Combining the precision of a traditional view camera with the convenience and image quality of a Mamiya 645-mount digital back, Horseman Axella View Camera for Mamiya 645-Mountenables the use of perspective control movements in conjunction with high-resolution backs. Based upon a 9.8"-long monorail design, this camera affords a full system of extensive geared camera movements, including on-axis tilts and swings using the Main Frame Drive, and also permits the use of large format lenses. Utilizing a modular system, both digital backs and lenses can quickly be swapped during use with the aid of a unique bayonet lens mounting system and dedicated back adapter plates. Furthermore, the aluminum alloy construction and slim profile render this camera lightweight, rigid, and portable for use in both the studio as well as on location.

While designed specifically for digital imaging, the Axella system is reminiscent of conventional film-based view camera technologies, which have been refined for the narrower tolerance of contemporary image-making. Precise movements and an L-type arm structure enable exacting control as well as the ability to apply movements without the need to re-focus or re-compose.

View Camera Designed for Digital Backs    Monorail Length: 9.8"    On-Axis Swings & Tilts, Main Frame Drive    Full System of Geared Camera Movements    Rack and Pinion Focusing Control    Aluminum Alloy Body Construction    Arca-Swiss Compatible Base    Supports Array of Large Format Lenses    Bayonet-Style Lens Mounting    Includes Mamiya 645 Back Adapter

A full system of geared movements offers extensive control over perspective and focusing settings:

• Rise/Fall: +/- 0.8" / 20mm
• Shift: +/- 0.8" / 20mm
• Swing: +/- 100° (from center of image plane)
• Tilt: +/- 90° (from center of image plane)

Both swing and tilt movements rotate about the optical axis in order to avoid having to re-compose or re-focus after each movement is applied.

Further alleviating the need to re-focus when utilizing perspective control movements, M.F.D. (Main Frame Drive) is a unique rise/fall system that elevates or lowers the optical axis in accordance to the oblique angle determined by the amount of tilt in use. Rather than vertically shifting perpendicular to the monorail, M.F.D. permits up to 20mm of movement perpendicular to the optical axis (parallel to the lens surface) in order to maintain critical focus on oblique subjects. This unique re-compositional tool also benefits stitching imagery in the horizontal orientation by maintaining focus and perspective as the image sensor plane shifts.

Despite the rigidness and physical structure necessitated by a view camera's form factor, the Axella weighs 6.6lb and can be positioned to measure just 2.6"-thick, with the bellows removed and the L-type arms swung 90°, to benefit traveling and storage.

The base mount is also designed to fit directly within Arca-Swiss-style clamps for direct mounting to a vast assortment of tripod heads.

The Axella affords a short flange back distance of just 1.2" / 30mm to benefit the use of wide-angle lenses in conjunction with different sized sensors. Additionally, the included bellows' maximum draw is 6.9" / 175mm, which affords life-size magnification ratios with focal lengths as wide as 80mm. The bellows focusing enables a breadth of close-up shooting capabilities with nearly any focal length for greater versatility with one lens setups.

Differing from most view cameras, the Axella accepts lenses using Horseman's proprietary bayonet mounting system. This system enables the use of any large format lens with a rear diameter smaller than 2.9" / 73mm, and provides one-touch attachment and removal for faster lens switching. Each lens requires its own optional bayonet, which is mounted between the rear lens cell and the shutter: both Copal #0 or Copal #1-sized shutters are supported, as well as the Horseman ISS.

Beyond the extensive lens compatibility, the Axella also serves as an apt host for a wide variety of digital camera types. By default, this camera is delivered with a mount for Mamiya 645 type digital backs; however it can also be configured to accept Hasselblad V type digital backs using an optional adapter. Additionally, Canon EOS, Nikon F, and Sony E-mount digital cameras are also supported.

Regardless of the camera or digital back in use, the adapters' design permits easy switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations to avoid having to rotate the entire view camera itself.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Interesting. What Mamiya 645 lenses work with this adaptor? Only the latest digital lenses, older Mamiya AF film lenses, or even manual focus film era lenses? If they work, How do they perform image-quality wise in DX and/or FX modes?

