Did Cambo ever offer a 4x5 rotating back with bail?

[AtlantaTerry]

I have several 4x5 Cambo cameras. The problem I have with their rotating backs is the lack of a bail that uses leverage to move the ground glass away from the camera back. Without a bail I have to pull against the two steel springs when inserting a film holder. This sometimes causes the camera to swing on the tripod a bit. Not good.

So if I were to watch the used equipment market (here and eBay) is there a chance I could find a rotating back that also has a bail?

Thank you in advance for the information.

Terry

[pasiasty]

I've never seen a rotating one with a bail, however my non-rotating 5x7 has it. On the other hand, since I got a Foba head and tripod, I haven't faced any unwanted movement. You may rather use two fingers: pulling GG frame with one while pushing the camera with the other.

[IanG]

One of my Cambo backs (now sold) was rotating and had a small lever to lift the focus screen panel for insertion/removal of the DDS (film holder).

As the post above says you need to evolve your own technique to insert the DDS, my first LF camera a De Vere monorail had a bail back but since the mid 1980's I've only ever used spring backs with no issues I lift the back and then use both hands, once the DDS is part way in I use one hand tostop the back moving while pushing the DDS fully into place. It's easier to do than describe.

Ian

Ian

[Dan Fromm]

Terry, why do you want a rotating back back? Won't a reversible (to change orientation between landscape and portrait remove from the function carrier, rotate 90 degrees, reattach) bail back do? I ask because early this year I sold such a back for a 4x5 Cambo.

[photonsoup]

My Cambo has such a lever. I think it's a Legend, but it doesn't say that anywhere on it. It uses the same rail as a Legend or a Master, and it's not a Master. If you are interested I could post some picts of it in a couple of weeks.

[pasiasty]

Dan,

Rotating back hasn't stops only at 90 degrees, in quite a vast range it doesn't vignette. And, in contrast to slanting the whole camera, it rotates in optical axis, so no re-composing is needed, especially in case of close-ups. From my experience - it's a great thing, I would really miss it.

[AtlantaTerry]

Terry, why do you want a rotating back back? Won't a reversible (to change orientation between landscape and portrait remove from the function carrier, rotate 90 degrees, reattach) bail back do? I ask because early this year I sold such a back for a 4x5 Cambo.

When I'm creating portraits out on location having a rotating back is far much easier than having to constantly remove, turn, reinstall the back. A bail would make operations that much faster and easier.

When removing the back and reinstalling it there is more possibility of moving the camera and also allowing dust, bugs, etc. to get inside.

[Joe Smigiel]

C-468 back


http://www.cambo.com/Html/products_photo/set01/english/internet/Item300.html

[AtlantaTerry]

C-468 back


http://www.cambo.com/Html/products_photo/set01/english/internet/Item300.html

Joe, that is exactly what I need.

I went to the Cambo website. For a photo products company, it is amazing how bad their product shot is.
I'm looking at the photo and can't see the bail. The only way one knows there is a bail is from the description.

Thanks a bunch, I really appreciate it!

[Joe Smigiel]

Joe, that is exactly what I need.

I went to the Cambo website. For a photo products company, it is amazing how bad their product shot is.
I'm looking at the photo and can't see the bail. The only way one knows there is a bail is from the description.

Thanks a bunch, I really appreciate it!

It's not a standard bail. One side has a lever that opens the top but it has an uneven gap from one side to the other. Still makes it easier to load though.



I may still have one of these in some Cambo items I'm selling. I'll check.