Pramote,
It might help if I explain what led me to my choice. Everyone has priorities. I associate the different brands with distinct priority lists:
Alpa
Pros:
Simple, elegant design – Alpa pays attention to details. From the matt, ribbed finish inside the camera to the ball bearing mechanism, it is a camera designed to be used in a manner that doesn’t get in the way.
Light weight (some models) – This was big for me. The STC can be oriented for rise/fall or shift, can be managed without a grip or viewfinder. So for backpacking I think it is The Cat’s Pajamas.
Robust – There is just not much to go wrong on the camera. No little pieces sticking out, and not much to be bent or dented that would prevent it from working flawlessly.
Shimming & HPF rings – Good, accurate system when combined together. Measuring distance with a Disto and dialing in focus is efficient and very accurate. Just look at the number of people shooting Cambo’s that have purchased HPF rings! However, shimming does not account for any differences in lenses. You have to pick the lens you shim with. Then, if necessary, make any helical adjustments to the other lenses to match.
Cons:
No tilt for wide angles – Probably Alpa’s Achilles Heel. They are supposed to come up with a solution this year, but from reading their press release it sounds like it will be only for certain lenses.
Cost – I think this may be blown out of proportion. I do think dealer margins are smaller, so in some cases dealers are screaming about the cost more than owners. Some accessories are indeed crazy expensive. For example I can get the iPhone holder and buy an iPhone cheaper than the $1600 viewfinder.
I think of Alpa STC as a Porsche 911; designed for the task at hand.
Arca
Pros:
Beautifully built and designed – Everything is thought through, just look at the viewfinder with its DoF barrels, magnetic shutter cable…
Rm3 has tilt in the body – If you don’t mind a larger camera, the Rm3d is hard to beat because of this feature.
Focus mount – Arca’s focus mechanism is very fine and indirect. It’s design adjusts (calibrates) for each lens so there is no need to shim. It is not as simple and direct as the Alpa system, but it does account for any differences in lens tolerance (except for infinity).
Cons:
Long lead-times on parts – Not sure what the truth on this is, but it does seem to be exacerbated by inadequate communication.
No website – Eh, whatever. People can find the info they need if they do their homework.
More small parts – This might just be me, but I drop stuff. In rivers, at the most annoying times. I would go through those barrels, magnetic pieces, etc. faster than Phase One batteries on Live View. Again, I think the design is well conceived; it is just not something that fit my priorities.
Arca Rm3d is the Mercedes S-class
Cambo
Pros:
Value – You arguably get the most for your money with Cambo.
Tilt in a small package – I separate the Arca Rm2d, Alpa STC and the Cambo WRS into their own subgroup because they are considerably smaller than their brothers and sisters. These three were my short list because of size and weight. As of today, the WRS is the only one that has tilt, albeit in the lenses, not the body.
Back calibration – It can be done by adjusting the setscrews in the back. I have never done it; it is not as well documented as Alpa’s shim system, which is designed for the user to adjust. I believe Cambo recommends sending the camera and back to be adjusted by their technicians.
Cons:
Design - The WDS design is a bit crude in my opinion. I don’t want to get in trouble here, but it just does not feel that well thought out compared to the other two companies. The WRS is better, and the AE version better still. Some may categorize this as dressing, but not to me. It is the little things that become the stone in my shoe.
The Cambo WRS is the Chevy Corvette. Maybe a little rough around the edges, but it gets you there as fast as the others (or faster?). In contrast the WDS is, um, the Suburban? Ok maybe the Escalade!
