Arca-Swiss F-line compact 6x9
Christiane ROH
Is there a way to mount a rollfilmback on the Arca-Swiss, without being
forced to take the groundglas away ?
TIA
VILNTFLUID
>forced to take the groundglas away ?
No, there is not. "Popping" the GG to insert a roll film holder is the
standard method and requires an extra step as well as a place to put the thing
while using the RF back. The Arca, I believe, also has a RF back adapter that
needs to be positioned (6x9 only). This is one of the things about Arca that
discourages me from buying since I am in the market for a 6x9 view camera.
Also, you MUST buy the Arca back as standard backs to do not fit. The Linhof
is similar.
While there are many such cameras, there are not any perfect solutions.
Happily, the Ebony 23 line of cameras allows the positioning of a standard
graflok back with little fuss as the GG just swings to the side. The downside
is the expense of the camera.
Keith
Wolfgang Kommerell
> No, there is not. "Popping" the GG to insert a roll film holder is the
> standard method and requires an extra step as well as a place to put the thing
> while using the RF back. The Arca, I believe, also has a RF back adapter that
> needs to be positioned (6x9 only).
That's because the groundglass attaches *directly* to the format frame -
same as a bellows or lensboard does. AFAIK they do make an optional
groundglass (-frame) that attaches to the RF adapter. So you'd get a
similar setup as with any standard 4x5.
> This is one of the things about Arca that
> discourages me from buying since I am in the market for a 6x9 view camera.
> Also, you MUST buy the Arca back as standard backs to do not fit. The Linhof
> is similar.
AFAIK, this is not true. You need *one* Arca RF adapter (which is
expensive), but then you can use any standard 6x9 back (of course,
they're not the same as the 4x5 RF-backs). The Arca backs are made by
Horseman, I think they're identical despite of their logo. Propably it'd
be more convenient to have an adaptor for *each* back you own, so you
could attach the GG as well as the backs (permanently attached to their
adapters) directly to the format frame. Very nice, because everything
locks automatically in place (same as all Arca bellows and lensboards
do). But, the adapters *really* are expensive, so I'd start with a
single one first.
> While there are many such cameras, there are not any perfect solutions.
> Happily, the Ebony 23 line of cameras allows the positioning of a standard
> graflok back with little fuss as the GG just swings to the side. The downside
> is the expense of the camera.
I use an Arca 4x5, love it, and would love it even more if I'd own a
6x9, too. I do have all my lenses mounted on 6x9-lensboards, since the
4x5 boards are simply too large and heavy (and since I always wanted to
get the 6x9, too), and use them with the (very good) Arca 6x9 -> 4x5
adapter.
Wolfgang.
VILNTFLUID
That is one of my problems with the Arca. When it is all said and done you
have a pile of adapters and other components that add up. I'm exaggerating a
little, however, there seems to be a different bellows for just about every
conceivable focal length. Certainly two are required to get a decent range.
The Ebony 6x9 has 50cm of bellows and can use a 47 XL on a recessed board
without problem. Initially, I thought the Ebony was kind of a ripoff but since
I have investigated further (including the favored alternate Arca), it rather
took the pole position. Also, only 1.8KG. Perhaps just as well spend the $$ up
front on Ebony and eliminate the complexity that Arca likes to think is
"flexibility". Of course, this really pertains mostly to the Arca 6x9. The
4x5 has standard back fittings. (still have to remove the GG for a RF back).
Enjoy your Arca. A great camera.
Keith
Wolfgang Kommerell
> That is one of my problems with the Arca. When it is all said and done you
> have a pile of adapters and other components that add up. I'm exaggerating a
> little, however, there seems to be a different bellows for just about every
> conceivable focal length.
Keith,
Arca's specs of bellows are very conservative. For example, they suggest
the standard synthetic wide-angle bellows (which I own) with lenses
65-150mm. But: It can be used with complete movements with lenses from
35-210mm. They also state that the standard leather 6x9-Bellows couldn't
be used with lenses as short as 47mm - a friend of mine uses exactly
this combo (lens mounted on a flat lensboard) with all the movements
he'd like.
Yes, they do make a whole lot of different bellows - but you don't need
them all. At 4x5 I'd say get the leather wide-angle bellows (Arca's
leather bellows are a dream!) and an additional super-long bellows and
you can handle everything from 35 to 720 mm. At 6x9, I'd go with the
standard leather bellows and see whether I'd really need another one.
> Certainly two are required to get a decent range.
