Our Relationship with ARCA-SWISS
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We received factory training on the repair
and maintenance of all the ARCA-SWISS models, and we have close ties
with the US importer and ARCA-SWISS headquarters. Our large inventory
of spare parts enables us to work on any Arca model, plus their line of
Monoball tripod heads and other accessories such as film backs, viewing
systems, and more.
We are expert at mounting view lenses and installing Fresnel inserts.
Many photographers send us their cameras for periodic preventative
maintenance, which is always a good idea!
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History and
Identification of ARCA-SWISS View Cameras
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The first ARCA-SWISS cameras were made in
the 1950s, when they quickly established a reputation for precision and
flexibility. Designed to be stable, modular, and easily transportable,
the cameras were adept at both studio and location work. Ansel Adams
used an ARCA-SWISS camera toward the end of his photographic career.
The original Arcas were manufactured to high quality standards, with
many still in service with professional and advanced amateur
photographers.
The original line was made until 1984. It consists of the Model A (with
axis tilts); Model B (with base tilts); and the Model C (with both axis
and base tilts.) These cameras use spring backs; the 4x5 is compatible
with the Polaroid 545 and 405 holders, plus most “slide-in” roll-film
backs. Graflock backs are not usable, although a Graflock compatible
back was available as an accessory. ARCA-SWISS also made many specialty
cameras, including rare panoramic and medium- and large-format SLR
types.
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Rare ARCA-SWISS SLR
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ARCA-SWISS Model C
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Rails and format carriers for both the old
and new series are compatible. Old lensboards will work on the newer
cameras, but only the flat versions (not recessed) of the newer
lensboards will fit the older cameras. None of the bellows or format
frames/standards are interchangeable.
We maintain a stock of repair parts for older Arcas that we repair. We
do not sell parts directly.
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The Current
F-Line and M-Line
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Introduced in the early 1980s, the F-Line
is probably what most photographers recognize as an "ARCA." Developed
as a system, modern F-Line and M-Line camera parts are fully
interchangeable. This allows photographers to ?build? a camera ideally
suited to the project at hand – from 6x9cm to 8x10 inches – with an
almost unlimited number of variations such as rail length, bellows,
etc. Over time ARCA-SWISS has developed an amazing array of accessories
and specialty items that integrate into the system. These include
electronic sensors and servos that calculate and drive the camera’s
movements, as well as an array of digital photography adapters.
ARCA-SWISS cameras accept nearly all of the professional digital backs.
PCW can make custom modifications to your ARCA-SWISS equipment for
special applications.
Because of the wide variety of components on the market, it is often
difficult to pinpoint exactly which model a photographer might have. It
is often best to describe the components that make up the camera rather
than simply saying "I have an ARCA-SWISS F ..." To assist you, we have
compiled a few resources on this page.
ACRA-SWISS no longer makes the F-Line Basic, although parts are still
available. Current models include the Discovery; F-Classic; F-Metric;
and M-Monolith. These are available with a normal or a collapsible
rail. Versions with the collapsible rail are called "Compact." For
example, you might have a 4x5 F-Metric Compact.
The Discovery model is easily identified by its yellow knobs. Both the
Discovery and the F-Classic use friction-based adjustments. The
F-Metric has geared rise/fall on the format frame and a geared lateral
shift on the base. The M-Monolith has geared rise/fall and lateral
shift on the base, with center axis tilt on the format frame
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System Diagrams
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ARCA-SWISS
Function Carriers
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Orbix
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The micrometric Orbix allows 100%
“yaw-free” geared displacements. It is available as an option on new
format frames.
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Orbix action
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Popular
ARCA-SWISS Models
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Discovery, the entry-level 4x5
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8x10 F-Classic
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4x5 F-Metric on a Monoball B-2
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6x9 F-Classic Compact
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