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NoBob
11-Nov-2009, 07:03
Did a search, came up empty. Apologies if there's a thread going on this already.

https://www.badgergraphic.com/store/cart.php?m=product_list&c=213

Anyone used an M-Line two, the dslr or digi back version?
What did you think about it?

Best,
me

NoBob
11-Nov-2009, 07:19
Oops!

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=48704

NoBob
13-Nov-2009, 05:56
Info courtesy of www.robertwhite.co.uk

The MII in Canon fit from stock: 2675.00 GBP plus VAT.

"We have sold a similar system to this in the past and the main question always asked is how wide a lens can I use. In my opinion this is where this and system like this have a problem. Due to the body depth of the DSLR camera it is very hard to get wide angle lenses focussed. The only option is to use the Schneider 28mm Digitar L lens. This lens is not the best, optically but it is the only option. The next lens that can be used is a 70mm digitar as the lenses in between the special 28mm and this focal length have flange focal lengths too short to allow correct focus."

Drew Bedo
15-Nov-2009, 20:50
Would one of the ocilloscope lenses work? Ocillo-Raptars and Ocillo-optars were 75mm and covered Polatroid pack film fomats, ~ 6x7cm.

Chris Gardner
16-Nov-2009, 09:14
Hello,

There has been some discussion of this camera on the Luminous Landscape forum starting with a real user.

http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=38999

He (Mr. Barrett) also also wrote a personal review on his blog. My understanding is he is using both the Medium format and dslr versions of the camera.

http://christopherbarrett.net/blog/?p=800

cheers.

JeffKohn
16-Nov-2009, 11:30
It's hard to find good info on this camera system, beyond what's in the initial press release. The review by Christopher Barrett is the only one I've seen with actual first-hand experience. Dealers seem to know very little about the camera, as well (at least in the US).

The modularity of this camera (as well as its size/weight) are what appeals to me. I could use it initially with a DSLR, and then upgrade to a digital back later when there's something with live-view that's more reasonably priced.

The problem with the DSLR version is lens compatibility, as mentioned above. I've used the Schneider 28mm PC Super-Angulon, which is basically the same optical design as the Digitar 28mm. This lens is OK but not great when using the center of the image circle. Once you shift, optically quality falls off substantially. The lens is also ridiculously over-priced given its performance. That leaves you with the next shortest compatible lens being about 70-72mm, which is going to be pretty limiting for most folks. Arca-Swiss is looking into the feasibility of adapters to use medium-format lenses, but no final word yet on which lenses they can/will support, or whether they would really have the resolution needed for a high-density DSLR sensor.

My suggestion to anybody considering the DSLR version of this camera is to do your homework and make sure you'll be able to use the focal lengths you want/need.

The camera looks quite nice for digital back use, though. And I believe there's also a 4x5 film back you can use with it as well.

JeffKohn
1-Dec-2009, 10:38
FYI for those interested, Arca-Swiss will be producing a lens board to adapt Hasselblad MF lenses for use with the M-Line 2 DSLR, to help cover the gap in lens coverage. They expect the new adapter to start shipping in the next few weeks. So this opens up the possibility of using the CF/CFe/CFi lenses at the focal lengths where there is no suitable lens from Rodenstock or Schneider. The 50mm f/4 seems to be a good candidate (there's also a 40mm but it has massive geometric distortion from what I've heard). That still means no real wide-angle capability, though.