Horseman FA and HD

[Toby Chey]

Hi,

I am considering to purchase one of the above cameras. I have
concerns about movements: is the movements enough for great depth of
view (near to far) for landscape photography? Other comments about these
cameras are welcome. Are there any better alternatives? (No Linhof
please, it is out of bu budget) Thanks.

--
Toby Chey
Architecture <> Industrial Design <> Professional Photography

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[Nicholas F. Hanks]

Toby -
I have the FA and love it. It is small and works for me 95% of the time.
The small size somtimes limits the rise of the front standard, but the FA
body has a hinge that pops up in front to allow rise with short lenses. I
don't thing the FD has a moveable back, and for that reason I would not
select it as pulling the top of the back out is probably my most used
movemet to increase depth of field in landscapes. There are a few used FA's
I've seen that tend to sell for arounf $1600 - $1800. Lensboards are
expensive, but I have purchased some knock-offs for 1/3 the new price.
Thanks,
Nici

[WP Fleming]

I've used a Horseman FA for several years now.  I love it, but for 4x5 work the small 
rectangular area of the bellows causes problems at times by impinging on the image area.  
This margin disruption occurs more with some focal lengths and on verticals.   For 
instance with the 150mm lens, I have to be sure the bellows is not indented in before 
taking my shot.   With a 360mm lens, I always get bellows impingement on verticals.  So 
there are trade-off for the small and lightweight size.  The camera is quite well constructed 
and sturdy.

The Horseman FA is excellent for wide angle shots down to about 75mm.   Using the 65 
mm is tricky.   It is also an excellent camera for 6x7 and 6x9 backs.

[_ weathem@gte.net Mark Weatherly]

Toby,

The FA is a versatile, lightweight and very under-rated camera, having
front/rear movements similar to a Linhof, but it does have some limitations.
The longest lens you can easily use is a 210-240mm and movements are more
limited than the Linhof or Canham equivalent models.

The HD is a lighter version of the FA utilizing only front movements, it
adds a rubberized skin for moisture and "bumping around" in less hospitable
environments.

If you use lenses from the 65-180mm range and do not need extreme movements,
the FA will probably be a good selection for you. I am very pleased with
mine, it's small, light, easy to setup and focusing using the Horseman
Bosscreen is a real plus.

Mark

Toby Chey <tc...@ibm.net> wrote in message news:370590FE...@ibm.net...

[Howard Slavitt]

Are you sure that you don't have a defect with your bellows?  I find it odd that using the 150 mm lens causes problems.  I am using a Horseman VH, which I think has the same size bellows or smaller than the FA.  I have no problems with my 150 mm or 300 mm lens, in either vertical or horizontal orientation.

WP Fleming wrote:

 

I've used a Horseman FA for several years now.  I love it, but for 4x5 work the small 
rectangular area of the bellows causes problems at times by impinging on the image area.  
This margin disruption occurs more with some focal lengths and on verticals.   For 
instance with the 150mm lens, I have to be sure the bellows is not indented in before 
taking my shot.   With a 360mm lens, I always get bellows impingement on verticals.  So 
there are trade-off for the small and lightweight size.  The camera is quite well constructed 
and sturdy.

The Horseman FA is excellent for wide angle shots down to about 75mm.   Using the 65 
mm is tricky.   It is also an excellent camera for 6x7 and 6x9 backs.

Toby Chey wrote: