Cambo introduce the new Rodenstock HR-Digaron 5.6/105 Macro

Posted on August 25, 2017 by Cambo

Cambo introduce the new Rodenstock HR-Digaron 5.6/105 Macro

The new Rodenstock HR-Digaron 5.6/105 Macro lens is optimised to achieve the highest possible quality for cultural heritage reproduction, archival and commercial photography.

Actus GFX with Rodenstock 105mm

Actus GFX with Rodenstock 105mm Macro

As you can see we have fitted this to the new Cambo Actus-GFX which of course is designed to be used with the Fuji GFX50s digital body.

Why use this combination?

Since the launch of the Actus many photographers have started using this fabulous  mini technical camera and combined lenses from various manufacturers to achieve specific results.

Then Cambo introduced the next platform in the shape of the Actus-GFX. Of course it is designed to work with the new Fuji GFX50s – the options for photographers increased as lenses with large image circles would cover the new Fuji sensor.

Rodenstock 105mm Macro

Rodenstock 105mm Macro

Rodenstock has been a favourite choice for photographers for a very long time and as there are limited options for a good quality macro lens it was natural they would produce a quality lens to suite the higher resolution sensors available today.

What is the lens specifications?

The large image circle is 82mm easily covering a large 56x36mm sensor (the GFX is 33x44mm)

Floating element optic enables high quality magnification range of – 0.25 to 4x.

Working distance between 100 to 420mm, making it ideal to place lights within this space.

Low distortion <0.4% results in almost no visible distortion, chromatic aberration is minimal and the overall contrast performance is higher.

Focal Length; 105mm

Aperture; f5.6

Image Circle; 82mm

Filter thread; 40.5mm

Weight; 530g (lens only)

Lens only dimensions; 61.6 x 96.4mm (wxl) the Actus plate will be supplied in addition.

More information can be obtained from your local Cambo dealer or you can email your questions directly to Cambo.

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Cambo Video Track

Posted on August 23, 2017 by Cambo

Cambo Video Track

Cambo is well known for manufacturing high quality photographic studio equipment. They also make a wide range of video supports and accessories, such as the UNI video track system.

Cambo UniTrack

The Cambo UNI TrackSystem is manufactured from high quality aluminium and has many benefits when compared to other options. There are systems with specially made curves, which if damaged would have to be sourced and replaced. The UNI Track can be curved at different angles, to a radius of 5ft (1.5m.) Options that are only tubing thrown on the ground and with no support will get damaged with stones/sharp objects. Levelling only a tube is almost impossible and very time consuming.

Have you ever levelled out a budget video track? Let me tell you it’s a pain! You will need blocks of wood and some form of cushioning to protect the track from the hard ground. This isn’t the case with the Cambo UNI Track.

Once you have placed the track out, you will then add the stability bars to keep the tracks apart so the Tripod/Dolly will not jam. Each 30cm section has a foot with a level depth of 50mm and can be checked easily with a level on the track and support bar.

Can you sit and ride on a budget track? If you have placed blocks under a budget track will they stay in place? Would you be prepared to roll your £10k+ of kit on the track? The Cambo UNI Track can be locked in place. An Allen locking nut at each point so that the angle can be maintained. You can confidently push your kit and the operator can ride on the VPS4 dolly.

Cambo’s VPS4 sit and ride system has several camera support options. The VPS can be adjusted in height and the cameraman’s seat is also height adjustable. There is a tripod leg adapter kit option and the VPS4 can also support a medium size video boom with pan/tilt. We’ll cover this in our next blog.

Is it complicated and how long will it take to set up?

The video shows the track being laid out, bars being fixed, feet levelled and the rubber track is then simply laid on top between the locators. It takes around 10mins max. Packing away is simple as the track is concertina style. This fits in the case with the support bars and the rubber track is laid on top.

