There look to be a friction knob on both standards for focusing -- took me a while to find them!
It is similar to the 4x5 I have been using since 1983 or so, but pre-3D printing, of course. But the Gowland PocketView has no major use of plastic which is nice. The Standard is little heavier than my Gowland, but lighter than the Gowland models with a reversable back. The Gowland has axis tilt on the back, but lacks the back swing and back shift of the Standard (not critical movements for landscape). Otherwise very similar builds (about the same bellows draw, also).
Both fold for storage in a similar fashion, although the PocketViews rail is two-piece making it easier to pack. But both are light enough to carry on the tripod all day while photographing. As far as the duribility and lifespan of the materials used for the Standard goes -- it looks like it would be easy to get replacement parts as long as the company is around. If with use one finds that there are any questionable parts (in terms of longevity), it might be wise to pick up a replacement part or two.
Bookmarks