Doppler9000
Active member
No surprises, except the Hasselblad CFV (HBX?) backs seem quite limited on the short end.
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Arca Swiss Pico Lens Compatibility
- Thread starter Doppler9000
- Start date
Doppler9000
Active member
Could you please elaborate?
Paul Spinnler
Well-known member
They chose rigid design over wide angle compatibility. In my view a non starter to exclude low end options.
Only reason to get it is geared movements, for macro it’s cool. But for most use cases IMHO the R is already perfect …
Rm3Di and done.
Only reason to get it is geared movements, for macro it’s cool. But for most use cases IMHO the R is already perfect …
Rm3Di and done.
Paul Spinnler
Well-known member
You are right to point out that the key point is the digital back type; my understanding has been that camera manufacturers strive to open up their systems to DB alternatives because people literally are priced out with P1 back pricing.
Ie ideally you'd have a camera where you can slap a Sony 35mm backlit CMOS onto the back and on the front use tech cam glass which arguably is extremely sharp and of very high quality for stationary photography, additionally providing shift fro stitching and composition compared to native system lenses in 35mm.
So, in a way, if you can't use wide-angles with 35mm "backs" you are stuck witch normal focal lengths in 35mm or those arca custom nikon lenses whose resale value will be low given it is an ultra niche new system and a future purchased would need the same system - which is very hard.
From that perspective, except if you NEED geared movements in all dimensions, e.g. macro, the R is more flexible and copact to travel with IMHO.
Doppler9000
Active member
Thank you.
I referenced the HBD-X as a back - I was thinking, incorrectly, of the CFV.
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Doppler9000
Active member
Another advantage of the Pico (or Actus, etc.) is for people who want to use lenses that aren’t conducive to fitting into factory helicoids.
Hopefully the Pico will return to ‘zero’ reliably, unlike the Actus. This would be a significant advantage for the Pico.
rdeloe
Well-known member
Officially the APO-Digitar 35/5.6 is not compatible with the F-Universalis and GFX cameras. However, it is if you are OK with 8mm maximum shift. The rear element is tiny and fits inside the mount without issue.
You should not assume this is also true with the Pico. It uses what looks like a Rotafoot mount, so there should be the same amount of room for the rear of the lens to move within the available space. However, it's quite possible that the thicker front standard may prevent the lens from reaching infinity.
You should not assume this is also true with the Pico. It uses what looks like a Rotafoot mount, so there should be the same amount of room for the rear of the lens to move within the available space. However, it's quite possible that the thicker front standard may prevent the lens from reaching infinity.
Paul Spinnler
Well-known member
So who got one?
I have one along with Rody (40,50,90,138) Schneider (35XL, 72L, 100, 120 Asph, 138 Float, 180T). I don't have enough time with it but initially there are two things I really like. The weight/size and the fit/movement of the components which is very precise. There is one other very positive aspect and that is the new lens mount which makes lenses very easy for travel.
I use this with my HB 907-100C..... great combination!
It should be noted that the 180T will not work with the Pico due to FFD but I listed it anyway. I have no intentions of selling my M-two but will more than likely part with my two Actus cameras.
Victor B.
I use this with my HB 907-100C..... great combination!
It should be noted that the 180T will not work with the Pico due to FFD but I listed it anyway. I have no intentions of selling my M-two but will more than likely part with my two Actus cameras.
Victor B.
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The Pico does not use a Rotafoot type mount. It has a mount style similar to Cambo but much sturdier and is made out of very thick aluminum. I can't imagine it ever flexing. The 35XL (not the lens you are describing) requires a recessed lens board which I tried for a very brief period of time. To me it was extremely difficult to adjust the aperture which I had relegated to my little finger. I won't be shooting the 35XL on the Pico. It and the 180T will be used on my M-Two.
Victor B.
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rdeloe
Well-known member
Victor, I meant the camera mount part of the Rotafoot looks similar. Are you saying it's not? I knew the "foot" part is different. That's clear in pictures.
I was referring to the APO-Digitar 35. Are you confirming that it does work on the Pico (as in reaches infinity), albeit in a very awkward deeply recessed board?
Rob
I was referring to the APO-Digitar 35. Are you confirming that it does work on the Pico (as in reaches infinity), albeit in a very awkward deeply recessed board?
Rob
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Doppler9000
Active member
Victor - thanks for the insights.
How are the rigidity and return-to-zero of the Pico vs the Actus?
How are the rigidity and return-to-zero of the Pico vs the Actus?
Rob.... the actual camera mounts (where the camera actually mounts to the adapter) for all adapters are very similar or identical. I do not own the Apo-Digitar 35 but do own the Schneider 35XL. I believe the rear element is much larger than the lens you have. I do not know if the lens you have will reach infinity - maybe you have FFD information and you could check against the 35XL. The recessed lens board is a real PITA. I sent mine back.
Victor B.
Victor B.
The Pico is very rigid with tolerances closer than any camera I have ever owned. Anything that is adjusted stays there until changed by the user.
By return to Zero I'm assuming you mean swing and tilt. They both return to a detent zero but the only one that I do not adjust is tilt. Mostly because all of my lenses are really in the ballpark for '0' for that particular movement. Absolute zero for tilt isn't as critical for me as absolute Zero for swing is. The tilt mechanism is very robust and actually holds my 138 float without sag.
Nudge adjustments for swing are necessary for every lens just as with any other bellows camera I have used. This is a movement that is very critical for me as I don't want any skew. The real difference between the Actus and the Pico is that a tiny/nudge swing adjustment stays there. Not so on the Actus where a slight touch of the knob will affect the movement.
The difference between the two cameras is very significant.
Victor B.
Doppler9000
Active member
Thanks, Victor.
I hope you are getting the same sales commissions as Rob gets on his Universalis referral sales.
I could hang out some dirty laundry but that's true of anything. The camera is a significant improvement over anything else I have used outside of the M-Two. The M-Two just happens to be a solid 2 pounds heavier which puts it behind the Pico for me.
The Pico, for sure, is a true travel camera..
Victor B.
The Pico, for sure, is a true travel camera..
Victor B.
Doppler9000
Active member
I think you misread me. I believe the Pico is everything you say it is, and is a worthy purchase.
I was teasing.
Rob’s insights have sold several Universalis cameras because he is credible and has explained, clearly, the advantages and trade-offs of the camera.
We have joked, over the years, that he should be on Arca Swiss’ payroll.