Camera for nikkor-t 600/800/1200

[shadow images]

What would be a modern 4x5 field camera that is capable of supporting the nikkor-t 600/800/1200 lens. I have been leading towards a Canham but looks as though I will have to get a light weight 8x10 with a reduction back to get enough bellows draw.

[Gem Singer]

How about the Canham MQC57 with a 4x5 reduction back?

There was one for sale here on the forum a few days ago.

[Leigh]

The flange focal distances (film to lensboard) are:
600mm: 409.2mm (1:1 = ~1009mm)
800mm: 527.4mm (1:1 = ~1327mm)
1200mm: 755.7mm (1:1 = ~1955mm)

Whatever camera you choose must support bellows draws in that range.
(It's unlikely that you would use the 1200mm as a macro lens, but not impossible ).

- Leigh

[Mark Sampson]

Looking at the numbers Leigh has provided, I'd think the best way to go is the Sinar of your choice and a bunch of extra parts. Reinhart Wolf, who did beautiful work with very long lenses, used such a setup. (I once rented a 500mm Nikkor-T, and it was at the limit of what the Zone VI camera I used then could handle.)

[Leigh]

Sinar is definitely the way to go for long lenses.



- Leigh

[shadow images]

I don't care for monorail especially Sinar(sorry). It may not work for me as I have a tendency to shoot extreme wide or telephoto. I may just wind up getting rid of the lens if I cant make it work with a field camera. Thanks for the info so far, I unfortunately don't have anything but my Zone VI left right now to try the lens on.

[Mark Sampson]

Well, the at least the 600mm FL will focus at infinity on a Zone VI. You'll be near the limits of the camera's capabilities but it should work.

[John O'Connell]

. . . but looks as though I will have to get a light weight 8x10 with a reduction back to get enough bellows draw.

You won't find many (any?) lightweight 8x10 cameras that can handle the 1200 Nikkor-T. First, you need 30" of bellows to hit infinity. That eliminates all of the 24" and 28" bellows cameras. Then, you need a stable camera that can handle the weight. My Gowland did well with the 600mm cell, was marginal with the 800mm cell, and would have been unsuited to the 1200mm. (I have a 32" bellows Gowland.)

Realistically, I'd use a Canham or a Ritter with a reducing back. Wisner 8x10s, if you can find one, had 40" of bellows, but you'd need someone to make you the reducing back now. I think the Green Monster has enough bellows, and the reducing back for it is common, but it's no lightweight.

[shadow images]

Well, the at least the 600mm FL will focus at infinity on a Zone VI. You'll be near the limits of the camera's capabilities but it should work.

Not the Zone Vi I have left(wista 45) and I sold my 8x10 deardorff a few years ago. I guess I need to get in touch with Canham since there local. I may have to have something custom done for my needs.

[Drew Bedo]

What about a cardboard carton with a 4x5 back? Use wood grained contact paper to make the outside look nice.

Sections of carpet tube could be made to work.

A back part of a Fotoman or Wanderlust (when they come out) would be a start.