5M Track Specifications: Width: 62cm, Weight: 6.4Kg/m Packed Dimensions: 57x84x12cm

The case is available as an option, 5m track with case £4,620.00 excluding case £3,895.00

10 and 15M options are available for purchase or you could buy the 5m and extend at a later date. Contact your dealer, or find your nearest supplier via the Cambo website; cambo.com email; sales@cambo.com

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TOTALITY 2017 : The Great American Eclipse

Posted on August 21, 2017 by Cambo

TOTALITY 2017 : The Great American Eclipse; as we are eagerly awaiting the eclipse, whether watching on your local TV network or lucky enough to be in the USA. There are a huge number of image creators ready and waiting to capture the event live.

TheGreatAmericanEclipse

Two chaps that I know that will be there are Sean and Anders. They have a Kickstarter project that has already been funded but its well worth taking a look at what they are doing – maybe you can get some of there images later or video footage.

One of the cameras that will be in use is the Cambo Actus shown in this video clip;

Good luck chaps! We’re looking forward to seeing the results.

TheGreatAmericanEclipse2

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Cambo Studio Equipment

Posted on July 28, 2017 by Cambo

Cambo Studio Equipment

Cambo manufacture a wider range of products from technical camera systems, video supports, booms and studio equipment.

Charlie Kaufman director of Fresh Academy Studios in Watford recently upgraded their studio equipment, they chose the Cambo MBX Studiostand and Cambo Lightboom (aka Redwing Lightboom.)

“We are delighted to have received our brand new stand and light boom from Cambo. This weekend, like most weekends, we have over 20 fashion shoots booked into the studio and I can assure you our new equipment is going to make our jobs a lot easier.” 

 

The MBX stand is standard available in two lengths, being 2,1 mtr(7’) and 2,7 mtr(9’) from floor to top. Customised lengths are available on request.

Cambo MBX studiostand

More product information can be found on our website under this MBX link or download 2016_MBX-Leaflet.pdf

Contact your dealer, or find your nearest supplier via the Cambo website; cambo.com email; sales@cambo.com

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Cambo Digital Repro #6 – Phase One SLW-888 Interface Plate

Posted on July 24, 2017 by Cambo

Phase One SLW-888 Interface Plate

The Phase One SLW-88 nterface plate is a close-up adapter which will host a digital back with a PhaseOne XF/DF or Mamiya-Leaf 645 AFd interface. The digital back needs to be triggered externally as there are no internal contacts available.

SLW-888 Phase One

SLW-888

This specific adapter can be used instead of the original SLW-83 or SLW-88 and has the benefit of an 4mm extension for close-up purposes.

Samples of focussing range with a few lenses, based on the travel of the normal Rodenstock or Schneider helical focussing mounts, when using the SLW-888 interface:

 50 mm focussing between 0.68 — 0.30 mtr

 60 mm focussing between 0.96 — 0.42 mtr

 70 mm focussing between 1.30 — 0.56 mtr

 72 mm focussing between 1.45 — 0.64 mtr

 80 mm focussing between 1.68 — 0.72 mtr

 90 mm focussing between 2.12 — 0.90 mtr

100 mm focussing between 2.60 — 1.10 mtr

120 mm focussing between 3.72 — 1.56 mtr

Note that there are differences between individual lenses which may result in a slight variation on above numbers.

Order Code; 99012118 Price €499.00 ex.TAX and shipment.

More information can be obtained from your local Cambo dealer or you can email your questions directly to Cambo.

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Photographer Ting-Li Lin uses the Cambo Anniversary Camera

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Cambo

Photographer Ting-Li Lin uses the Cambo Anniversary Camera

WideRSAnniversary

Born in Taiwan, Ting-Li Lin is a landscape and architectural photographer, statistician, cinematographer, musician, and competitive curler based in Madison, WI, United States.

