plane without resorting to extra small ƒ-stops, and in most cases achieves sharper focus in the desired area. The following image illustrates how this works in practice. The first image has the lens plane parallel to the camera back, and the result is a limited depth of field that is particularly troublesome for near-to-far subjects…

The second image has the lens tilted forward so that the lens plane intersects the plane of the face of the guitar, and the back of the camera—the result is an illusion of infinite focus or extended depth of field, even at a wide open ƒ-stop…

The beauty of the medium format, mirrorless FUJIFILM GFX is that focus peaking in the electronic viewfinder makes the chore of determining the best angle for the lens easy—just tilt the lens until the red highlights show up along the edges in the image!

Besides the obvious application here in the still life above, subtle lens tilts can work wonders in ultra-close-up macro photography. This is something the Cambo Actus system excels at…

The Cambo Actus GFX with the 90mm Actar lens is ideal for extreme macro work. Small lens tilts can greatly enhance the apparent depth of focus at closer than 1:1 magnification distances.

There is nothing quite so luxurious as a view camera for macro photography, and the Cambo Actus GFX is a joy to use with extremely precise geared focus movements along the extended rail—the focus peaking of the FUJIFILM GFX is fantastic for nailing the focus.

The Scheimpflug principle also has application in landscape photography…

Here I’m setting up a shot with foreground rocks leading up to the lighthouse—an extreme near-to-far composition.

The foreground rocks are only 24 inches from the front of the lens with the light house over one hundred feet away.

While it is possible to capture several shots with differing focus depths, and merge them using focus stacking, the look of the Scheimpflug capture achieves a subtle “standing in the scene” kind of feel that just works better for this type of image!

Here is a short video showing another shot from the same day of shooting…

The Cambo Actus with the FUJIFILM GFX is truly the ultimate technical camera for demanding photography in architecture, still life, and landscape applications. While the system is not cheap… roughly $2,795.00 for the Cambo Actus, another $1000 – 1700 or so for a large coverage view camera prime lens, and you’d still need to purchase the FUJIFILM GFX body ($6499.95 from B&H) , if you are looking for the ultimate technical system, this is it!

I was able to borrow the system for a only a week, and had limited time to work with it, but I really enjoyed working with the system. This camera inspired many ideas for photographs that I would like to pursue at some point in the near future. In the meantime, here is a gallery of images from my testing—click on the thumbnails below to see larger images! You can find out more about the Cambo Actus system of cameras, available with adapters for Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fuji-X, from their website here: https://www.cambo.com/en/actus-mini/cambo-actus-mini-view-camera/

Words and Photos by Lee Varis – Source: Cambo Actus + FUJIFILM GFX

Once again a huge thank you to Lee for his very in depth review. To purchase a Cambo Actus GFX or any of the many other Cambo products, please visit Cambousa.com/dealers to find the Cambo dealer nearest you.!

Words and Photos by Lee Varis of Varis Photomedia

I recently had the opportunity to test the Cambo Actus technical camera with the FUJIFILM GFX—this was very exciting for me because I could renew my experience with view cameras in a new digital configuration! The Cambo Actus is essentially a view camera front end to just about any digital camera that gives the serious photographer the ability to use full lens tilt & shift with back shift.

The Cambo Actus system uses large image circle view camera or enlarger lenses connected to a digital camera body through a bag bellows and a body adapter back standard. Basically replacing a view camera film holder with a digital camera body. I had the system set up for the amazing FUJIFILM GFX, a medium format 50 megapixel camera, and had an Actor 24mm & 90mm lens to test the full tilt/shift capabilities of the system.

The shifting function of this type of camera system is primarily used in architectural photography to control perspective convergence. This was how we had to work before the days of Photoshop and Lightroom lens corrections. The idea is to keep the camera back perfectly vertical and use the shifting back to get the top of a building in the shot. A carpenter’s bubble level is very useful to square up the camera…

Here is a short video where I show the process with the Cambo Actus and FUJIFILM GFX…

I was using the Actar 24mm with is fairly wide angle for the GFX medium format camera.

Here you can see the perspective convergence in the building behind me. It was actually much more severe in the un shifted GFX shot—it makes the building look like its leaning backward!

Sometimes when the image is perfectly corrected with all the lines parallel, it can look a little off, like its over corrected. You might have to deliberately under-correct (allow for slight convergence)  to make it look right…

The shape of this building still looks a little strange, even though it is technically correct.

The shifting back of the Cambo Actus is also extremely helpful when stitching multiple shots together to get undistorted wide angle shots! I took advantage of the horizontal shift to capture a shot of the Ames Free Library in Easton Massachusetts when the best vantage point for the building was too close to show enough of the scene.

Shifting the back of the Cambo Actus allows for perfect alignment with the building, so all the lines are parallel, and multiple shots blend together seamlessly with no effort. The image below shows the individual shots shifted to the extremes of the extra large image circle…

This sequence shows the extreme shift inside the image circle of the lens!

The result after merging in Lightroom/Photoshop…

The Cambo Actus system is definitely the big boy way to shoot architecture, but the camera has many other applications that take advantage of a tilting lens! Stay tuned for part two of my exploration of the Cambo Actus GFX where I look at achieving infinite depth of field effects with a tilting lens!

