More View Camera with the Cambo Actus

[Michael Erlewine]

Still getting familiar with the Cambo Actus out in the field, where it does very well. For sure, it’s a still-life world with the Actus, but I can see where it will eventually be very rewarding. Most of all, I really like using it, and the possibilities with tilt and shift are absorbing. This taken with the Nikon D810 on the Cambo Actus, with the El Nikkor f/5.6 APO lens and stacked with Zerene Stacker. Making no claims, but just sharing my adventure with those interested.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

I like these a lot. In some subtle way they exude more 'life' than the studio portraits you are well known for. It is apparent that the tilt and shift features have been put to good use.

In particular the first one of Kentucky Bluegrass and Black-eyed Susan is delicately delicious. The added detail contributes a lot, I surmise.

Have you any estimate of the total weight of the entire rig used for these captures (not including tripod/head)?

[Michael Erlewine]

I like these a lot. In some subtle way they exude more 'life' than the studio portraits you are well known for. It is apparent that the tilt and shift features have been put to good use.

In particular the first one of Kentucky Bluegrass and Black-eyed Susan is delicately delicious. The added detail contributes a lot, I surmise.

Have you any estimate of the total weight of the entire rig used for these captures (not including tripod/head)?

The Cambo Actus is 2.2 lbs. Then add the D810 and the El Nikkor 105 APP, which is small. I used the C1 Swiss Arca Cube and a RRS Series 3 Tripod. It is not light, but it is not bad. I would not climb mountains with it, but for getting around meadows, etc. It is fine. I don't go that far from the car. There is a lot to learn, and I am just getting some control. It is clear that this is what my future is about. I could never learn the tilt/shift diagrams, but I can perfectly work the rig by eye to get something that I like.

I have been indoors a lot these last four months because I had a slight stroke, leading to heart surgery and other complications that I am only now coming out from. You would understand.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

Sorry to hear that, Michael. I'm sure spending time in Nature only can do you good physically and mentally.

Hm. Not to excessive in terms of weight then. Might have a look at this system myself. I did a lot of large-format view camera work in the old film days, anything from systems running on 120 film up to 4x5" and 8x10".

[Michael Erlewine]

Sorry to hear that, Michael. I'm sure spending time in Nature only can do you good physically and mentally.

Hm. Not to excessive in terms of weight then. Might have a look at this system myself. I did a lot of large-format view camera work in the old film days, anything from systems running on 120 film up to 4x5" and 8x10".

I used to have a tiny Linhof view camera, years ago. I have the big Rollei, X-Act 2, but at 14 lbs. it is really heavy to take outside. Every once in a while I find a piece of equipment that is elegantly built. The Cambo Actus is one of these special rigs. I am already totally in love with it, and it is such a pleasure to use, made so well, works so smoothly. I love the PB-4, but this Cambo is just so perfect, strong, and elegant.

Where has it been all my life. I have plates for Nikon and Sony-E, and I got Cambo to agree to make me the first plate for the Pentax K1. 

[Dr Klaus Schmitt]

Looks very good and the weight seems to be manageable.
Congrats Michael, also that you seem to have recovered well!

[Frank Fremerey]

I have actually taken my Sinar P2 into the field to shoot flowers.

Yet. The "do not step far away from the car" factor limits the use.

The cambo seems to be a real winner for  Scheimpflug in the field.

Thank you for your review!!!

A question: I am looking to find a very sturdy tripod supporting a rig like that at 15cm above ground. Lower = Better.

The mushrooms and little bugs near the forest floor interest me.


PS: The Sinar P2 is 7 Kilos plus lens and camera compared to 1.8 Kilos for the Cambo Actus.

[Michael Erlewine]

A less expensive and still pretty-good solution is the Novflex BALPRO T/S camera. It does not have all the moves I want, but if you don't stack focus, as I do, then for single shots you don't care that only the front-standard moves, and the rear-standard is fixed. It is very easy to change camera mounts on the BALPRO, which is not true for the Cambo Actus, where you have to take tiny screws off the rear mount and mount another. Bad design!

The BALPRO is light (2.15 lb, (975 g), about the same as the Cambo Actus. There are many plates, both front and rear available and it takes MF lenses easily. I will be shooting with it as soon as i tire of the Cambo Actus, if I ever do.

The BALPRO T/S at $1200 costs half of what the Actus does. It is nice, but the Cambo Actus is like Jaguar E-Type XKE.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

" the Cambo Actus is like Jaguar E-Type XKE" ... hopefully devoid of all the mechanical problems [earlier] British cars are renowned for ?

A tripod that can have all legs splayed independently at least up to 90 degrees should fit well with working near ground. One needs a good head as well. What constitutes a good tripod head is open for personal preferences of course, but robustness, stability, versatility in its positioning, and accepting Arca-type mounts would sum up nicely.

[Frank Fremerey]

" the Cambo Actus is like Jaguar E-Type XKE" ... hopefully devoid of all the mechanical problems [earlier] British cars are renowned for ?

A tripod that can have all legs splayed independently at least up to 90 degrees should fit well with working near ground. One needs a good head as well. What constitutes a good tripod head is open for personal preferences of course, but robustness, stability, versatility in its positioning, and accepting Arca-type mounts would sum up nicely.

I have seen an ad for the new Novoflex with detachable legs. It that any good? The Name is a promise.

[Akira]

Michael, the third one looks amazing!

Hope your health conditions will get better in any way.

[Frank Fremerey]

I have been indoors a lot these last four months because I had a slight stroke, leading to heart surgery and other complications that I am only now coming out from. You would understand.

Health is a limiting factor beyond our choice. Bjørn and me can sing that song back and forth.

I support Bjørns point that your getting into the field and taking these wonderful pictures will help you healing.

Speaking for myself: a day in the field with cameras and no other obligation than to push forward my little irrelevant project for the sake of it HAS healing power!

[Frank Fremerey]

I just found that 2,2 lb is 0,99 Kilo! So instead of 7 Kilos for the P2 I get most of the movements at 1/7th of the weight. That is attractive!