PDA

View Full Version : Arca-Swiss Discovery - New Version of It?



v.kapoor
3-May-2019, 18:08
Hello,

I am studying with a professor who uses an Arca-Swiss Discovery. He said although they've discontinued the Discovery, there is a new version with the same amount of movements. Any idea what this is?

I am currently using a Linhof Master Technica but am considering making the trade for an Arca-Swiss. Obviously larger movements, but what about travel-ability and weight difference compared to a MT?
I'm confused about the telescoping rail system for Arca and it doesn't help that they don't have a website :)

Any insight would be much appreciated!

Thanks-

Daniel Stone
3-May-2019, 18:39
What focal length lenses do you use?

The Arca uses base tilts, not center tilts. It is more of a working style preference.
Having owned 2 Arca swiss monorails in the past, they are beautiful cameras, but I know that I prefer center(axis) tilts, not base tilts.
You can get axis tilts if you have the additional "orbix" bearers, but this will add to the cost.

If you use lenses out to 300mm, and don't require tons of movement capabilities, I would stick with the MT. However, if you can try one out before purchasing one, I would suggest it.

-Dan

v.kapoor
3-May-2019, 18:42
Right now, I'm just using a 150 and a 90, but who knows for the future. I'm not used to base tilts. Why do you prefer center tilts?

Bob Salomon
3-May-2019, 18:47
Look at the TechniKardan.

Daniel Stone
3-May-2019, 18:48
Right now, I'm just using a 150 and a 90, but who knows for the future. I'm not used to base tilts. Why do you prefer center tilts?

It's just my preference, some find base tilts perfectly fine, I just prefer center(axis) tilts. So I choose which cameras I use based on how I work with them(or not, thus selling them, haha)

-Dan

v.kapoor
3-May-2019, 19:01
No thanks on the TechniKardan, Bob ;)

Oren Grad
3-May-2019, 19:50
I'm confused about the telescoping rail system for Arca and it doesn't help that they don't have a website :)

Rod Klukas, the Arca-Swiss representative in the US, has their system catalog posted on his website:

http://rodklukas.com/arca-swiss/

neil poulsen
3-May-2019, 19:55
The Arca jargon is a bit intimidating. Check this pdf for different Arca system components. You could also give Rod Klukas a call at www.rodklukas.com. He's the USA Arca Swiss representative and could fill you in on the "new" Discovery and how it's different.

http://www.rodklukas.com/resources/Arca-Swiss_Camera-System.pdf

I suspect this camera with the pleated, leather wide-angle bellows would work well for both your lenses.

The older style Arca Swiss Discovery models show up on EBay from time-to-time.

At high cost, you could consider the current compact Arca with 141mm 4x5 rear standard and 110mm 6x9 front standard. (Again, with the pleated wide-angle leather bellows.) Given their "similarity" to the Master Technika, they might be appealing. Be wary of purchasing used Arca "compact" cameras, at least not without vetting them on this site. They probably would work fine, but with a couple of built-in inconveniences.

I have one of those "used", non-standard Arca compact cameras, configured to my needs with a cross-selection of Arca parts. (I LOVE this camera; it would be hard to find a better camera for my particular needs.) Arca offers some beautiful equipment; but, there are also other cameras that might also work well for your needs.

v.kapoor
3-May-2019, 20:29
Thanks Neil! In re to "I suspect this camera with the pleated, leather wide-angle bellows would work well for both your lenses." which camera are you referring to? The one you are currently selling?

Thank you.

neil poulsen
5-May-2019, 22:14
Hi. Received your message. But, your mailbox is full. If you can delete some emails in either your Inbox or Sent, I can respond.

v.kapoor
5-May-2019, 23:33
Done! Thanks

v.kapoor
7-May-2019, 14:57
Anyone have any thoughts on the F-field vs F-Classic in terms of range of movements? Are the smaller movements of the F-field negligible?

agregov
7-May-2019, 16:32
The classic will provide more rise/fall movements than the 110 sized front standard on the field. If you plan to shoot mostly architecture, then the classic may be the better choice. If mostly landscape, I would probably choose the field version. It'll be the lightest. With respect to axial tilt versus base tilt earlier in the thread, I would try to pick up a camera with the orbix axial geared movement. It works super with the lenses you like (90mm, 150mm). However, with longer lenses (300mm and 450mm for example), I find axial tilt not that helpful. I almost always have to use base tilt to get the forground in focus for long lenses. With respect to the leather bellows, it'll work great with 90mm-300mm lenses. I wouldn't use it for shorter lenses than 90mm or longer like 450mm--you'll need specialized bellows in that case. I'd work with Rod in the event you need specialized bellows solutions. Final thing you might want to consider, if you plan on shooting in urban environments, you might want to pick up a viewing bellows. It's basically a leather bellows with a 2X viewing magnifier built into it. It saves you from having to go under a darkcloth. I use it all the time in both landscape and urban situations. I like it much better than a standard darkcloth as I don't have to wear reading glasses. And I can keep an eye on my equipment.

v.kapoor
7-May-2019, 16:38
Wonderful, great advice Andrej! Thank you.