Enlarger Lens Suggestions for a Bellows System with Tilt, Shift, and Swing

[Bjørn Rørslett]

The mirror box of a DSLR is indeed a severe issue with such setups as peripheral rays are cut off. Even a mirrorless camera acts in the same manner although giving much less blocking of light.

There was never a "135 Macro-Nikkor", the longest of the Macro-Nikkors was the 12 cm f/6.3. However, you might have the first of the Bellows-Nikkors in mind. That was the Bellows-Nikkor 135 mm f/4 Nikkor-Q which originally came in "S" mount, later delivered with the long N-F tube so could be attached to an F-mount bellows, and finally, a sleeved last version in direct "F" mount. Optics remained the same for all versions though. The 135 Bellows was a decent performer for its time, but no match for the 105 mm f/4 Bellows-Nikkor and various Micro-Nikkors that replaced it.

[Peter Forsell]

I don't mean to hijack this fine thread, so let the powers-that-be delete this post if deemed inappropriate.

I have long (years) been considering acquiring a bellows and the PB-4 seems to be the last of the Nikon ones with tilt. No shift though, right? Is it worth its cost (~$300-500) or should one be looking at something of higher quality and price? I mean, is the PB-4 usable or does it have serious flaws/shortcomings?

I don't know why I haven't bought a bellows... perhaps I am unsure of whether I will use one anyway. OTOH I should be able to recoup the purchase price so there's no financial obstacles.

So, PB-4? Buy or not? 

[Bjørn Rørslett]

PB-4 is a very decent design and sturdily made bellows. It has shift if you operate it rotated 90 degrees. Tilt works in any orientation.

The lens to use with this bellows is of course the Bellows-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.

Like virtually all bellows it should be considered a tool for indoors use only.

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Michael, well, what I have already told you about this system has been saidf also here. It is rather flimsy and
cannot hold well a heavy lens and especially not a heavy camera like your D810. I woudl rather consider that
an amateurish toy. I have one sitting around here collecting dust. Personally I would not recommend to risk
your camera or any of your precious lenses on it... but it is up to you of course.

What is really nice is the ROLLEI XACT2 - unfortunately ROLLEI filed for chapter 11 and is no longer. But that
system is extremely well made and will last decades. A friend of mine uses it with excellent results for his
jewelry photography business demanding tilt and shift.

[bobfriedman]

you could also look at SINAR... but the Horseman F-Mount adapter is quite nice to have if you find a set of Horseman standards and rail on eBay... i believe you can purchase the F-mount/w bellows from B&H, that's where i got it special order 5+ years ago.

you won't have any worries about how strong the setup is with the Horseman... it is like a tank.

by the way, i have a PK-12a on there just in case but i don't think you need it.

[Michael Erlewine]

I will get my feet wet with the Spiratone (Kenlock) bellows system and see how it goes. Then, if I need something stronger, I will look qt the Horseman system. How much do you use yours for swing and tilt?

[Michael Erlewine]

What is really nice is the ROLLEI XACT2 - unfortunately ROLLEI filed for chapter 11 and is no longer. But that
system is extremely well made and will last decades. A friend of mine uses it with excellent results for his
jewelry photography business demanding tilt and shift.

Klaus, What would I have to do to use the XACT2 with a Nikon body like the D810 and what for the front?

[bobfriedman]

I will get my feet wet with the Spiratone (Kenlock) bellows system and see how it goes. Then, if I need something stronger, I will look qt the Horseman system. How much do you use yours for swing and tilt?

depends what you are your requirements.. it does work well for macro... allows greater DoF for larger apertures..

you will need lens boards for the lens attachments.. i actually created a few with L39 and M42 mounts.. but the lens shown is a Macro-Symmar without shutter and designed for this type of system.

[bobfriedman]

also if you noticed it is twice recessed to get closer.

[Michael Erlewine]

OK. I am looking at the Rollei XACT2 system. If the Spiratone Bellows is too flimsy, I will sell it and use the Rollei. Any idea where I can get front and back adapters for Nikon on the XACT2?

[bobfriedman]

check out the SINAR

[Michael Erlewine]

On the Rollei XACT 2 bellows, on the front standard, where the lens plugs in, what kind of board/adapter do I need to use it with Nikon or to get to a Nikon adapter, if anyone knows?

[Michael Erlewine]

Another question for Bob (or anyone). Will something like the Rollei XACT2 Bellows system (or any of these larger systems) work with Nikkor lenses? Will the image circles be large enough? Any ideas?

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

On the Rollei XACT 2 bellows, on the front standard, where the lens plugs in, what kind of board/adapter do I need to use it with Nikon or to get to a Nikon adapter, if anyone knows?

here: http://rolleiflex.us/pages/about-rolleiflex-usa they should have the whole program available. Its the official ROLLEI/ROELLEIFLEX distributor located in SF. They also do service and have spares.

This here is what you need:


Plus a T-mount adapter for Nikon, easy to find (ebay etc.)

The front plate (left) is for a Copal 1 Shutter, which has a M39x0.75 mounting thread,  this might need to be machined to something wider like M42x1.0 to allow many lens adapters to fit. Or get a plate each for any of your special lenses and have them mounted directly to such a  plate...

[Michael Erlewine]

Klaus: Thanks to you, I got that. I have ordered both parts and we shall see how it all works out. On your suggestion, I purchased a Rollei X-Act2 bellows system, in case the Spiratone is too flimsy, as you point out. I will play with the Spiratone Bellows and try it out.