Cambo SC production range, portability

I have the opportunity to buy a used Calumet SC. I was wondering if you have any insight into this camera. Is it still being made, how long has it been around, what is its general quality, and does it accept a decent amount of accessories. FYI: I'm pretty much a rookie when it comes to view cameras.

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Thanks for your help (and the web site !)

Ian Mitchell

The Calumet SC (CAMBO SC) was discontinued from production about two years or so ago. The Cambo cameras, are of excellent quality. The SC is an upper middle of the road view camera, very modular in design, and accepts a very large range of accessories from Cambo, Calumet and third party sources. Calumet does not have a web site yet (that I know of) but you can call them at 800-225-8638 for a current catalog. Many of the accessories for the current Cambo cameras will fit the SC.

KEH (www.keh.com) will often have Cambo cameras and accessories available used.

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The SC is a very good camera, especially to learn on....

Thanks for your previous info about the Cambo SC. I'm looking

for a bit more info before I take the plunge. I am wondering about

the date range of its production. You mentioned that it went out of

production 2 to 3 years ago, but when did it begin production. I'm

just trying to find out how old a Cambo SC COULD be. Also, I'm

primarily interested in outdoor photography, is this camera a good

candidate for that or is it too heavy? Thanks again for you help

I belive that the SC went into production in the late 80's. The

SC is not a light camera by any means. It has a large rail that

does not collapse,(it does release) which makes it a very bulky

camera to carry into the field. The SC would be a good choice

if you are photographing sites visited by car, and is excellent

for architecture with the bag bellows. I would not recommend

this camera for shooting on the trail. You might be more

interested in a "Field" camera, or one of the lighter mono-rail

cameras that have a collapsable/foldable/removable rail.

These cameras are made for trail use. After all. it's not just

the camera, it's the tripod (You will need a sturdy one for the

SC) film holders, dark cloth, meter, filters, ect.....

I have owned a Cambo SC and used it extensively for over 5 years. I purchased it used and it was about 3-4 yrs old then. It's basically the same as the Calumet 45NX which is still sold today. Lensboards, backs, bellows and many parts are interchangeable. If the standard 22" rail is too long for you, Calumet sells an 11" rail which will work with lenses up to 210mm at infinity.

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There were lots of minor cosmetic changes over the years, and the older ones have more silver parts. There have been tons of these cameras or similar sold over the years, and they're a great buy. Get a Calumet catalog to see all the great accesories available.