Arca-Swiss is set to show a gaggle of new products for large format photographers at Photokina next week. From ball heads to cameras, there is kind of a lot to go through. That said, let's take things one at a time.
Rm3d factum
Arca-Swiss will release the world’s smallest technical camera with tilt and shift in a new model to the R-camera line, the Rm3d factum. It features a precise and highly exact focusing camera with a tilt mechanism. And it's tiny. The Rm3d factum is a combination of a new camera body and the current focus/tilt unit of the R-line. Photographers with Rm3di will be able to order the body separately (called Rm3d fac) and install their tilt/focus module (called tum module) into the Rm3d fac body for a smaller and lighter travel camera option.
The shift mechanism allows horizontal and/or vertical movements of +/- 15mm and tilt movements of +/-5°. Being so small, it's designed for the tightest requirements of on-location photography.
LulF
The LulF is the camera for large and ultra-large format photography. To quote, "When all the millions of pixels are still not enough, the LulF delivers for your most demanding pictures." At a film format of 11X14” and 8X10″ (with accessory reducing back), this is the camera for those wanting insane richness in tone and detail.
Monoball Z1g+
With the Monoball Z1g+, Arca-Swiss has improved all aspects of the ballhead Z1g. The new head incorporates an additional panning top above the ball and its weight is reduced significantly.
"The Monoball Z1g+ guarantees a smooth, even movement and accurate positioning of the camera. The MRGC (Motion Related Gravity Control), a variable and bi-directional drag is independently operative on both axes and stabilized in all directions — with a horizontal movement the resulting friction remains constant, whereas with vertical movements the friction increases progressively."
Monoball Z2+
"Improved as well, the larger ballhead Monoball Z2+ is now equipped with a second panning top and additionally, its weight has been reduced considerably. The Z2+ combines the advantages of a ballhead with the features of a multiaxial tripod head. The secret hides in a newly designed ball unit that allows individual and independent control of the x- and y-axis, with gravity compensation and separate locks. The upper knob locks the smaller ball in the x-axis (80°; 40°; -40°), whereas the lower knob is locking the bigger ball in the y-axis (140°; 90°; -50°).
The Monoball Z2+ sports two panning mechanisms — one at the base of the head, the other (a proper panning top for panoramic photography) is located above the ball, allowing perfect and level panoramic stitching."
e-module Cloud
This spiffy new measuring device is capable of measuring both short and long distances and is equally accurate in bright or dim light. It can measure through windows or in highly reflective environments. Supposedly, the name of our product is meant to infer that even clouds can be measured properly. Hm. Ok then. A digital display shows the distance and indicates four relevant f-stops for depth of field and, as a bonus, the e-module Cloud helps to level the camera.
RL3di
Arca-Swiss has given a facelift to the RL3d and renamed it the RL3di, with added shift capabilities and a newly designed integration of the reversible focusing module.
The RL3di offers, as all R-Line cameras do, self-locking AIP (All in Plane) shift in the film plane, independent for x- and y-movements, and a tilt mechanism for the application of the Scheimpflug-principle. It boasts precision focusing coupled with an integrated electronic sensor, while continuing to use the same R-Line bayonet lens-mount.
Interesting. Anyone thinking of grabbing any of the above?
[Via Arca-Swiss & Photorumors]
Sweet!