> The Ebony 6x9 has 50cm of bellows and can use a 47 XL on a recessed board
> without problem.
But do you really get all the movements you want out of that single
bellows without killing it? I used a Technika before I got the Arca -
now I really like the ease of use with a dedicated wide-angle bellows,
and you don't even need a recessed lensboard with a 47 XL. In fact, I
hardly use the standard bellows at all. But, since I'm photographing
architecture almost exclusively, I do need all the movements I can get.
Of course, if you're doing mostly landscapes, the "all-in-one" bellows
might be the better choice.
> Initially, I thought the Ebony was kind of a ripoff but since
> I have investigated further (including the favored alternate Arca), it rather
> took the pole position. Also, only 1.8KG.
Same ballpark as the Arca 6x9 "C", is it?
> Perhaps just as well spend the $$ up
> front on Ebony and eliminate the complexity that Arca likes to think is
> "flexibility". Of course, this really pertains mostly to the Arca 6x9. The
> 4x5 has standard back fittings. (still have to remove the GG for a RF back).
As I pointed out in my previous post: With the RF-Adaptor (which is
nothing else then a graflock adapter used on pretty much every 4x5), you
de get standard back fittings with the 6x9.
> Enjoy your Arca. A great camera.
Thanks, I do. Of course, there are many other great cameras out there -
I wish you find your's!
Wolfgang.
VILNTFLUID
There is a wide angle bellows for the Ebony $290 (that's an Arca like price but
not a killer). The Ebony website states that the 47XL can be used without a
recessed board and without significant restrictions. However, I am a touch
dubious.
Ebony makes two other 6x9 cameras, almost exclusively for architecturea and WAl
photography. However, these are monorail-like and do not fold. They also have
base AND axis tilts (as does the SV) and they have what is called a U back, an
asymmetic axis tilt that can really make focussing easier. The Arca has base
tilts but can be purchased (of course for extra $$) with the new ORBIX axis
system (more weight). You might want to read the review of the U back on their
website. The superwide is very light at 1.3kg. The Arca is over 2kg and not
nearly as small as an Ebony SV, even with the folding Arca rail.
ONe outstanding question with the Ebony is rigidity. Everyone who has handled
one is really impressed by the engineering, craftsmanship, and precision. It
is a nice touch that all the metal is Titanium. They even sell a backpack
accessory with a Titanium frame. Probably not for the faint of wallet.
When it comes down to it the two cameras are really quite different.
Preference and application become driving factors.
Keith
Wolfgang Kommerell
> There is a wide angle bellows for the Ebony $290 (that's an Arca like
> price but not a killer). The Ebony website states that the 47XL can be
> used without a recessed board and without significant restrictions.
> However, I am a touch dubious.
> The Arca is over 2kg and not
> nearly as small as an Ebony SV, even with the folding Arca rail.
Wow, that sounds impressive - I always thought it'd hardly be possible
to design a 6x9 significantly smaller than the Arca.
> ONe outstanding question with the Ebony is rigidity. Everyone who has handled
> one is really impressed by the engineering, craftsmanship, and precision. It
> is a nice touch that all the metal is Titanium. They even sell a backpack
> accessory with a Titanium frame. Probably not for the faint of wallet.
Hehe :-)
Sounds like these are *really* great cameras (although I have absolutely
no complaints with the Arca in terms of rigidity); I've never seen an
Ebony in real,
> When it comes down to it the two cameras are really quite different.
> Preference and application become driving factors.
Propably the best solution would be to rent both cameras for a day or
two, and then decide which one feels better to you - but It might be
pretty hard to find an Ebony for rent...
BTW: Have you considered the Technikardan 6x9? I'd say it's worth a
closer look, too.
Good luck,
Wolfgang.
VILNTFLUID
than a TK45 but not by a whole lot. Also, just about as heavy. Lots of neat
Linhof engineering, including the funky folding rail and bellows that some
people swear is great and others seem to find annoying. KNobs and levers
everywhere which I found confusing. The biggest problem, for me at least, was
the lack of compatibility with standard graflok fitting RF backs thus forcing
purchase of very expensive Linhof backs. This is not true of the TK45 which
has a graflok back. Given all the annoyances, it just didn't seem worth going
to 6x9 in Linhof since it wasn't all that much more compact or lighter than
4x5. The TK23S is MORE expensive than the TK45S and the used market is very
soft. The price should be about $1500, NOT $3000+.
Sounds like I am really panning the thing. However, it is an engineering
marvel and extremely good camera like its big brother.. An interesting camera,
but out of my league is the Linhof M679. Truly a space age camera.
