The UPS man brought me a Sinar Norma today, and at first blush I must say it’s the finest monorail view camera I’ve ever owned. I purchased it from B.S. Kumar in Japan. It arrived in tip-top shape. Putting it together was pretty intuitive. It took me a while to figure out that the silver knurled levers control the shift and swing. I was trying to twist them rather than pushing them forward and backward. Also, I didn’t realize that the tripod clamp mechanism has a loose plastic collar in it. I snapped it onto the rail and then affixed the clamp onto it.
The camera is more compact than I anticipated, which is great. It has a very solid, precise feel, and the focus on the rear standard is butter smooth. Front standard focus is stiffer, but still smooth.
I bought it to use mainly in my little basement studio, but owing to its compact size, I wouldn’t hesitate to carry it into the field.
Anyway, to all the Norma aficionados out there, you’re right— it’s a hell of a camera.
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