Rollei X-Act 2 Bellows/Camera on the Nikon D810

[Michael Erlewine]

I finally got all of the various parts to fire-up my new Rollei X-Act 2 Bellows Camera, which is no longer manufactured. I managed to find a brand-new copy but, as mentioned, finding all the parts was a hassle.

And this beast is heavy. I won’t be carting it through the woods, but may be able to take it to the parks and gardens. I will have to see. Right now, using it is like simultaneously patting my head and rubbing my stomach, as the kids do. Too many wheels and settings. 

I had purchased a used Kenlock (Spiratone, Hamm) Tilt/Shift/Swing Bellows (technical camera), which works great, but is not built for a large DSLR. It would be perfect for one of the mirrorless cameras. Here my copy now on Ebay, so you can see how nice it is:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231789546331?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

As for the Rollei X-Act 2, I have both the standard bellows, but also the bag bellows, which is the one shown here. I could use input and suggestions on how to use this, since this is all new to me. I know Bob Friedman knows this stuff.

Here is my first photo taken with the system. It is obviously going to take both time and study on my part. Learning this  will help get me to the spring weather.

This photo is with the Nikon D810 and the El Nikkor APO 105mm, using Zerene Stacker.

[KarlMera]

How long is the bellows? Would it be long enough for a 135mm lens?

[Michael Erlewine]

How long is the bellows? Would it be long enough for a 135mm lens?

I have another bellows, non-bag that should be able to handle it.

[Michael Erlewine]

How do we calculate the length of a bellows needed for a particular lens?

[KarlMera]

For a 100mm lens you need 200mm bellows to reach 1:1, for infinity you need 100mm, around.

[Michael Erlewine]

The standard bellows has this range: 59-194 mm

[KarlMera]

The standard bellows has this range: 59-194 mm

Perfect for 1:1 with 105 printing nikkor, and the rest with the apo el nikkor 105, you do not need 135, but it would work with more distance to the object.

[Exaktauser]

 I have one of these too and have used my Canons, but now have got a Sony A7R to reduce the FFD factor - you can check out my we journey at http://craigperkins.co.nz/blog/  - I have a 47mm, 100mm, 135mm, 150mm lenses - Love it, favourite camera.