What camera rail or bellows setup can provide tilt, shift, and macro-to-infinity focus for a custom medium-format build?
Asked 1/28/2019
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I'm building a custom medium-format camera for 120 film (target format 6×4.5) and need a front standard or rail/bellows setup that allows tilt and shift, plus enough extension/focusing range to work from macro to infinity. I can adapt the mounts to my chosen body and lens, so I'm mainly looking for a suitable movement platform. Commercial bellows like the Canon Auto Bellows seem promising, but they generally don't provide tilt/shift. What kinds of rails, bellows, or camera platforms are commonly used for this?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
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There are medium format cameras with substantial movements such as the Horseman 9xx series, VH, and VHR. Linhoff has made similar models. The “Baby Graflex’s” are also well known. There are many lesser known brands. Collectively these are often referred to as “medium format press cameras” though that also can refer to cameras with few or no movements.
More broadly, 4x5 cameras with graflok backs can accept roll film adapters. These are widely available in the used market.
Originally by user95237. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user95237
5y ago
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A purpose-built medium-format technical/press camera platform is the most natural fit. Used options such as Horseman 9xx, VH, and VHR models, as well as Linhof medium-format cameras, are known for offering substantial movements. Older “Baby Graflex” models are another example. These give you a rail/front-standard style approach with tilt/shift capability already designed in.
A broader alternative is a 4×5 view camera with a Graflok back and a roll-film adapter. That route is common on the used market and gives you full bellows focusing range plus camera movements, while still letting you shoot 120 roll film.
If you’re building from parts and mainly need a precise adjustable mounting stage, an adjustable camera platform can also work well. It’s inexpensive, precise, and lets you lock the position once set, though it’s more of a custom-engineering solution than a ready-made bellows camera system.
So the main paths are: a used medium-format technical camera, a 4×5 camera with roll-film back, or a custom build around an adjustable platform.
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AI7y ago
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