Comments on: How to: Developing a tilt/shift system for 35mm digital camera based on 4×5 view camera http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/ Technical secrets of studio photography: we hold nothing behind Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:15:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Emaad http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-85618 Emaad Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:00:36 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-85618 hi!! Alex what a wonderful photographer you are. I have become a fan of your work. I was just hunting masters of product photography and reached at your flickr stream. You have an amazing stream indeed. Alex I am in process of making a custom solution for this. I am making a complete aluminum casting solution as it will reduce lots of weight. In this process I found this wonderful solution from Novoflex. http://www.novoflex.com/en/products/macro-accessories/bellows-systems/tilt-shift-bellows/ Please! Check you will like their idea. This is lightweight, smaller in size and above all its for DSLRs. You have to do little modifications to just attach your lens. I am sure you will like this. My solution is inspired from this but I am tying to make a small size large format solution. It will be identical to a large format camera but a smaller version. Its still on design stage and your suggestions will be most welcome. I am finding a way to be linked to your website. So that I can see your work regularly. If you have any newsletter service than please add my email address. Thanks Emaad hi!!

Alex what a wonderful photographer you are. I have become a fan of your work. I was just hunting masters of product photography and reached at your flickr stream. You have an amazing stream indeed.

Alex I am in process of making a custom solution for this. I am making a complete aluminum casting solution as it will reduce lots of weight. In this process I found this wonderful solution from Novoflex.

http://www.novoflex.com/en/products/macro-accessories/bellows-systems/tilt-shift-bellows/

Please! Check you will like their idea. This is lightweight, smaller in size and above all its for DSLRs. You have to do little modifications to just attach your lens. I am sure you will like this. My solution is inspired from this but I am tying to make a small size large format solution. It will be identical to a large format camera but a smaller version. Its still on design stage and your suggestions will be most welcome.

I am finding a way to be linked to your website. So that I can see your work regularly. If you have any newsletter service than please add my email address.

Thanks

Emaad

]]> By: Sinan http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-82744 Sinan Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:21:46 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-82744 Alex, these are great information about not so well known field of photography. I am now in the very beginning of this process and trying to build up the best affordable setup for me. I am going to shoot mostly jewelry. Do you think Canon 5dmk2 and TS-E 90mm f2.8 a good combo for a start? Again, thank you so much for your time for the valuable info here. Alex, these are great information about not so well known field of photography. I am now in the very beginning of this process and trying to build up the best affordable setup for me. I am going to shoot mostly jewelry. Do you think Canon 5dmk2 and TS-E 90mm f2.8 a good combo for a start? Again, thank you so much for your time for the valuable info here.

]]> By: Alex Koloskov http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-68710 Alex Koloskov Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:36:07 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-68710 I've got bellows for my setup for about $70.. But your solution is even better! Thank you for sharing I’ve got bellows for my setup for about $70.. But your solution is even better!
Thank you for sharing

]]> By: massimo testoni http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-68668 massimo testoni Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:11:48 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-68668 Thank you Alex. Maybe two words on bellows, if that could be helpful to someone. Bag bellows are usually expensive, so I decided to build one by myself. You can use leather, synthetic leather or neoprene. I sewed in reverse two square pieces together (sew first three sides, then the fourth one trough the front standart hole, after gluing the adapters. 42cm is what I did, but I think 35 is enough. The front adapter was cutted from a 2mm aluminium panel [img]http://web.ticino.com/timo/OldLens/bellows2.jpg[/img] [img]http://web.ticino.com/timo/OldLens/bellows1.jpg[/img] Thank you Alex. Maybe two words on bellows, if that could be helpful to someone. Bag bellows are usually expensive, so I decided to build one by myself. You can use leather, synthetic leather or neoprene. I sewed in reverse two square pieces together (sew first three sides, then the fourth one trough the front standart hole, after gluing the adapters. 42cm is what I did, but I think 35 is enough. The front adapter was cutted from a 2mm aluminium panel

bellows2.jpg

bellows1.jpg

]]> By: Alex Koloskov http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-68612 Alex Koloskov Tue, 09 Aug 2011 17:32:10 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-68612 Massimo, very cool results! Thank you for sharing this Massimo, very cool results!
Thank you for sharing this

]]> By: massimo testoni http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-68556 massimo testoni Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:10:20 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-68556 Some time ago I pourchased an old Plaubel 100mm F2.9 lens, without shutter, for about 15 Euros (1931/32). Just for curiosity I put it on the system and I succeded to have the best red I never had before. The picture is not a fine art, but I think the red colour is really interesting. [img]http://web.ticino.com/timo/OldLens/rosso.jpg[/img] and this is the lens [img]http://web.ticino.com/timo/OldLens/100_a.jpg[/img] Some time ago I pourchased an old Plaubel 100mm F2.9 lens, without shutter, for about 15 Euros (1931/32). Just for curiosity I put it on the system and I succeded to have the best red I never had before. The picture is not a fine art, but I think the red colour is really interesting.
rosso.jpg
and this is the lens
100_a.jpg

