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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ARCA-SWISS System Catalog
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Download the entire 21-page printable catalog for the ARCA-SWISS system. Warning: this is a very large download of 7.5 mb. If you are using a dial-up connection it will take forever!
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ARCA-SWISS Photokina 2006 News
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ARCA-SWISS Monoball Brochure
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ARCA-SWISS NEW Misura Camera Brochure
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Dealers
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Authorized US dealers are welcome to send us links to their web sites, which we will be happy to post.
Click on the PDF for a complete current US Dealer list.
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User Reviews
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Tom Westbrook’s review of the ARCA-SWISS F-line Field camera.
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