He won the First Prize of the Ansel Adams Gallery National Park photo contest in 2009 and multiple Honourable Mentions in the International Photo Awards in 2016. He has held photo exhibitions since 2012, and currently one of his video work is on display in the CODAawards Exhibition at the Octagon Museum in Washington, D.C. Ting-Li possesses a PhD degree in statistics from UW-Madison and has extensive experience in statistical consulting and in pharmaceutical industry.

In 2015, he and Max Chen founded Snowforest, a commercial photography and video production company with a focus on interior and architectural photography, VR technology, and documentary. Ting-Li plays violin and piano, and he has produced music for most of Snowforest’s videos since 2016. A member of Chinese Taipei Curling Team, he has represented Taiwan in the Pacific-Asia Curling Championships 5 times and recently in the Sapporo 2017 Asian Winter Games.

Electric Waterfall

Electric Waterfall ©www.tinglilin.com

Cambo’s Wide RS series cameras got my attention when I decided to switch to digital medium format from 4×5 large format films. It was not only because of Cambo’s reputation but also because of the features their cameras offer, especially the greater range of movements and smaller size compared to those of other manufacturers. I bought the Wide RS 65th Anniversary Edition as my main camera. Since then I have been busy  building  a new portfolio of images and after a recent road trip will be adding many more images to the collection.

Currently I use the Rodenstock HR Digaron-W 40mm with Tilt/Swing lenspanel. I will probably add the Rodenstock 32mm lens later. Right now though I stitch images when the 40mm lens is not wide enough. Thanks to the solidness and precision of the Wide RS camera, stitching images is never an issue. My digital back is a Phase One IQ140.

My main areas of interest are landscape and architecture. Yet I like to explore different types of photography and experiment with new techniques and technologies. I focus on forms, shapes, contrast, and textures. Some of my work were reflections of my mind, while others were just what I found interesting. I use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for post-processing and X-Rite i1Display for monitor calibration. I work with a local printer to make large format prints of my photographic work.

The Wide RS 65th version is now completely sold out as a limited number of cameras was manufactured. However there are 5 Wide series cameras available, with lenses and accessories. See below. More information can be obtained from your local Cambo dealer or you can email your questions directly to Cambo.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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Cambo Digital Repro #5 – WRS Macro Adapter

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Cambo

Cambo Digital Repro – WRS Macro Adapter

When shooting macro photography you may be familiar with DSLR camera systems and using a combination of three extension tubes. This method extends the distance between the camera lens and sensor plane increasing the magnification and bringing the focus closer.

The principle of macro extension is the same, however in this case the sensor plane distance is increased as this is where you will fit the Cambo Macro Adapter.

To extend the distance with the WRC400Repro system, Cambo have engineered three (extension) Macro Adapters WRS-1048, WRS-1017 and WRS-1010. The WRS-1048 is shown in the image below.

Cambo WRC-1048

Cambo WRC-1048 Macro Adapter

Each Macro Adapter fits directly to the camera platform and accepts a SLW Interface Plate to connect the digital camera back.

The WRS-1048 allows you to use, for example, the Rodenstock 50mm HR Digaron-W at 1:1 ration and shorter lenses with even more magnification. If required you can connect all of the Macro Adapters together to go beyond 1:1 magnification. This of course depends on the lens you wish to use, contact your local dealer or Cambo sales for further advice.

Samples of focussing range with a few lenses, based on the travel of the normal Rodenstock or Schneider helical focussing mounts, when adding the WRS-1010 Macro Adapter:

 50 mm focussing between 0.30 — 0.21 mtr 

Cambo WRS-1010

 60 mm focussing between 0.42 — 0.29 mtr

 70 mm focussing between 0.56 — 0.38 mtr

 72 mm focussing between 0.64 — 0.43 mtr

 80 mm focussing between 0.72 — 0.48 mtr

 90 mm focussing between 0.90 — 0.60 mtr

100 mm focussing between 1.10 — 0.73 mtr

120 mm focussing between 1.56 — 1.02 mtr

Samples of focussing range with a few lenses, based on the travel of the normal Rodenstock or Schneider helical focussing mounts, when adding the WRS-1017 Macro Adapter:

 50 mm focussing between 0.20 — 0.16 mtr

 60 mm focussing between 0.27 — 0.22 mtr Cambo WRS-1017

 70 mm focussing between 0.36 — 0.28 mtr

 72 mm focussing between 0.41 — 0.32 mtr

 80 mm focussing between 0.46 — 0.36 mtr

 90 mm focussing between 0.57 — 0.44 mtr

100 mm focussing between 0.69 — 0.53 mtr

120 mm focussing between 0.97 — 0.75 mtr

Samples of focussing range with a few lenses, based on the travel of the normal Rodenstock or Schneider helical focussing mounts, when adding the WRS-1048 Macro Adapter:

 50 mm focussing between 0.11 — 0.10 mtr

 60 mm focussing between 0.14 — 0.13 mtr Cambo WRS-1048

 70 mm focussing between 0.17 — 0.16 mtr

 72 mm focussing between 0.19 — 0.18 mtr

 80 mm focussing between 0.21 — 0.20 mtr

 90 mm focussing between 0.26 — 0.24 mtr

100 mm focussing between 0.31 — 0.29 mtr

120 mm focussing between 0.42 — 0.39 mtr

Note that are individual differences between individual lenses which may result in a slight variation on above numbers.

All of the Macro Adapters are available from stock, WRS-1048 €514.00, WRS-1017 €504 and WRS-1010 €493.00 ex.TAX and shipment.

More information can be obtained from your local Cambo dealer or you can email your questions directly to Cambo.

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Cambo Digital Repro #4 – SLW Interface Plates

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Cambo

Cambo Digital SLW Interface Plates

Cambo designed the SLW interface plates when the Wide RS was launched. The Wide RS model is designed for photographers shooting architectural and car images when using a high-end digital camera back.

Cambo SLW Interface Plates

Cambo SLW Interface Plates

The same SLW interface plates are used with the WRC400Repro camera platform. There are versions available to suit the following digital backs;

  • Hasselblad-V
  • Hasselblad-H
  • Contax 645
  • Afi/HY6
  • Sinar 30/45
  • Phase One IQ3
  • Mamiya Leaf

Fitting the plates is a simple process. There are 2 locking levers on the rear of the camera, when opened the SLW drops into place. The digital back clips in place and there is no play ensuring a fixed position and accurate framing.

Cambo SLW Interface Plate

Cambo SLW Interface Plate

SLW interface plates are modular in design, which means they can be used with all Cambo technical camera platforms when capturing with a digital camera back.

Prices vary depending on the fitting from €345 to €450 ex.TAX and shipment.

More information can be obtained from your local Cambo dealer or you can email your questions directly to Cambo.

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Cambo Digital Repro #3 – WRS400 REPRO Camera

Posted on June 18, 2017 by Cambo

Cambo Digital Repro #3 – WRS400 REPRO Camera

There are several cameras available from Cambo that can be used for digital capture. The camera shown is the WRC-400 REPRO an extremely lightweight and compact platform.

Cambo WRC-400REPRO

Cambo WRC-400REPRO

The WRC-400 is a technical camera that is precision machined from high grade aircraft aluminium, to match the demands of accurate capture. You can use the camera on a copy stand or Studiostand to reproduce cultural heritage, artwork and artefacts.

Why use a technical camera?

There are several reasons why a technical camera should be used, of course this is dependent on the quality of image you require and the output reproduction.

High quality resolving lenses from Rodenstock and Schneider should be used, these are classed as digital lenses. A wide range of digital backs can be attached from Phase One, Leaf, Hasselblad and Sinar, several different camera mounts are available.

Leaf Credo

Leaf Credo

A technical camera is more flexible when used for reproduction work and has the added advantage of applying camera movement (shift) that isn’t available when using a medium format camera system.