]]> By: massimo testoni http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-68526 massimo testoni Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:06:04 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-68526 and this was my home-made solution: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1019013 (see the last picture) and this was my home-made solution:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1019013
(see the last picture)

]]> By: Alex Koloskov http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-68364 Alex Koloskov Sat, 06 Aug 2011 15:59:02 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-68364 Oh, I see. I've misunderstood you. That dial, it is outside of the lens, right? Asking because on rodenstock I had it was outside and I could not imagine how it may affect the picture. Even if it would be illuminated. I think you should be fine...:-) Oh, I see. I’ve misunderstood you.
That dial, it is outside of the lens, right? Asking because on rodenstock I had it was outside and I could not imagine how it may affect the picture. Even if it would be illuminated.
I think you should be fine…:-)

]]> By: Paul Grundy http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-68363 Paul Grundy Sat, 06 Aug 2011 15:45:28 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-68363 I re-read my post and perhaps I have phrased the question badly. The'aperture' I was referring to was the opening for the illuminated aperture dial, not the actual lens aperture. I have noted that a lot of enlarger lenses have this illuminated dial and I was concerned that light would transmit back through it when mounted on a camera. I hope that makes sense. Thanks for the great amount of work you put into this site. I re-read my post and perhaps I have phrased the question badly. The’aperture’ I was referring to was the opening for the illuminated aperture dial, not the actual lens aperture. I have noted that a lot of enlarger lenses have this illuminated dial and I was concerned that light would transmit back through it when mounted on a camera. I hope that makes sense. Thanks for the great amount of work you put into this site.

]]> By: Alex Koloskov http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-68361 Alex Koloskov Sat, 06 Aug 2011 15:26:05 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-68361 Paul, I am not sure I've understand your concern about aperture of enlargement lens: it does not matter is it enlarger or camera lens mounted on, aperture is simply limits the amount of light passes through the lens. It works the same way in any application. As to the lens, smaller sensor has higher pixel density and thus add more requirements for the lens resolution. Therefore it is good if you use the sharper and apo ( color corrected lens). I am not an expert in the enlargement lens world, can't recommend you a particular one. The one I've used is a good one for sure. Must also say that any enlargement lens will fail a competition with current line of digital lenses made for digital view cameras. Look at rodenstock digital and Schneider digitar lenses. But it might be hard to use them with dslr. Paul,
I am not sure I’ve understand your concern about aperture of enlargement lens: it does not matter is it enlarger or camera lens mounted on, aperture is simply limits the amount of light passes through the lens.
It works the same way in any application.

As to the lens, smaller sensor has higher pixel density and thus add more requirements for the lens resolution.
Therefore it is good if you use the sharper and apo ( color corrected lens).
I am not an expert in the enlargement lens world, can’t recommend you a particular one. The one I’ve used is a good one for sure.

Must also say that any enlargement lens will fail a competition with current line of digital lenses made for digital view cameras. Look at rodenstock digital and Schneider digitar lenses.

But it might be hard to use them with dslr.

]]> By: Paul Grundy http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-68357 Paul Grundy Sat, 06 Aug 2011 14:55:05 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-68357 Hi Alex... what lens would you recommend for the smaller sensor, like the D300. Your site has been a great source of information and inspiration, and is a recent discovery for me. I wish I had found it earlier. I have noticed that on a lot of enlarger lenses the aperture is illuminated, presumably from what would have been the enlarger lamp. Does this 'aperture' not transmit stray light back into the camera? Thanks for your time. Hi Alex… what lens would you recommend for the smaller sensor, like the D300. Your site has been a great source of information and inspiration, and is a recent discovery for me. I wish I had found it earlier.
I have noticed that on a lot of enlarger lenses the aperture is illuminated, presumably from what would have been the enlarger lamp. Does this ‘aperture’ not transmit stray light back into the camera? Thanks for your time.

]]> By: Alex Koloskov http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-67183 Alex Koloskov Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:52:08 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-67183 Raj, The biggest issue with such tilt-shift system and DSLR is the fact that the sensor is hidden inside of DSLR body, and body limits angles you can tilt /shift or swing the lens.. Body block the light if the angle is big enough. Sensor size does not affect tilt and shift functionality.. smaller sensor with more pixel density requires better lens to get decent quality images.. thank you! Raj,
The biggest issue with such tilt-shift system and DSLR is the fact that the sensor is hidden inside of DSLR body, and body limits angles you can tilt /shift or swing the lens.. Body block the light if the angle is big enough.
Sensor size does not affect tilt and shift functionality.. smaller sensor with more pixel density requires better lens to get decent quality images..
thank you!

