When I say the words View Camera, I can imagine that you are envisioning one of two things:

You either know and remember (and may even miss) the “old days” where you as the photographer were in complete control over your image, and the master of your domain.

Or if you are of the more modern crop of upcoming photographers, you may be thinking of some arcane monstrosity that is too big and complicated to lug around.

If you spent some time today searching the web for answers you probably came across the following definition on Wikipedia:

A view camera is a large format camera in which the lens forms an inverted image on a ground glass screen directly at the plane of the film. The image viewed is exactly the same as the image on the film, which replaces the viewing screen during exposure. It is comprised of a flexible bellows that forms a light-tight seal between two adjustable standards, one of which holds a lens, and the other a viewfinder or a photographic film holder.

The bellows are a flexible, accordion-pleated box [that] encloses the space between the lens and film, and flexes to accommodate the movements of the standards. The front standard is a board at the front of the camera that holds the lens and, usually, a shutter.

At the other end of the bellows, the rear standard is a frame that holds a ground glass plate, used for focusing and composing the image before exposure—and is replaced by a holder containing the light-sensitive film, plate, or image sensor for exposure. The front and rear standards can move in various ways relative to each other, unlike most other camera types. This provides control over focus, depth of field, and perspective.

Lets stop right there, before we go any further let’s get one thing straight– 

The current definition of a view camera is WRONG.

The image you have in mind of your Grandfather’s view camera is wrong because the view camera has changed.

In days past the view camera primarily was a tool designed to work with 4×5, 8×10 or larger pieces of film which at the time was the only way to capture extremely high resolution images. 

Typical sensor sizes today are very small comparatively to the size of the film from the past, however the resolving power today is incredibly close (or even better) than it ever has been. But resolution is only part of the battle. There are many other reasons to use a view camera that aren’t only about the size of the image captured.

A view camera can do the following things better than ANY other camera or lens can do alone:

• Change Perspective – Control perspective on products or buildings
• Plane of Focus – Maximize or Minimize Depth of Field

View Cameras have the ability to do something else that is extremely valuable even in today’s digital world:

Get things right in camera– Not in post. 

The theories and principals are the same, even though the medium today is drastically different.

Over the next few blog entries we hope to enlighten you to some of what makes a view camera unique and why even today they are still a valuable part of the photographer’s toolkit.

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**

Heres a quick tip for all of our Actus users. Recently we received an email asking for us to perform a “science experiment”.

One of our users wanted to take his Actus hiking while carrying the least amount of gear possible. He also wanted to use longer focal length lenses without the need to change monorails in the field.

He asked whether or not the rear standard of his Actus-DB2 would support the use of the macro adapters designed for our WRS line of cameras. After some experimentation and many calls back to Cambo HQ in The Netherlands, I was reminded of a more elegant (and often overlooked) solution.

The front standard of the Actus is designed in such a way where it can be rotated 180º and a standard Actus lens board can be re-mounted. The magnetic bellows even still connect and effortlessly lock into place.

This allows for the standard 175mm monorail of the Actus DB-2 (150mm of the Actus Mini) to effectively be extended by 45mm. The photo above is taken from the Actus manual itself, and even though it shows the Actus-Mini, you get the same movements on the Actus DB2 as well.

All you need is the right length of bellows and you are back in action with as little extra equipment as possible!

The Actus series of cameras is a modular unit that allows for an almost unlimited potential for customization. The standard Actus configuration comes included with a 150mm monorail (175mm for Actus DB/Actus GFX), but has the ability to be used with extended rails for longer focal length lenses or for macro purposes.

The AC-330 monorail extends to 300mm of length and allows for 1:1 focus with a 120mm macro lens. The AC-345 extends to 450mm which is good for 1:1 with 180mm lenses.

You Will Need:

Step by Step:

1) With the rear bayonet facing you, begin by loosening both silver tension screws on lower left and right of the Body.

2) Use the focus knob to move the rear standard into the farthest back position (60mm)

3) Extend the rear standard until the silver set screw appears in the guide hole

4) Remove this screw and retain it for re-assembly. The rear standard can now be freely removed.

5) Turn the body over to reveal four T6 screws. Remove those screws and retain for re-assembly. Please note if you have an Actus-DB or Actus GFX the front standard is comprised of two pieces. Both pieces will need to be re-installed in order to complete the swap.

6) Re-assemble your Actus by following the same steps in reverse with the longer monorail of your choice.

And there you have it. Customizing your Actus camera for your needs is incredibly simple and something anyone can do.

For any additional questions or to purchase Actus cameras or accessories please contact your closest Cambo dealer at Cambousa.com/dealers.