Top hat and recessed lens boards are camera limitation "sorta-fix_it band-aids". If the camera has proper capability to fully support the lenses or optics required to meet the image goals, no top hat or recessed lens boards will be needed.
Or why focusing on the camera as top priority is not wise in many ways.
This is why knowing what the image goals are is SO important.
As been said many, many times previous. All view cameras are a fixed set of trade-offs with none being ideal for every possible image goal as the camera is essentially a light tight box that is flexi in the center to support the lens and image recording device (film or digital imager).
If you're deep into hiking long distances for days on end, it would be wise to choose a lightweight field foldable with lightweight/small lens set with compact film holders and such then fully accepting the limitations and trade-offs of these image goals. If you're doing work in a studio set up with controlled lighting and absolute need for ease of camera control and all that a geared movement monorail is going to be far more effective, easier to use in many ways than struggling with a lightweight field foldable.
Bernice
Many thanks to everyone who has commented! At this point I think I'm leaning toward the sinar f2, there are some possible good deals out there within my budget. I'm a little worried about the weight, but I'm a tough old codger and think I can handle it for my typically 1-day in-an-out hikes. It'll be a while before I purchase (waiting for access to LFPF market, still shopping on ebay) and I may change my mind, but the possibility of having a somewhat portable camera that can offer so much control and even scale up to a larger format, well, I'm excited! Thanks again, all, really appreciate all your comments and welcome any other advice/comments! The search, and education, goes on!
I really like my Arca Swiss setup. I'm using an older style Arca "A" camera, but with a metric rear format frame, which combines advantages of both old and new. But, accessories, bellows, etc., for newer and older 171mm Arca's are getting harder to find, and those for the new 141mm Arca rarely come up. The same is true for the newer style 141mm cameras, and when one does see them on EBay, they're expensive.
For your purposes, I would highly recommend the Sinar F system. For a period of time, I purchased quite a lot of Sinar gear, because familiar with, and enjoyed using that system. It's very capable, and would especially be useful for macro work.
I've quoted the above that shows a Sinar "compacted" into, what I would call, a clumsy and space consuming package that's shown in the first photo. Through a simple customization on a standard 6" extension that I've documented on this site and in the following link, one can do much better.
https://www.photrio.com/forum/thread...camera.172997/
Note that the rear standard shown in the photos in the above link is a special version intended for copy work. But, it's not needed for the setup described. A regular Sinar F rear standard will work just fine.
With an intermediate Sinar F standard, or a Norma intermediate standard works even better, and a second bellows, one can get very long extensions using a long rail extension. In fact, a bag bellows can be used as opposed to a second accordion bellows.
Sinar is much less expensive than Arca, and much more available.
I agree with Mark on the above. One can sometimes find these available on EBay as a stand alone item. But I prefer a slightly different clamp, which is the clamp originally sold with the Sinar F cameras. It's shown in the link that I included above, and these clamps have all the same dimensions as the Norma clamp. I like the original F clamp, because it does not permit side to side tilt; I prefer using the tripod head for that degree of freedom. But either clamp will be a convenient space-saver.
I've also owned and used a Wista SP, and they're a fine camera. But, I don't think it has the bellows draw that you need for macro work. They made, and I had the bellows extension that one can fine for these cameras. But, they're not very stable and would likely require a second tripod to keep the whole system still.
Concerned about weight?
Sinar F weights about 6-7 pounds, Toyo 45FA, About 6.2 pounds, plus a whole lotta camera limitations, but does fold up into a box.
http://www.toyoview.com/Products/45AII/45AII.html
Camera should not be the prime focus of weight. Add up the weight of lenses, film holders, dark cloth, tripod and all related to what is required to make LF images, one extra pound in the camera within the overall is not significant.
Keep in mind, weight in the proper places means stability and vibration reduction. IMO, too many focus too much of the weight and "portability of the camera" while losing focus on the overall needs of view camera image making.
As to the Sinar F2, know the difference between the F, F+, F1.
The F2 has front focus and different movement lock controls.
Noted in the Sinar F2 flyer:
https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/rl/00396/00396.pdf
Folding up an F2 with a Norma rail clamp.
As noted in the Sinar instruction book:
Bernice
Or do the short rail Sinar Norma.
Complete with Sinar shutter, lens in barrel (no shutter), packs as assembled. Remove the complete camera from the case, place it on the Sinar rail clamp on tripod & head, add rails as needed and proceed to setting up the image to be made. Way faster and easier than unfolding and setting up a field folder with a LOT more camera/lens ability.
Bernice
Ha, don't hate on us when you're thrashing through a rhododendron hell with sweat in your eyes and pecker gnats in your ears... (In truth, I think you'll find Sinars not much heavier, only more bulky, than other cameras in the same format.)
As I mentioned, I don't have nearly the experience that Bernice and others have with Sinars, but I'll throw out a few thoughts:
-- I haven't handled an F2, but I think there's a consensus that the Norma is a bit more rugged, if only for its all-metal construction. I suspect also its form factor is a bit more compact.
-- As for vendors, the auction site wouldn't be my first choice, since any Sinar you'll buy will likely be half a century old, with a number of moving parts that may or may not have had an adequate CLA.
-- If you do find yourself investing the Sinar ecosystem, the Sinar pan/tilt head comes highly recommended.
-- Remember that Sinars are eminently adaptable (not to mention addictive): you could get, say, a 4x5 to start your journey, then add 5x7 and/or 8x10 format change kits as you go along.
Thanks so much Bernice, CreationBear, Neil and jnantz for taking the time to educate me about LF. If I can ask another question, where is a good site to purchase a sinar? As I mentioned earlier, I'm an ebayer (for good and bad) and came across this norma https://www.ebay.com/itm/26538297692...8AAOSwDsVhT7z6 that may or may not be something to consider. I've found some F2s on ebay as well.
I really do appreciate you folks! On my brief hike for photos this weekend (packing my MF gear) I was dreaming about how much more could be done with LF. One part of the trail was very steep, slick and hazardous (did fine) but I was thinking 'can I do this with an extra 10 -15 lbs - you bet!' I am stoked, folks, ready to go! Now where is that camera!!!
Virtually ANY Sinar Norma will need a proper clean-lube and parts check over. This is not that difficult to do for those mechanically inclined. There are enough resources on the web and on LFF to aid lots in this process.
This Nomra appears to have it's original bellows which is likely light leaky. Easy low cost fix is to replace it with a newer in proper condition Sinar 4x5 bellows and move on.
Expect the lubricants have turned into clay mixed with dirt. Otherwise, not a lot goes wrong with a Norma. The 150mm lens is bonus. Shutter might need clean-lube.
Accessories like extension rails, bag bellows and such should be easily available used via LFF classifieds, ebay or similar. Ask questions as needed.
Bernice
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