]]> By: Raj http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-67125 Raj Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:03:29 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-67125 Hi Alex, I am thinking of building one for myself. But I use a D300. Will there be any problems due to the body being a CROP SENSOR one. I amd guessing that the TILT-SHIFT effect will be lesser than what we get on Full Frame?? It would be really helpful if you could help me with this query. By the way, a fantastic mod, gr8 results and love your work. I follow each and ever upload and articles of yours.. Thanks for sharing all this.. :) Hi Alex,

I am thinking of building one for myself. But I use a D300. Will there be any problems due to the body being a CROP SENSOR one. I amd guessing that the TILT-SHIFT effect will be lesser than what we get on Full Frame?? It would be really helpful if you could help me with this query. By the way, a fantastic mod, gr8 results and love your work. I follow each and ever upload and articles of yours.. Thanks for sharing all this.. :)

]]> By: Alex Koloskov http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-58853 Alex Koloskov Fri, 29 Apr 2011 21:15:03 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-58853 Otto, Yes, X2 is really cool camera, but I did not want to spend such money to build system for DSLR - it is not serious anyway. The real thing is to use a MF digital back with sinar P3 or Cambo Ultima 23 or similar camera.. So, my Cambo master PC was to test the technique. However, i use it for some commercial shots with great success. Will post some video about my setup soon. Thank you! Otto,
Yes, X2 is really cool camera, but I did not want to spend such money to build system for DSLR – it is not serious anyway. The real thing is to use a MF digital back with sinar P3 or Cambo Ultima 23 or similar camera.. So, my Cambo master PC was to test the technique. However, i use it for some commercial shots with great success.

Will post some video about my setup soon.

Thank you!

]]> By: Otto Haring - Miami http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-58806 Otto Haring - Miami Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:44:07 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-58806 Hey Alex! What do you think about the Cambo X2 Pro camera? Is it useful? I would like to use it my existing Canon and Phase one AFD with LEAF 75s digital back. Do you think it is a good idea? I would like to use it for product and some architectural photography...What do you think? I love your work!!!! Otto Hey Alex!
What do you think about the Cambo X2 Pro camera? Is it useful?
I would like to use it my existing Canon and Phase one AFD with LEAF 75s digital back. Do you think it is a good idea?
I would like to use it for product and some architectural photography…What do you think?
I love your work!!!!
Otto

]]> By: Ruben http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-57647 Ruben Tue, 26 Apr 2011 02:15:26 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-57647 I would appreciate that thanks! Theres a sliding element that allows me to raise the front and rear standards a further 40mm thats locked down with a screw knob. And there are a couple of philips screws fastening the frame to the standard. Those are the ones I'm to remove right? I was thinking of putting a quick release lever clamp from really right stuff as thats what I currently use. I'd be real curious to see how you over come the portrait/landscape issue. The only thing I could think of is seperate plates for both. The bellows I would imagine would need to be removed, rotated and installed again as well wouldn't it? I would appreciate that thanks! Theres a sliding element that allows me to raise the front and rear standards a further 40mm thats locked down with a screw knob. And there are a couple of philips screws fastening the frame to the standard. Those are the ones I’m to remove right?

I was thinking of putting a quick release lever clamp from really right stuff as thats what I currently use. I’d be real curious to see how you over come the portrait/landscape issue. The only thing I could think of is seperate plates for both. The bellows I would imagine would need to be removed, rotated and installed again as well wouldn’t it?

]]> By: Alex Koloskov http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-57552 Alex Koloskov Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:47:36 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-57552 Ruben, It is very easy to take off the frame from rear (same as front) standard of the cambo master PC camera. Just unscrew it from a frame connector. I can snap a picture for you showing how I did mine. You'll see that I epoxy glued "L" shaped plate to a frame connector and have a manfrotto camera connector plate mounted on it. BTW, i am thinking to switch to a acra-swiss type of connector, as there is a very cool accessory which let you to mount camera horizontally or vertically: so far i do not have this functionality (have only horizontal mount). I'll snap pictures and may be even a video, will update my post with it. Good luck with your build! Ruben,
It is very easy to take off the frame from rear (same as front) standard of the cambo master PC camera. Just unscrew it from a frame connector. I can snap a picture for you showing how I did mine. You’ll see that I epoxy glued “L” shaped plate to a frame connector and have a manfrotto camera connector plate mounted on it.
BTW, i am thinking to switch to a acra-swiss type of connector, as there is a very cool accessory which let you to mount camera horizontally or vertically: so far i do not have this functionality (have only horizontal mount).

I’ll snap pictures and may be even a video, will update my post with it.
Good luck with your build!

