Arca-Swiss F Line vs. Wisner Technical Field

[erik_asgeirsson]

Which of these cameras, the Arca-Swiss F Line or Wisner Technical Field, is more desirable for mostly field use with occasional studio/tabletop photos? How do the two compare/differ for field use?

[dan_smith]

I think you will find the Arca Swiss much more precise and has a much

more reliable service record should you ever need it.

[ellis_vener_photography]

Definitely the Arca will be better for tabletop work. It will your life

much easier.

 

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I think the Arca-Swiss is better for most field use as well, though

I mainly photograph buildings and urban landscapes. Jack

Dykinga uses an Arca-Swiss FC camera for his landscape work.

[michael_kravit]

Eric,

 

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I use two LF cameras. An Arca Swiss F-Line Metric Orbix and a Ebony

SV45U. Obviously the Arca is a monorail and the Ebony is a folding

field camera. I use both for landscapes and studio still life

shooting. Both the field and monorail cameras have their positive and

negative aspects, but in general it all depends on your working style

and preferences. What works for me may not work for you.

 

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I have used Wisners and must say that between the Arca and Wisner,

the Arca is much better made, more precise, and will allow you much

more flexability. If I were to own only one 4x5, I would have a tough

choice between my two. But if the choice is between the two cameras

you mentioned, I would take the Arca hands down.

 

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Mike

[bruce_e._rathbun]

Eric,

There is no question that the Arca-Swiss is the better choice for

your situation. I use the Wisner myself in the 5"x7" size. I do both

studio and location work. I would have no problems using the Arca-

Swiss on most locations. In some cases I would like to have a beat up

old field camera for some location work. The more expensive & fancy a

camera looks, the more attention that it can gather. My approach is

to have the least amount of attention as possible when I shoot. Hope

this helps.

[george_huczek]

Go with the Arca Swiss. It has more precision and better movements. Don't even think of buying directly from the Wisner factory, unless you are prepared to wait forever for your equipment.

[ed_candland1]

George, What are you going to find every year old post on Wisner and add your hard luck story to it? That's not to say you don't have a right to be POed....