Keith
Paul Butzi
>Ah..the TK 23S. That is the first camera I actually got my hands on. Smaller
>than a TK45 but not by a whole lot. Also, just about as heavy. Lots of neat
>Linhof engineering, including the funky folding rail and bellows that some
>people swear is great and others seem to find annoying. KNobs and levers
>everywhere which I found confusing. The biggest problem, for me at least, was
>the lack of compatibility with standard graflok fitting RF backs thus forcing
>purchase of very expensive Linhof backs. This is not true of the TK45 which
>has a graflok back. Given all the annoyances, it just didn't seem worth going
>to 6x9 in Linhof since it wasn't all that much more compact or lighter than
>4x5. The TK23S is MORE expensive than the TK45S and the used market is very
>soft. The price should be about $1500, NOT $3000+.
For what it's worth, the price of the tk23 on the EU price list is
Euro 2398 and the price of the Tk45s is euro 2551.
At the current euro/usdollar exchange rate that works out to
US$ 2134 for the TK23 and 2270 for the TK45s.
Robert White lists the TK23 at US$2437, the TK45s at US$2592.
The outrageous US pricing, particularly on the tk23, is apparently
entirely gouging by the US distributor, HP Marketing.
Fortunately for consumers, and unfortunately for folks like HP
Marketing, the internet is making pricing, shopping for, and buying
equipment across national borders a snap.
-Paul
--
Newly updated and moved web site at:
http://www.butzi.net
VILNTFLUID
INterestingly enough even at these prices, Robert White has informed me that
there is no supply of the TK23S. He said it could be months, if ever since the
supply seemed to be interrupted. Perhaps that was a sales ploy, perhaps not,
since I was also considering Arca (which he had on hand).
I don't know about the rest of you, but with the competitive pricing from
Europe and elsewhere on these expensive LF items, who says globalization is
bad?
Keith
geo...@my-deja.com
by how much US importants jack up prices. Mamiya America, in particular,
is out of hand. A Toyo 125vx costs half as much from Europe as it does
here. Want a medium format mamiya camera? Ditto. Linhof, Schneider,
Rodenstock? Big differences. U.S. distributors are behind the times, in
terms of globalization.
What really boggles my mind is that this is a huge market. You'd think
MAC, HP Marketing and others would wise up and figure out that increased
volume would be a killer in the marketplace. But, no, instead we have
"prestige pricing." All that does is guarantee that consumers, as they
become educated, will buy less at local dealers. What a dinosaur
mentality! Grrr..!
In article <r3jvqsc9h5lkphssk...@4ax.com>,
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
geo...@my-deja.com
by how much US importants jack up prices. Mamiya America, in particular,
is out of hand. A Toyo 125vx costs half as much from Europe as it does
here. Want a medium format mamiya camera? Ditto. Linhof, Schneider,
Rodenstock? Big differences. U.S. distributors are behind the times, in
terms of globalization.
What really boggles my mind is that this is a huge market. You'd think
MAC, HP Marketing and others would wise up and figure out that increased
volume would be a killer in the marketplace. But, no, instead we have
"prestige pricing." All that does is guarantee that consumers, as they
become educated, will buy less at local dealers. What a dinosaur
mentality! Grrr..!
In article <r3jvqsc9h5lkphssk...@4ax.com>,
Paul Butzi <bu...@halcyon.com> wrote:
Pam Niedermayer
vendors who've been milking customers outside the US are also due a comeuppance.
Pam
--
Pamela G. Niedermayer
Pinehill Softworks Inc.
1221 S. Congress Ave., #1225
Austin, TX 78704
512-416-1141
512-416-1440 fax
http://www.pinehill.com
Peter De Smidt
some US distributors, and I've heard many fine things about Robert White.
I'd like to add, though, that some dealers here in the US import stuff
directly. For example, Badger Graphic Sales has even better prices on
Schneider 110 aspherics than does Robert White, and you don't have to deal
with currency conversion or overseas shipping. My only connection to BGS is
as a satisfied customer.
Peter De Smidt
Pam Niedermayer <pam_...@cape.com> wrote in message
news:39B0686B...@cape.com...
Paul Butzi
wrote:
>I think it's good; but you must realize that it works two ways, so those US
>vendors who've been milking customers outside the US are also due a comeuppance.
Generally speaking it's not the vendors/manufacturers, it's the
regional distributors.
