We need a better tech cam for strictly studio work than our venerable 4x5 Sinar P2. Need full geared precise movements auto-locking
Our backs are PhaseOne IQ250 and Leaf Credo80
I am looking at:
1. Sinar P3
2. Cambo Ultima
3. ArcaSwiss Monolith
4. ArcaSwiss Universalis
Any thoughts? Preferences? Reasons? Others I should consider?
Availability on used market vs buy new?
Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
Since we sell every one of these products, as well as the mentioned Linhof M679, from a non-personal standpoint, I would say they each have strengths and arguments could be made in all cases. Wow, that's profound.
Ok, well....
The Sinar P3 would be able to utilize some of your existing Sinar accessories for the P2. The newer D-P3 has much improved gearing precision; the P2 can feel a bit like steering a boat, which can be frustrating trying to nail down focus with a 50MP digital back. It is similar to a P2 in size, except the top standards are smaller, and it retains much of the robustness of one of the most popular studio view cameras sold the past 2 decades.
Cambo Ultima is a more compact camera than the Sinar P3, similar in features, and gearing precision, one thing I especially like is that it is self-arresting, but still has the option to lock. And it is one of the more affordable options. The Cambo Actus, as John Milich mentioned, is one of the smallest modern view cameras available that supports a digital back, and is very affordable. It lacks some of the creature comforts of larger view cameras (not all gearing is self-arresting, for example, horizontal shift is not geared, etc.), but is extremely well made, considering the size.
The Arca Swiss Monolith is a great view camera, compact, very precise gearing, elegant design. I particularly like the method for how Arca Swiss expands the monorail without having to add another extension piece. That is truly elegant. For a smaller option, the Universalis, like the Cambo Actus, offers an affordable alternative to the larger view cameras.
The Linhof is another option as well - fitting somewhere between a Sinar P3 and a Cambo Ultima in terms of size/bulk, again very nice gearing, self locking adjustments. But as expensive, or more so than the Sinar, even. As was noted, in the USA, Linhof has not had as large a presence as Sinar/Cambo/Arca Swiss, and recently, HP Marketing, the former US Distributor, resigned and turned over all their product lines to OmegaBrandess and MAC. OmegaBrandess ended up with Linhof. We'll see how it goes, Omega has been responsive to our requests so far, but seem limited by a bottleneck from Linhof HQ (for whatever reason).
I find view camera preferences among owners are pretty passionate. A view camera is either a camera you're going to love or hate, and if you get the right one, it's a great uh, relationship.
While there are many great choices, for this type of work, stability and precision are high on the list of requirements, so perhaps one of the larger, bulkier cameras is a better fit.
Cambo, Sinar and Arca Swiss products all are rentable from our inventory if needed, Eric. You know how to find me....
Steve Hendrix
Capture Integration