How to identify Horseman monorail camera models

[Califmike33]

I'm just looking to shoot a 90 mm lens without having to change the bellows or the rail on The horseman LX.

[Tin Can]

Most likely need a recessed lensboard

Don' t buy a Horseman

Read some books

I'm just looking to shoot a 90 mm lens without having to change the bellows or the rail on The horseman LX.

[Califmike33]

Don't buy a horseman okay why is that?

[Tin Can]

Because you don't need it, way too heavy too

Also every member on this forum has a different plan for everything

That makes it fun for us

I am a book learner, I read a lot, always have

Here is my final suggestion

4X5 90mm lens just like one of mine

3D printed, super lightweight, super sharp tiny lens

No tripod, handheld. I use flash bulbs, but a modern strobe will work

This is one shot, guessing at exposure and distance, no focus, the square metal is the viewfinder

3AM bar closed my best friends at that time, 10 years ago

Not perfect, no crop, I like it and that is all that is needed

I will post the camera IF YOU are interested

Turbo by TIN CAN COLLEGE, on Flickr

Turbo by TIN CAN COLLEGE, on Flickr

Don't buy a horseman okay why is that?

[Tin Can]

The first version and actual camera I used use

NOW I have the same lens on a Printed copy

1 4X5 Plastic KickStarter Made in Chicagp by TIN CAN COLLEGE, on Flickr

[Califmike33]

Very interesting.

[Califmike33]

Take the time to look over the old B&H view camera catalog from back in them days.. Listings and info from Arca Swiss to Toyo.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/FrameWo...FormatView.pdf

There was a time not too long ago when Horseman L series monorails were beyond extreme bargains on the market as they were widely un-appreciated for what they are (excellent monorail). Having owned/used the Horseman L series in the past, they are nice in many ways and some what interchangeable with Sinar modules. It was possible to purchase the basic Horseman LE for a bit more than $100 or the cost of a few boxes of 4x5 film back in them days.. Not any more as with most things view camera, the market popularity has increased their value.. Don't get caught up in "features" as any of these Horseman L series is fully capable of most any combination of camera movements front and rear needed. Features are essentially time savers when used properly, ponder if you're working in a commercial studio environment pressed to produce a mountain of sheet film with deadlines around your neck and a mountain of bill that must be paid... In this specific environment is when these view camera "features" can make a difference ~and~ these feature must be properly used if they are to have any benefits. Know this is nothing like digital or 35mm or 120 roll film cameras where features and options are a "thing" that is marketed to sell gear. Think buttons on them old VCR or similar remotes where 90+ % of them buttons are never used.. with less than 10% of them buttons are ever used.

Realities are, at the beginning of trying to learn how to view camera, there are SO many skills and knowledge that must be gained and developed, don't overly focus on the camera.. focus on getting -A- good camera (IMO, a good modular monorail) then work hard at learning, acquiring, developing the skills and knowledge on how to view camera. What can become a serious obstacle is a view camera or Lenin shutter that fights you and does not do what they are required to do with little confusion or difficulty in operation as it is difficult enough to learn how to view camera.. any obstacles added will make the learning curve that much more difficult.

As for "condition".. beauty is only finish deep.. What is far more important is functionality.. That beauty on the top visible part of the finish can and will never make your images more ... beautiful...



G
Bernice

Great information on the BH photo link, if i get on its the LE its the lightest at 9 pounds.

[Bernice Loui]

Horseman L series, 90mm with the standard bellow is just ok at infinity focus. 90mm with the bag bellows is significantly better for camera movements. 75mm at infinity focus is about it for standard or bag bellows as the front/rear standards are not able to come together close enough without camera contortions.. Horseman spec is 65mm, not gonna happen. This is why using a recessed lens board is a must and why another reasons why Horseman L series is limiting. There is a limit to how much camera/bellows draw can be had which is another limitations. Yes, the more deluxe models have a expandable rail, once fully extended the accessory standard and extra bellows will be needed. Adding more camera/bellows extension become "interesting" beyond this standard offering..

These are good to excellent as indoor/studio table top or similar. There are media images of AA using Horseman L.. but not with a really wide angle/short focal length lens..






Marketing...


Bernice

I'm just looking to shoot a 90 mm lens without having to change the bellows or the rail on The horseman LX.

[bgh]

Let me ask you a question is it possible to take this apart and get it into a backpack to take on a you know maybe a mile mile and a half walk off the side of the road or is that unrealistic?

It is fairly quick process to pack it up, but not by taking it apart. Instead, the front and rear standards can be rotated so that they are parallel to the bottom rail, making for a long but relatively thin thing to drop into a top-loading rucksack. I carry it in the field with me for HABS/HAER projects--I definitely earn my dinners on those days with the effort, but I find it worth it. I have also done some limited hiking in the Organ Mountains in NM, stripping down the kit as much as possible. I find it to be a most remarkable camera, I hope to finish out my career with the thing.

Bruce

[bgh]

Horseman L series, 90mm with the standard bellow is just ok at infinity focus. 90mm with the bag bellows is significantly better for camera movements. 75mm at infinity focus is about it for standard or bag bellows as the front/rear standards are not able to come together close enough without camera contortions.. Horseman spec is 65mm, not gonna happen. This is why using a recessed lens board is a must and why another reasons why Horseman L series is limiting. There is a limit to how much camera/bellows draw can be had which is another limitations. Yes, the more deluxe models have a expandable rail, once fully extended the accessory standard and extra bellows will be needed. Adding more camera/bellows extension become "interesting" beyond this standard offering..

These are good to excellent as indoor/studio table top or similar. There are media images of AA using Horseman L.. but not with a really wide angle/short focal length lens..






Marketing...


Bernice

I've found that by flipping the front standard and using a bag bellows, I can get more movements with my 75mm lens than the lens will cover.

Bruce