Author Topic: Portable Bellows Systems?  (Read 4342 times)

Michael Erlewine

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Portable Bellows Systems?
« on: May 26, 2016, 22:00:19 »
I am looking at portable bellows systems with some amount of movements, more than the PB-4/PB-6 have.. The Cambo Actus system is not too heavy and does a lot.

https://www.cambo.com/en/actus-mini/cambo-actus-mini-view-camera/

It can be ordered with three different sized rails. They have a Macro-style Rail that is 45 cm, or one that is 30 cm, or one that is 15.5 cm...... and they have a bellows for the 45 cm that is also 45 mm. Considering that I have a lot of industrial, etc. lenses, some that like longer bellows, what size would you recommend for a rail/bellows. I am leaning toward the 45 cm.

What do you think is the best sized rail to have>
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Frank Fremerey

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Re: Portable Bellows Systems?
« Reply #1 on: May 26, 2016, 22:26:56 »
nifty.
interesting.
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simsurace

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Re: Portable Bellows Systems?
« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2016, 00:47:51 »
I'm trying to put together one based off of a Mamiya 645 Auto Bellows. I have all the parts ready except for a Mamiya 645 to Nikon F adapter that got lost in the mail. I hope it will arrive soon.

https://goo.gl/0Edl8s

Obviously this is not in the same league as the Cambo Actus, but it will be sufficient to get started.
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Michael Erlewine

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Re: Portable Bellows Systems?
« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2016, 01:19:04 »
Does anyone have ideas as to my question as to what length of a focus rail would be best?
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simsurace

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Re: Portable Bellows Systems?
« Reply #4 on: May 27, 2016, 01:30:09 »
I would tend to the 30cm rail because of the nice compromise between portability and versatility with lenses that need some extension.
The 15cm is clearly too short. Whether the 45cm is too long depends on how you use it.
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Michael Erlewine

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Re: Portable Bellows Systems?
« Reply #5 on: May 27, 2016, 01:46:52 »
The Mamiya 645 Auto Bellows is nice because it has both tilt and swing or however you want to phrase it. You can have two movements together. I looked at that also. The Cambo unit is fairly small. I want something that I would be happy to carry outside along with a camera and tripod... and short lens. I am also looking at the Novoflex CASTBAL, but there are some problems with it, like that the rear standard is fixed.
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David H. Hartman

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Re: Portable Bellows Systems?
« Reply #6 on: June 05, 2016, 00:44:25 »
I would find the minimum and maximum extension offered by each and then I'd determine my needs for various lenses and the image scale at which I intended to use them.

How expensive are the optional rails? I'd buy it with the 155mm normal rail and then after some use probably buy an optional 300mm rail. If the rail is too long for one's intended use it will be sticking into the photographer so unless you really need it I would not buy the 450mm rail. I don't think I'd want to be without the 155mm rail. There are a lot of factors here. Again your intended use is what should guide you.

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bobfriedman

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Re: Portable Bellows Systems?
« Reply #7 on: June 05, 2016, 02:12:22 »
i thought you already had a pretty nice technical camera..

clearly the length of the bellows will determine the max magnification for a particular focal length.. to answer your question.

to be honest you are better off with a microscope objective past 2x.
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Michael Erlewine

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Re: Portable Bellows Systems?
« Reply #8 on: June 05, 2016, 10:49:37 »
i thought you already had a pretty nice technical camera..

clearly the length of the bellows will determine the max magnification for a particular focal length.. to answer your question.

to be honest you are better off with a microscope objective past 2x.

I don't go above macro, and seldom even do 1:1. I like "context" and close-up is where I enjoy it most. I do have the large X-Act 2 Rollei Camera, but it weighs something like 14+ lbs without lens and camera. This is heavy and awkward to take out in the field.

The Cambo Actus is neat, small, and flexible enough for my work. I am also getting a Novflex BALPRO system because it can use the PROSHIFT adapter to take small panoramas, and supports many more cameras than the Cambo.

I agree, I am all set when it comes to Tilt/Shift. I like the "movements" a lot. I used to read all these technical articles about using tilt, etc., measure this, and calculate that. It was too complicated. Then I just starting looking through the lens and doing the tilt, shift, etc., and it was simple. Get it to where my eyes like it. Especially for a focus stacker, tilt can save many dozens of layers, etc.





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Dr Klaus Schmitt

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Re: Portable Bellows Systems?
« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2016, 07:59:27 »
A friend of mine and PRO macro shooter here in Germany is very happy with his BALPRO T/S system for outside work (with Nikon D810 also)
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Michael Erlewine

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Re: Portable Bellows Systems?
« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2016, 12:45:00 »
A friend of mine and PRO macro shooter here in Germany is very happy with his BALPRO T/S system for outside work (with Nikon D810 also)

I just posted some rough notes on the BALPRO sytem for those interested.
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