Newbie - Tilt/Shift Bellows for macro/portraits/stitching

<p>Hi all,</p>

<p>I suppose technically this isn't a LF question, but I suspect I'll find the most knowledge here.</p>

<p>I've always wanted a camera with movements, namely to correct perspective, to allow for stitching, and to allow for portraits with 'that look' via tilt.</p>

<p>I currently have a Sony a7II and NEX-7, and plan on getting an A7RII when the used prices come down (say next year).</p>

<p>I know there are solutions out there which would allow me lots of movement with these cameras, but they are all out of my reach financially (i.e. Cambo, Horseman, Novoflex).</p>

<p>There was a guy out there who chopped up Fuji GX680 and converted them for Sony use with whatever lenses, but he has been off the grid for a couple years, and hasn't responded to me.</p>

<p>I've cobbled together a 'kit' in my head, but I have no idea if, in theory, it should work. So I'd like to ask for advice.</p>

<p>Simply:</p>

<p>1) For portraits, the Mirex Tilt/Shift adaptor (EOS mount, as I have the Metabones already), with a FotodioX 645-67 Mamiya adapter, and the 75mm (67) shift lens.<br>

2) For stitching, the same, using Photoshop to stitch the output.<br>

3) For macro, the Mirex adapter housed to the Mamiya Tilt/Shift Bellows with the 645-67 adapter and the 140mm macro lens.</p>

<p>The Mirex is here:</p>

<p>http://www.mirex-adapter.de/preisliste.htm</p>

<p>And the bellows I mean is this:</p>

<p>http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Mamiya-645-PRO-TL-PRO-M645-AFD-AUTO-BELLOWS-N-SHIFT-TILT-SWING-UP-DOWN-/222078199946?hash=item33b4e4688a:m:m_EmWGfVq0TbOdhQBtn52uA</p>

<p>Having no experience here, I'd really appreciate if you guys could chime in. </p>

<p>Merci:)<br>

Shawn</p>

<p>And now it gets confusing:</p>

<p>"The Mamiya 645 autobellows has complete front movements.<br>

I adapted one to the NEX and A900 for use as a "digital back" by removing the rear standard and replacing with a modified focusing base from a Minolta slide copier that has a tilting camera platform. The platform uses an adapter that clamps the bellows opening around the NEX lens mount. Uses standard Mamiya 645 lenses with movements at infinity."</p>

<p>From here: http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/2969508</p>

<p>Not sure what that means, but it doesn't sound good...</p>

<p>I'm no LF guru... 400 Euro for the Mirex, how much for the rest on your list? Will you be happy with the little bit of movement provided? it seems your image circles would permit more? - Did you already get the Mamiya bits together?<br>

Have you checked used prices for 4x5" monorails with bag bellows (and not much else)? There are inexpensive adapters that allow a lot of shifting behind these- I believe I saw a Chinese clone of <a href="https://www.fotodioxpro.com/lens-mount-adapters/large-format-4x5-lens-adapters/fotodiox-pro-pentax-k-pk-slr-dslr-camera-to-large-format-4x5-adapter-offset-camera-mount-fits-cambo-linhof-calumet-horseman-omega-toyo-kodak-with-graflok-back-on-digital-pentax-bodies.html">that</a> one for about $150.<br>

I have no clue how compact and portable you wish your kit to become, but a used tilt shift lens is probably $300 more expensive than it's rigid counterpart, assuming it isn't great and happening to fit on MF DSLRs. </p>

<p>Thanks Jochen. I've chosen the Mamiya lenses (67 format, namely the 75mm shift and 140mm macro) because they seem decent and fit my budget.</p>

<p>Are you saying that I could buy something like this <a href="http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Toyo-View-45GII-4x5-Monorail-Large-Format-View-Camera-835-/401100943025?hash=item5d637aaeb1:g:tDoAAOSwbwlXAv7R">Toyo</a> and then just buy a front for Mamiya 67 lenses, and a back for Canon EOS (as I have the adapter) and that's all I'd need to do?</p>

<p>I want, of course, the most movement possible within my budget. </p>

<p>The GX680/Sony conversion guy got back to me and said he can build me a system for Mamiya 67 lenses. His work is <a href="http://chiek.co.kr/list/view.php?id=6807&page=1&sn1=&divpage=1&sn=off&ss=on&sc=on&select_arrange=headnum&desc=asc&no=5&PHPSESSID=63bbb6d9133e1ba1e1d3618329e56afb">here</a>. I'm note sure of the price, but based on the linked page, it seems reasonable ($1199USD for everything but the lenses if I'm reading the page correctly.</p>

<p>What would the trade-off be if I am correct in the Toyo/custom front and back vs. a GX680 conversion?</p>

<p>I really need to buy a book on LF movements. </p>

<p>Shawn</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I would check alternatives too:<br />1. Rhinocam Vizelex max. 6x7 can be reached with 4x5-part using and LF lenses someone argued.<br />someone complaining new sony 6300 will not fit thank to the grip but there is a larger sony cam with even larger grip....<br>

2. Multistitch<br />3. Hartblei, Mirex, Novoflex an Fototechnik Wiese are about to construct a still secret tilt-shift-tool. <br />4. friend on FB also made a similar construction like this one using Sigma-Foveon DSRLs.<br />http://chiek.co.kr/list/view.php?id=6807&page=1&sn1=&divpage=1&sn=off&ss=on&sc=on&select_arrange=headnum&desc=asc&no=5&PHPSESSID=63bbb6d9133e1ba1e1d3618329e56afb&ckattempt=1</p>

<p>I am just speculating on the back of an early morning coffee rush . . . .</p>

<p>If all you need is a little front tilt, maybe a solution might be one of the smaller speed graphics—2 1/4 x 3 1/4— and an DIY adapter board to fit the Grafloc back.</p>

<p>The camera would mount to the board (body cap?) and the board would fit the grafloc where the GG assembly would go. Parfocal register is not reticle because you have the LCD screen/digi-viewfinder and maybe focus confirmation to work with. 'Course this means that you give up the dedicated lenses.</p>

<p>The Speed body will have a bit of front tilt and thee is a way to convert the front standard to increase this movement.</p>

<p>************</p>

<p>In another cafeen-fuled thought: There used to be conversions of the Canon tilt-shift lens mount.</p>

<p> </p>