View Camera

Camera Styles

There are two primary styles of view cameras: The monorail and flat bed or field camera. They are generally used for different kinds of subjects, although there is some overlap in their application. The wide angle camera and the arrangement for close up work are refinements of the monorail while the press camera is a variation of the field camera.

MONORAIL

On a monorail camera the front and rear standards are supported by a long monorail that attaches to the tripod. Each standard can be moved separately along the rail. Because of its design, this camera offers more adjustments than the field camera.

A good monorail camera should be capable of the following adjustments or movements.

MONORAIL MOVEMENTS

1 Front rise and fall   4 Back swing
2 Front shift    5 Front tilt
3 Front swing     6 Back tilt
                Other movements might in include.
7 Back rise and fall    8 Back shift

We will have a more in depth look at movements later

The rail and bellows generally measure 2.5 to 3 times the length of the normal lens size.

Format	Lens	Rail
2.25" x 3.25"	100 mm	9" x 14"
4" x 5"	140 mm	16" x 20"
10" x 8"	300 mm	24" x 36"

Want to learn more? - do a workshop or one on one with Lloyd Godman