Capture using a technical camera

First you will need to assemble the camera and positioned it using the built-in levels so that the capture will be squared. There are horizontal and vertical levels built-in to the WRC-400.

What is Camera Movement?

If you look carefully at the WRC-400 image you will see a chrome wheel to the left and a scale with increments 20mm to the left and 20mm to the right. At the zero position the sensor will be positioned exactly in the middle of the capture area. This camera movement is called shift, as we can shift the sensor to the right and to the left and then stitch the images together.

Sensor sizes

If you choose to use a large medium format sensor then there will be less shift as you can only move the sensor within the image circle. This is restricted when using a medium format camera as there is no rear shift and you can not stitch two images together as you can with a technical camera.

For the purpose of this blog let’s say we have a sensor that is 44x33mm as a larger sensor is out of our price range. We can still capture more pixel information by shifting the sensor to the right, to the left and then stitch the images together.

The image below shows a 44x33mm sensor capture area, the rings around the sensor is the image circle of the lens. The Blue image circle is from a Rodenstock 60mm lens, whereas the Purple image circle is from a Schneider 90mm lens. The image circle varies depending on the lens structure and focal length.

Sensor1

As already indicated the WRC-400 has 20mm shift left and 20mm right, totalling 40mm. As you can see below we have shifted the mid-point of the sensor 16.5mm to the left and 16.5mm to the right, doubling the total capture area.

Sensor2

  • The sensor capture area is 44x33mm, by shifting it is now approx 44x66mm.
  • Pixel resolution is doubled from 50Million pixels to 100million pixels.
  • The print output at 300dpi is increased from 70.1×52.6cm to 70.1×105.2cm

Note: The capture and output sizes will vary slightly as there will need to be a small amount of overlap for stitching. Also the aperture used will make some variation. However, the image will be almost double in size with 2 captures.

More information about sensor size, lenses and shift can be obtained from your local Cambo dealer or you can email your questions directly to Cambo.

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Cambo Digital Repro #2 – Rodenstock eShutter

Posted on May 31, 2017 by Cambo

In our previous blog we gave a brief overview of the Cambo WRC-400-Repro archival solution that is proving popular with many Museums, Libraries and Archival businesses worldwide.

Cambo WRC400 Rodenstock E Shutter

Cambo WRC-400-Repro

We listed the equipment setup that was used to capture the images. Each Digital Repro blog will describe the components required to build the repro system you require and for further advice there are dealers available Worldwide to help you.

The equipment we used in the previous blog was; Cambo WRS-400-Repro Camera, Rodenstock HR lens, Leaf Credo 80 million pixel digital camera back and the Cambo RPS motorised copy stand.

One of the components described here in more detail is the Rodenstock eShutter. As we are regularly asked about this product we’ll take a look at this now and explain the functionality.

The camera system we are using is the Cambo WRC-400-Repro. Attached to the side of the camera is the WRC-H64 bracket. There are 4 points on the camera where the bracket can be attached. This bracket holds and supports the Rodenstock eControl. The cable from the Rodenstock Electronic lens is then connected to the eControl.

Cambo WRC-H64 Bracket

Cambo WRC-H64 Bracket

 

Rodenstock eControl

Rodenstock eControl

Rodenstock_eLens

Rodenstock_eLens

Connection to the eControl from a PC/Mac is made via USB cable.

A wide range of functions are now available; Exposure control via Aperture and Shutter speed selection, Multiple exposures, Bracketing, Self Timer, Flash Trigger, Release Button.

RodenstockiPhoneApp

Rodenstock iPhone App

Further control can be achieved when using a Local Network or WLAN, enabling you to use the Rodenstock App (available free of charge from the Apple store) with an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad.

For more information download the Rodenstock eShutterInstructions here.

For further advice contact Cambo BV sales@cambo.com or your local Cambo dealer.

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