Usually the way it works is this: some firm gets a deal where they
are the exclusive importer for some country/region. The fact that
they are the exclusive importer means that they can set the prices at
any point they please. For example, Schneider USA seems to add
a HUGE markup on Schneider lenses. Mamiya America adds what
appears to be in excess of 100% markup on Mamiya products.
HP Marketing seems to add quite a lot to the prices for Linhof
products, based on the EU price list and the prices on Robert
White's web site.
So does cutting out the huge markup hurt the manufacturer? No, it
hurts the distributor, who is sometimes the same guy typically
is not. For example, my understanding is that Mamiya America Corp
is not the same as Mamiya; they just happen to hold the US trademark
on Mamiya.
In the case where the distributor is someone different from the
manufacturer (e.g. HP Marketing wrt Linhof) cutting out the huge
markup will *benefit* the manufacturer because prices in some
region will fall, and sales volume will rise. The same international
price leveling which benefits US consumers of Linhof products
will benefit Linhof, but will hurt HP Marketing.
The folks that get hurt will be US distributors who've been
milking customers inside the US, and foreign distributors
who've been milking foreign customers. Consumers everywhere
will benefit, as will manufacturers who are not also their own
distributors. And, to be honest, that suits me just fine.
Since my observation is that the offensive distributors do
little to justify their markup in terms of value added, I find it
hard to weep over the fact that they will get hurt. If, in fact, they
were adding value commensurate with the price increment
they impose, they would have nothing to fear.
Christiane ROH
vilnt...@aol.com a écrit le 31.8.2000 20:53 :
>> Is there a way to mount a rollfilmback on the Arca-Swiss, without being
>> forced to take the groundglas away ?
>
> No, there is not. "Popping" the GG to insert a roll film holder is the
> standard method and requires an extra step as well as a place to put the thing
> while using the RF back. The Arca, I believe, also has a RF back adapter that
> needs to be positioned (6x9 only). This is one of the things about Arca that
> discourages me from buying since I am in the market for a 6x9 view camera.
> Also, you MUST buy the Arca back as standard backs to do not fit. The Linhof
> is similar.
Thanks for your answer.. I've read with interest all your discussion with
Wolfgang K. .. However I'n not sure that I've understodd all that both of
you were saying.. May be I haven't worded my question clearly enough :
IS there a way to put a slide-in roll film holder in an Arca Swiss, which
would be inserted at the place of usual filmholder and thus allowing the
groundglass to stay in place ? If yes, Arca doesn't seem to offer any..
would any brand be compatible with Arca 6x9 ? if not, which ones are
compatible ?
If I can't go with a slide-in rollfilmholder, then Wolfgang, I didn't
understand how I can escape taking the groundglass away, you seem to imply
there is a way.. but I didn't get it..can you repeat your solution ?
Many thanks for the interesting discussion on respective cameras merits..
Christiane Roh
Pam Niedermayer
years than seems reasonable. In some cases, it was a justifiable price increase
when it involved localizing software, hardware, manuals, etc. Same for other
types of equipment.
Today, the localization expense must be considered just part of the cost of
doing business. In fact, many development platforms such as Java have such
facilities built in, even though it's more work to utilize them than not.
In the case of photographic equipment, these costs would be miniscule, translate
a small manual, make sure to print ISO and DIN wherever. Therefore the only
variable costs would be those of the distributor, advertising (although I'd
expect most of this to be piced up by the manufacturer), travel, general
overhead. Hard to imagine these costs are higher in the US than in Europe.
Pam
Paul Butzi wrote:
>
> On Sat, 02 Sep 2000 02:34:43 GMT, Pam Niedermayer <pam_...@cape.com>
> wrote:
>
> >I think it's good; but you must realize that it works two ways, so those US
> >vendors who've been milking customers outside the US are also due a comeuppance.
>
> Generally speaking it's not the vendors/manufacturers, it's the
> regional distributors.
>
> Usually the way it works is this: some firm gets a deal where they
> are the exclusive importer for some country/region. The fact that
> they are the exclusive importer means that they can set the prices at
> any point they please. For example, Schneider USA seems to add
> a HUGE markup on Schneider lenses. Mamiya America adds what
> appears to be in excess of 100% markup on Mamiya products.
> HP Marketing seems to add quite a lot to the prices for Linhof
> products, based on the EU price list and the prices on Robert
> White's web site.
> ...
