A lot has changed since I was last here. This forum was very helpful in providing me with the information I needed to purchase my Arca Swiss 4x5 F-Line Classic (171) back in 2000. As many have noted, the information can be spotty on these cameras, so I poured through all the threads I could find back in '99-2000 before deciding the A/S was the right camera for the way I planned to work. The camera has in fact served me well over the years with my editorial and corporate portrait work. I have a Schneider SS 110XL and Sironar-S 180mm and usually switch between my wide angle synth bellows and standard bellows respectively.
I wonder if the leather w/a bellows they offer for my 171x171 setup would work well with both my lenses? It looks like the camera would store better with the leather w/a bellows. I've found mixed info on whether it will handle the range of my two lenses well? I don't think the camera packs well when leaving my w/a synth bellows on and I don't like using them with my 180mm and usually switch back to the standard synth bellows (38cm). This camera is almost perfect for me except for this one issue which I would love to resolve for a simple $350 at Badger Graphics.
Also, since revisiting this site after a long absence, it was news to me that Arca Swiss has changed their frame formats to 141. (Man, have I been out of the loupe...pardon the pun.) The new 4x5 Field version that I saw on one of the threads looks a lot more compact than my older F-line. Do I understand correctly that the new leather conical bellows (30cm) for this camera have a greater focal length range than what's available for my present set-up? If so, is it crazy to think about purchasing two new format frames (6x9-141) and new conical leather bellow to completely revamp my existing camera into something much more compact and lighter? Probably should just buy the camera new...right? The fact that I can even consider this is part of the reasoning behind why I bought an Arca Swiss in the first place. Anyway, thank you in advance for any informed help you may have and happy shooting.
Best,
Chip
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