Arca-Swiss, maker of high precision tilt-and-shift cameras, has announced the availability of a new range that can accept digital SLR cameras.
Sadly, Arca-Swiss does not have a website; unimaginable in today's world.
I had heard this was coming down the pipe when I had posted the release of the Horseman VCC Pro. Expensive, but certainly worth the wait.
The M-Line Two is available in two formats; one accepting Canon, Nikon and Sony DSLRs, and the other designed for medium format.
Aimed at photographers who 'want to take more elaborate images using shift for perspective control and Scheimpflug (a rule that calculates the alignment of subject, lens and film planes) for image sharpness', the M-Line Two is compatible with a large range of accessories that can replicate the movements of a large format technical camera.
Like Cambo's Ultima 35 and Silvestri's Flexicam - who also make systems that can accept digital SLRs - the M-Line Two serves as a platform for a camera or back (film or digital), attached via a range of adaptors, together with specialist lenses made by Rodenstock and Schneider.
'When used with a DSLR camera or a digital back, this new precision system enables you to take images of buildings, landscapes or objects with the fullest of control. It's ideal for landscapes to macros. The M-Line Two is part of one of the largest photographic systems currently available and is compatible with all DSLR cameras.'
'All traditional medium format film backs are compatible with the M-Line Two,' says the statement. 'The usable focal length extends from 28mm for the M-Line Two SLR and 23mm for the M-Line two MF, to infinity.'
The system measures 250x140x300mm (length x depth x height). It offers a vertical and horizontal shift of 70mm, a swing of 30 degs, a tilt of 90 degs and a maximum extension of 190mm (depending on the configuration).
Adaptors for the M-Line Two are available in Canon, Nikon and Sony fits for the DSLR version, and Contax 645, Hasselblad V/H, Mamiya 645 AFD, AFi/HY6 for the medium format version. Accessories include a binocular viewfinder, lens hood, extension rail and compendium.
Pricing starts from EUR2990 +VAT. For more details, email arca-swiss@wanadoo.fr.