Christiane ROH
komm...@gmx.de a écrit le 31.8.2000 22:16 :
> AFAIK, this is not true. You need *one* Arca RF adapter (which is
> expensive), but then you can use any standard 6x9 back (of course,
> they're not the same as the 4x5 RF-backs). The Arca backs are made by
> Horseman, I think they're identical despite of their logo. Propably it'd
> be more convenient to have an adaptor for *each* back you own, so you
> could attach the GG as well as the backs (permanently attached to their
> adapters) directly to the format frame. Very nice, because everything
> locks automatically in place (same as all Arca bellows and lensboards
> do). But, the adapters *really* are expensive, so I'd start with a
> single one first.
Hi Wolfgang, many thanks for your answer.. you seem well informed about
Arca-cameras.. however I'm not sure to understand you. I was thinking to a
slide-in rollfilm holder ?? can I use them with the Arca ? I doesn't seem
that Arca sells one, could I use other brands ? Well I'm just beginning
with Lf and don't plan to have several backs so soon.. However I'm not sure
to understand what you mean.. : the roll RFH sold by Arca can't be inserted
before the groundglass, so if the groundglass isn't on a spring back, then
I'd have to take the groundglass away for each picture, am I correct ? or
does the Arca adapter you are speaking of come with a springback ? would it
add much weight ?
TIA for your informations.
Christiane
Dan Bereskin
FC, and now own a 4 X 5 Metric. There is no way to put a rollfilm back on the
Arca-Swiss without removing the ground glass. However, it takes only a second or
two to remove the ground glass/holder assembly, which can be reinstalled just as
quickly. You must, of course, have the adaptor when using a rollfilm holder with a
2 x 3 A/S rear standard. The negative aspect is that the adaptor, which looks
simple, is expensive, and impossible to find used. Horseman backs work fine. I
had both A/S and Horseman backs and could not tell any difference, so the
suggestion that Horseman was making the backs for A/S seems entirely plausible to
me. The A/S is a wonderful system, and you can quite easily scale up. The only
real disadvantage I can see is the cost, but the equipment lasts forever, and is a
joy to use.
Wolfgang Kommerell
> IS there a way to put a slide-in roll film holder in an Arca Swiss, which
> would be inserted at the place of usual filmholder and thus allowing the
> groundglass to stay in place ?
AFAIK, no.
> If yes, Arca doesn't seem to offer any..
As I said before, the RF backs offered by Arca are re-labeled Horseman
backs - and they don't even make a slide-in back for 4x5.
> would any brand be compatible with Arca 6x9 ? if not, which ones are
> compatible ?
I *think* you can use any 'standard' RF back made for 6x9-cameras.
Horseman (aka Arca) and Linhof come to mind.
But: RF-backs for 4x5 cameras are NOT useable with 6x9-cameras.
> If I can't go with a slide-in rollfilmholder, then Wolfgang, I didn't
> understand how I can escape taking the groundglass away, you seem to imply
> there is a way.. but I didn't get it..can you repeat your solution ?
No, I think there's no way to avoid taking the ground glass away, but
with the optional groundglass (which I've never seen and which is
propably offered to use slide-in cut-film holders) you should be able to
leave the *adapter* in place.
Using the standard setup with only one back, you'd leave the adapter
fitted to the film holder all the time. With the special groundglass,
you'd leave the adapter on the camera.
> Many thanks for the interesting discussion on respective cameras merits..
Maybe you should ask Arca directly: arca-...@swissonline.ch
They answer e-mails promptly (my experience).
Wolfgang.
Wolfgang Kommerell
> dans l'article 1eg913s.103o1u7qtwx2vN%komm...@gmx.de, Wolfgang Kommerell à
> komm...@gmx.de a écrit le 31.8.2000 22:16 :
>
> > AFAIK, this is not true. You need *one* Arca RF adapter (which is
> > expensive), but then you can use any standard 6x9 back (of course,
> > they're not the same as the 4x5 RF-backs). The Arca backs are made by
> > Horseman, I think they're identical despite of their logo. Propably it'd
> > be more convenient to have an adaptor for *each* back you own, so you
> > could attach the GG as well as the backs (permanently attached to their
> > adapters) directly to the format frame. Very nice, because everything
> > locks automatically in place (same as all Arca bellows and lensboards
> > do). But, the adapters *really* are expensive, so I'd start with a
> > single one first.
>
> Hi Wolfgang, many thanks for your answer.. you seem well informed about
> Arca-cameras..
As I pointed out before: I own an Arca 4x5, and have been lusting after
a 6x9. Played with it couple of times, but cannot provide *real* first
hand experience.
> however I'm not sure to understand you. I was thinking to a
> slide-in rollfilm holder ?? can I use them with the Arca ? I doesn't seem
> that Arca sells one, could I use other brands ?
AFAIK, there are no slide-in RF-holders fitting 6x9-cameras on the
market - neither from Arca, nor from other manufacturers (or does Linhof
make a 6x7 Rapid Rollex slide-in for 6x9 backs? Don't know.). AFAIK, you
always have to remove the GG to fit the film-holder.
> Well I'm just beginning
> with Lf and don't plan to have several backs so soon.. However I'm not sure
> to understand what you mean.. : the roll RFH sold by Arca can't be inserted
> before the groundglass, so if the groundglass isn't on a spring back, then
> I'd have to take the groundglass away for each picture, am I correct ?
Right.
> or
> does the Arca adapter you are speaking of come with a springback ? would it
> add much weight ?
The standard groundglass of the Arca 6x9 connects *directly* to the
format frame (you could even connect it to both sides of both format
frames). To fit a film-holder, you need the adapter: remove GG, fit
adapter to format frame, fit film-holder to adapter. But, AFAIK (I've
never seen this), they offer an optional GG which fits to the adapter,
and *not* directly to the format frame, so you could leave the adapter
in place all the time.
Wolfgang.
VILNTFLUID
Rapid Rolex and is quite expensive. You could conceivably use this with the
Arca. But, there is no 6x9 slide in holder, in which case one must buy the
Linhof Super Rolex (for the Linhof) as no other back will fit.
To reiterate, I have no experience with the Arca but was considering its
purchase. Until I found the Ebony, I did not see afull featured 6x9 view
camera which was compatible with the graflok standard and which so conveniently
dealt with the GG removal "problem". However, as no view camera is perfect,one
should be careful that your specific needs are met and that you are comfortable
with specific quirks, inconveniences, or necessary design compromises
Keith
VILNTFLUID
>vendors who've been milking customers outside the US are also due a
>comeuppance.
Absolutely
Keith
VILNTFLUID
Keith
Wolfgang Kommerell
> Linhof makes a "slide in" 6x7 holder for the 6x9. I believe it is called
> the Rapid Rolex and is quite expensive. You could conceivably use this
> with the Arca. But, there is no 6x9 slide in holder, in which case one
> must buy the Linhof Super Rolex (for the Linhof) as no other back will
> fit.
Are you really sure about this one? I always thought the Horseman/Arca
backs would fit the Linhof as well.
> To reiterate, I have no experience with the Arca but was considering its
> purchase. Until I found the Ebony, I did not see afull featured 6x9 view
> camera which was compatible with the graflok standard and which so
> conveniently dealt with the GG removal "problem". However, as no view
> camera is perfect,one should be careful that your specific needs are met
> and that you are comfortable with specific quirks, inconveniences, or
> necessary design compromises
But I think we also have to see that all of these cameras discussed are
*great* cameras, and one would hardly run into "real" design limitations
while using them. So I think your last is one of the most important
sentences in the discussion - picking the camera one feels most
*comfortable* with is really the way to go.
Wolfgang.
OorQue
>>> forced to take the groundglas away ?
>>
>> No, there is not. "Popping" the GG to insert a roll film holder is the
>> standard method and requires an extra step as well as a place to put the
>> thing while using the RF back. The Arca, I believe, also has a RF back
adapter
>> that needs to be positioned (6x9 only). This is one of the things about
Arca
>> that discourages me from buying since I am in the market for a 6x9 view
camera.
>> Also, you MUST buy the Arca back as standard backs to do not fit.
Although I haven't seen one lately, way-back-when, there was a product called
"Adapt-a-Roll" that allowed one to use 620 rollfilm on a 2x3 sheetfilm camera.
The back was similar to the Calumet C2N series and the portion with the film in
it was thin enough to slide underneath the ground-glass on many cameras ...
there was also a 4x5 version and, in fact, there's one listed on eBay as I
write this.
While it's no problem to feed 120 film onto a 620 take-up spool, you will have
to be careful to either get it back from the lab with your processed film or
transfer the exposed film to a 120 spool before you drop it off. Not a big
deal either way.
Mind you, I have no idea whether an Arca-Swiss 6x9 will accept an Adapt-a-Roll
film back and I'm equally unsure as to whether the typical Arca-Swiss owner
would ever consider using such a vintage piece of gear but Hey, if this is a
real stumbling block for somebody, it might be worth some further
investigation.
Jeffrey Goggin (who owns a Galvin 2x3 that accepts just about every known 120
rollfilm back underneath the ground-glass)