Hi,
It's my first message so first of all I'd like to say hi to everyone.
I've been considering switching to large format for quite a time now. I'm shooting a MF camera with P45+ back. I need a versatile system for my digital back, with movements for product and architecture photography. I'd prefer to stay with one system- for both products and architecture, so I'm in pursue of a versatile LF camera, mainly because of economic reasosons). I would be shooting with P45+ only (later on, maybe P65+), no film work. And the big question is, what system should I choose? I've been considering few different systems and I'll sum up my findings so far (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong):
(What I would definitely need is a tilt with an edge for experimenting (possibly large +/- deg tilt span) and good and easy stitching capability.)
What I've found out:
Alpa 12 XY - probably would be great for architecture, but the most tilt I can get from it is +/- 12 degree with an adapter. It would limit me to short barrel lenses if I wanted to focus in infinity. I know I can use extension tubes for macro (I will be doing some watches and maybe jewelry), but still I think it wouldn't be efficient in product photography because of limited tilt. No sliding back would pose a problem too, but I can live with that.
Arca swiss RM3D + M line 2 - great for architecture, it has stitching capability, superior focussing system. The big question is: can I use the same lenses for RM3D and Arca Swiss M Line? I thought that the lenses have to be specially calibrated for use with RM3D which would make them unusable on different camera, but Chris Barrett in his RM3D review mentions the interchangability of the lenses with his Arca Swiss M line 2.
I'm leaning towards this solution: RM3D + M line 2 for product photography. Another question here: M line 2 has shift in the back standard and tilt in the front standard. Sorry for a beginner question, but what does having tilt only in front standard mean in practice?
Linhof M697CS - I heard that it is a great system but focussing may be tricky. It has an advantage of built-in gear mount, so no head is neccessary.
Sinar P3- no feedback on this camera, other than troublesome focussing (anyone concurs?)
I would be thankful for all your opinions, especially if you could compare the systems, their pros and cons and trouble which I can't foresee as I haven't been shooting LF so far.
Cheers,
Chris
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