Arca-Swiss F: Classic vs. Compact?

[martin_miller3]

I am considering an Arca-Swiss F in 8x10 for field work. I plan to

carry it in a backpack, so compactness is desirable. Can anyone shed

light on the relative virtues of the telescoping rail of the Classic

model vs. the folding rail of the Compact? Comments in the archives

suggest that the telescoping rail may be more stable, an important

consideration for the 8x10 model.

 

I also will want the 25cm extension rail (along with the 70cm bellows)

for long lenses. I assume the extension works with either rail.

Again, is there a preference for the Classic or Compact in this regard?

[ellis_vener_photography]

My Arca-Swiss F-line Classic came with a 40cm optical bench and two 20cm rails.

Extend the rails out and I have an extra 20cm of support for a total of 60cm. I can

slide the function carriers format frames etc on to one 20cm section. Remove that

from the Optical Bench for a compact traveling package.<P>The FC uses two 20cm

rails (joined with a hinge for folding and a short (8.5cm?) tripod attachment in place

of the long optical bench.

[scott_atkinson]

I've used both the telescoping ("classic") and folding ("compact")

rails for 4x5, and they both have their merits: the folding rail is

lighter; the telescoping rail is maybe less futzy to set up.

Strangely enough, they both seem equally solid.

 

When it comes to 8x10, I use the 16" (5x7) folding rail (which I

already had), plus the 25cm extension for longer lenses (to

600mm Fuji-C). I use the standard 8x10 bellows (Arca tends to

be conservative on their "maximum bellows length").

 

It's all a tradeoff. If you lay your camera face up or face down in a

backpack (I use a Lowe-Pro Super-Trekker), either standard

8x10 rail is going to poke up 10 inches (the 20" folding rail is

folded in half; with the telescoping rail, the trick is to slide out

one top section--with the camera attached, and store the bottom

section separately. Still, that one top section is 10 inches long, I

think.) My compact 16" rail, when folded, pokes up 8 inches,

which works with my pack.

 

Are you buying a new 8x10, or an 8x10 conversion kit for another

Arca camera? If you're starting from scratch, it will be very

expensive to buy different rails than those that come with either

standard version. What extension are you looking for? What's the

longest lens you're planning on? If the extension is more than 25

inches or so, you'll have to go with one of those longer rails--and

the longer bellows. But that rail's going to be harder to pack.

 

By the way, the 25cm extension will work with either version.

[dan_bramley]

I bought the 8X10 metric (same as classic as far as the optical bench is concerned) then replaced the back rail with a much shorter rail ~5". When I am done shooting I put both standards on this short piece of rail and take the optical bench apart. Quick and very compact without the instability of the folding rail.

 

Dan

[martin_miller3]

Thanks guys. You more than nailed my question. Since I have not previously bought into the Arca-Swiss system, the most sensible thing to do seems to be to buy the standard model with telescoping rail and get a 15cm rail to use, as Dan does. The 15cm and 25cm rail coupled with the 50cm extension bracket should give me at least 65cm of rail, if I understand the system correctly. 600mm is the longest anticipated lens, so this may be sufficient. I can always take the other 25cm rail with me if needed; its only weight and space!

 

If you are still following the thread, I have two further questions:

 

Scott: I intended to get one of the Lowe-Pro backpacks. How many lenses and film holders are you able to carry in the Super Treckker?

 

Dan: The Metric model really appeals. Any downsides? Would you get one all over again?

 

Again, my thanks for your great responses.

 

Martin

[scott_atkinson]

Martin: I carry up to five lenses in my Super-Trekker--they're all

pretty compact designs (only one #3 Copal). I don't normally

carry holders in the pack; I usually hand-carry a Gnass film

holder pouch, which holds three 8x10 holders/6sheets.

Occasionally, I slip the Gnass pouch inside the pack on top of

the camera (padded by the darkcloth); it works fine.

[dan_bramley]

I can't really say that the metric is really worth it. Geared rise is not that big of a deal to me, dispite the fact that I do use it quite a bit. The reason I bought the metric was that it came with orbix (not typical) for a very reasonable price. I was able to get it over the counter with the orbix for just about B&H's price. My 4X5 is a F field and I have no troubles with the manual rise.

 

Dan

[martin_miller3]

Thanks Scott and Dan. I appreciate your sharing your experience. You have especially opened my eyes to using the interchangeability of different format parts to customize a system to my needs.

 

Martin

[mark_windom]

You might want to consider getting a non-metric version and, if possible, have micrometric orbix installed which would give you geared front (axis) tilts.

 

When I bought my A-S 69FC compact (I know, not an 8X10 but the same principle applies) I pulled what little hair I had left out agonizing over whether to go metric or not. I finally decided that geared rise on both standards was not that important to me for landscaped work, nor was geared shift. However, I did feel that geared (micrometric) rise on the front standard would come in very handy. Front axis tilts are much easier for me to deal with than base tilts. In addition there was some cost and weight savings going this route versus getting the metric version.