Words and Photos by Lee Varis – Source: Cambo Actus & FUJIFILM GFX

Please take the time to visit Lee’s website varis.com for more great reviews, tutorials, and stellar images.

Thank you Lee for taking the time to test and share the Actus GFX. For more information or to purchase one of your own please visit Cambousa.com/dealers to find the dealer nearest you.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of Lee’s review coming soon!

FIX – Add CI contact

fix UK pricing

New Video Rigs have been introduced by Cambo Fotografische in the Netherlands for the Panasonic GH4 camera.

The Cambo CS-GH4-II Rig is now available that has the same general features of the CS-GH4 but with the new M3 camera plate. This plate enables you to fix an optional Manfrotto quick release camera adapter. Priced at €559.00 / £475.00 ex. VAT/ TAX & shipment.

© Image used courtesy of HD Warrior

You can read further and see more images at  HD Warrior.

General Features;

Both Cambo GH4 Rigs feature a single handgrip with a padded shoulder support and counterbalance. The camera platform has 1/4” fitting, which can be shifted left/right and tilted up/down.

A unique feature of the GH4 rig is the ability to change the position of the padded shoulder support. This enables you to sit the shoulder support on and ‘inline’ with your shoulder, or in a ‘brace’ position pushed against the front of the chest, or positioned over and around your back.

The reach of the grip can be adjusted and swivelled into the right position. You can even adjust the position of the camera so the shooter can look direct through the viewfinder or have enough room to add the Cambo 3x loupe.

Both rigs come complete with a CS-180 counter weight 0.8kg

Cambo CS-GH4 Rig Priced at €498.00 / £420.00 ex. VAT/ TAX & shipment, pictured below

FIX – add CI contact

fix UK pricing

Apologies for the wait, we now have stock available and will start sending the eyecup back orders out today.

Spec wearers!

I read recently that anyone wearing spectacles have a problem using an eyecup.. fear not the cup is extremely flexible and I have used the same type of flexible material on the Cambo loupe. My specs are frameless so are more delicate than framed – this eyecup works!

As you can see from the picture above, the eyecup fits around the existing one fitted to the camera. There is some obstruction when opening the screen and using the flash shoe. We point this out as we have had 1 returned out of the 100’s sold! So 99%+ are very satisfied with the eyecup.

Priced at €30.00 / £29.00 +TAX / VAT and post.

FIX – add CI contact

fix UK pricing

Today, 28th July 2014, Cambo Fotografische in the Netherlands announce a new video rig for the Panasonic GH4 camera.

The Cambo GH4 Rig features a single handgrip with a padded shoulder support and counterbalance. The camera platform has 1/4” fitting, which can be angled left/right and tilted up/down.

A unique feature of the GH4 rig is the ability to change the position of the padded shoulder support. This enables you to sit the shoulder support on and ‘inline’ with your shoulder, or in a ‘brace’ position pushed against the front of the chest, or positioned over and around your back.

The reach of the grip can be adjusted and swivelled into the right position. You can even adjust the position of the camera so the shooter can look direct through the viewfinder or have enough room to add a the Cambo 3x loupe.

Priced at €498.00 / £420.00 ex. VAT/ TAX & shipment.

FIX – add CI contact

The Panasonic GH4 is being tested by HDWarrior producer Philip Johnston. Click on the image below and it will take you to Philips blog which describes the setup of the test.

We are pleased that Philip chose the Cambo ERIS GH4 Rig, along with trying the Cambo 3.0x Loupe. When the footage is edited & uploaded we will post it here, so you can judge for yourselves the quality produced with the Camera/Rig combination.

It’s the age of the mirror less cameras and the Sony Alpha 7/R is a great piece of kit for stills and video shoots. This camera system is ‘Ultra Compact’ and although lightweight reminds me of my first 35mm SLR, the feel of the camera is solid and so small!

As with all DSLR systems Cambo has a loupe for the Sony A7 and 7R.

If you’ve seen the Cambo loupe you will already know about the 3x Schneider lens, the soft eyecup and clip on frame function.

For those that have already bought a loupe, you will know the lens is sharp, no distortion, no colour shift and its truly the best you can buy on the market today – if you don’t believe me, check out the loupe at your nearest stockist – its the best!

As with all optics, the better the glass the less eyestrain. There is nothing worse than looking through a bad optic all day, spending hours editing and ruining your eyes…

How does the loupe fit to the camera?

1. Insert the frame in the baseplate and tighten the hex bolts.
2. Offer up to the base of the camera and slide the 1/4” thread to fix.
3. At this point you can move the frame around to make sure you can view all of the screen. The A7/7R has a 7.5cm (3.0”) TFT screen.
4. Clip on the loupe and adjust the dioptre.

Why use the loupe on a Mirror less camera?

Gareth from doodledoMOTION tried out the loupe and said “Its definitely more comfortable to hold and shooting video with the cup up against the eye feels much better” he continued “in bright sunlight you are less likely to get stray light which makes shooting easier and you can see exactly where the camera shooting area is”.

Which loupe? Click here to find out which loupe fits your camera.

Brochure – Click here to download the PDF Cambo Viewing Loupe System