A: The Mamiya 645 lens mount did not change over time so all lens will mount on the adapter. Please be aware, with the newer AF models, the adapter has no provision to adjust the f/stop as this was done through the AF 645 camera bodies. Generally speaking, optical designs for larger formats do not have the resolving power for a lens designed for a smaller format such as 35mm. You might find 35mm lens outperform medium format lens when viewed side by side. The reason being that due to the larger capture area, there was no need to render detail in a small area. One advantage of using a medium format lens on a smaller format body is the ability to use swings and tilts much like you would on a view camera.

Q: 2. is this mount for mamiya sekor c lenses ?

A: This adapter is for Mamiya Sekor lenses with a 645 mount.

Q: 3. Hi, Can you please advise if the Horseman VCC PRO DB View Camera Converter would work with the digital back from my HD4-40 ? Thank you

A: One would need to get the adapter: https://bhpho.to/31AzKAv to use the HD4-40 digital back with this Horseman VCC PRO [DB] View Camera Converter

Q: 4. Do you offer lenses for the axella system?

A: You can use any Horseman bayonet mount lens that is compatible with the Copal 0 and/or Copal 1 shutters.

Q: 5. why can i not take my Horseman 4x5 view camera and use the vcc camera mount and use it like the one your trying to sell here?

A: The Horseman VCC PRO View Camera Converter will not connect to a Horseman 4x5 view camera. It is specifically designed for use with DSLR cameras, and not for use with the 4x5 camera.

Q: 6. Can you please mention all items needed to build the complete system for Nikon SLR body?The picture does not show that, neither the description does. I hate guesswork.

A: The Horseman VCC PRO View Camera Converter for Nikon comes with everything you need to connect the camera converter to a Nikon DSLR camera body. As indicated under the In The Box section on our website, the following items are included with the Horseman VCC PRO View Camera Converter for Nikon:In the BoxHorseman VCC PRO View Camera Converter for NikonVCC PRO DSLR Adapter for NikonVCC PRO Lens Panel for M39 LensesLimited 1-Year WarrantyThe only other item you would need would be the lens adapter to connect the type lens you own onto the VCC PRO View Camer Converter. Unfortunately, you do not list the brand/model medium format or large format lens you own, so you would have to e-mail prophoto@bhphotovideo.com with the brand/type of your lens so we could recommend the correct lens adapter for your needs. You may also view the Accessories tab on the page to view the lens adapters available for use with the above system.

Q: 7. What lenses can be used with the VCC Pro?

A: The Horseman VCC PRO View Camera Converter for Nikon comes with a lens panel that can be use with various VCC Pro lenses. Otherwise, if you look under the accessory tab, there are options for adapters that would enable the use of different large and medium format mounts. http://bhpho.to/1zQC5rK

Q: 8. Will this camera work with my Mamiya Leaf Credo 80 digital back?

A: The Horseman LD Pro View Camera works with many digital backs. To use it you need to purchase the correct camera back adapter that matches the digital back you have.The adapters we carry at this time for Hasselblad V and H mount. The links for those are a href= http://bhpho.to/18fqXba target= _blank http://bhpho.to/18fqXba/a and a href= http://bhpho.to/1L2Wtec. target= _blank http://bhpho.to/1L2Wtec./a There is a Mamiya 654 adapter back adapter but we do not carry that one at this time. The MFR # is 23693.

Q: 9. Just bought, try my mamiya lenses I got back when I was in school circa 2002. The very first thing I notice when I attached to my Nikon D5100/5000 cameras was on the display as soon as you turn it on stated that their is no lens attached. I quickly realized I was on auto mode. When I switched to manual it still stated no lens attached. But I was able to shoot. But only the manual feature worked when I tried going to F-stop priority manual setting like I see suggested above it won't take a picture. I made sure everything was locked in. Curious if the only setting it can be used in is the manual M setting and not the F-stop priority manual or am I doing something wrong. Thank you

A: On the Nikon D5000 and the Nikon D5100 the FotodioX Pro Lens Mount Adapter for Mamiya 645 Lens to Nikon F Mount Camera could only be used in manual mode.

Q: 10. What would be the focal length for a “normal” lens for a Canon DSLR. About 50 mm?

A: The standard for normal has changed over the years for photography. However, the 50mm was deemed the "normal" lens when photography switched more so to digital.