]]> By: Ruben http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-57460 Ruben Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:10:04 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-57460 Thanks Alex. I initially wanted a Sinar as well but quickly found out how pricey they were. Suprisingly I found a used Cambo Ultima on ebay but got outbid. I'm just too frustrated with my Toyo as the tilt and swing movements aren't geared but I found a Cambo Master PC on ebay for not too bad a price. Guess I'll be selling my Toyo now. I just won a recessed lens board (I don't know how recessed though), and am looking to purchase a bag bellows. I have it pretty well planned out how I'm gonna set this up. I guess my only question now is how to remove the frame from the rear element and how to attach the bag bellows to an eos mount. I think the 5dII sensor is somewhere like 40 or 44mm from the mount? So that lens should work just fine. Thanks again! Thanks Alex.

I initially wanted a Sinar as well but quickly found out how pricey they were. Suprisingly I found a used Cambo Ultima on ebay but got outbid. I’m just too frustrated with my Toyo as the tilt and swing movements aren’t geared but I found a Cambo Master PC on ebay for not too bad a price. Guess I’ll be selling my Toyo now. I just won a recessed lens board (I don’t know how recessed though), and am looking to purchase a bag bellows. I have it pretty well planned out how I’m gonna set this up. I guess my only question now is how to remove the frame from the rear element and how to attach the bag bellows to an eos mount. I think the 5dII sensor is somewhere like 40 or 44mm from the mount? So that lens should work just fine. Thanks again!

]]> By: Alex Koloskov http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-54763 Alex Koloskov Fri, 15 Apr 2011 02:18:46 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-54763 Ruben, I was looking for a toyo cameras when was shopping for mine. I think any camera will work, only the difference would be in usability. My cambo is good, but now I am looking fro sinar P2/P3 or similar ones:-) More precise movements, lighter, etc. Rodenstock 120mm f5.6 Apo Macro Digial Sironar is exactly what i would buy too. This is a great lens, it will work great when you'll move to a medium format media. Recessed board is needed for wide angle lenses, 35-70mm: to get infinite focus you'll need to have focal length distance between camera sensor and the lens.. 50mm won't be possible without recessed board, even 70mm might be a problem. 120 should be far enough to work with the regular bellows. Measure your camera, you'll know a minimal distance. Hope this will help, good luck! Ruben,
I was looking for a toyo cameras when was shopping for mine. I think any camera will work, only the difference would be in usability.
My cambo is good, but now I am looking fro sinar P2/P3 or similar ones:-) More precise movements, lighter, etc.

Rodenstock 120mm f5.6 Apo Macro Digial Sironar is exactly what i would buy too. This is a great lens, it will work great when you’ll move to a medium format media.
Recessed board is needed for wide angle lenses, 35-70mm: to get infinite focus you’ll need to have focal length distance between camera sensor and the lens.. 50mm won’t be possible without recessed board, even 70mm might be a problem. 120 should be far enough to work with the regular bellows. Measure your camera, you’ll know a minimal distance.
Hope this will help, good luck!

]]> By: Ruben http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/how-to-developing-a-tiltshift-system-for-35mm-digital-camera-based-on-4x5-view-camera/comment-page-1/#comment-53609 Ruben Mon, 11 Apr 2011 06:10:11 +0000 http://www.akelstudio.com/blog/?p=137#comment-53609 I know this is an post but I'm working on a similiar setup for studio macro work and could use your advise. I apologize in advance if some of these are stupid questions. I currently have a Toyo 45G and there is an adapter fitting on ebay that can connect my 5DII to the back. The camera has geared movements but not for tilt and swing (grrr). http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260708903627&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT Thoughts? I'm not much of a DIY kind of guy as I don't have much in the way of tools. The lens I'm considering is a Rodenstock 120mm f5.6 Apo Macro Digial Sironar. It's a little pricey but I can afford it and as it seems like a good choice. I'm working on getting a recessed lens board and bag bellows. I'm trying to research this and others that have done similiar setups can't achieve infinite focus. Could this cause problems? Thanks in advance! I know this is an post but I’m working on a similiar setup for studio macro work and could use your advise. I apologize in advance if some of these are stupid questions.

I currently have a Toyo 45G and there is an adapter fitting on ebay that can connect my 5DII to the back. The camera has geared movements but not for tilt and swing (grrr).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260708903627&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Thoughts? I’m not much of a DIY kind of guy as I don’t have much in the way of tools.

The lens I’m considering is a Rodenstock 120mm f5.6 Apo Macro Digial Sironar. It’s a little pricey but I can afford it and as it seems like a good choice.

I’m working on getting a recessed lens board and bag bellows. I’m trying to research this and others that have done similiar setups can’t achieve infinite focus. Could this cause problems?

Thanks in advance!

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