Combining the precision of a traditional view camera with the convenience and image quality of a Hasselblad V-mount digital back, Horseman Axella View Camera for Hasselblad V-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 Hasselblad V 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 Hasselblad V type digital backs; however it can also be configured to accept Mamiya 645 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. I have a set of view camera lenses which I use with my Toho 4 X 5 vew camera. How do I use these lenses with this VCC Pro?

A: You would just need to attach a Nikon DSLR to this device and use the lenses as you would on a traditional view camera.

Q: 2. Does it work with the Schneider lens 28mm f 5.6?

A: Without knowing exactly which lens you are referring to I cannot give a solid answer, however generally speaking with large format lenses 47mm-60mm and longer should work (depending on the rear element size). Anything wider than that that isn't one of the Cambo Actar 24 lenses cannot be guaranteed.

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

A: The Horseman VCC PRO View Camera Converter for Canon comes with everything you need to connect the camera converter to a Canon 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 Canon:In the BoxHorseman VCC PRO View Camera Converter for CanonVCC PRO DSLR Adapter for CanonVCC 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 Camera 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: 5. I have a Nikon D800 and a Nikon D7100. I assume I can use either camera with the Axella View Camera. But I also have a Toho 4 x 5 view camera with Rodenstock Grandagon-N 75 mm f/4.5,Rodenstock Grandagon-N 90 mm f/6.8,Rodenstock Apo-Sironar-S 150 mm f/5.6,Nikon Nikkor-w 210 mm f/5.6,Fujinon Compact 300 mm f/8.5lenses.Which of these lenses can I use with the Axella, asssuming I get appropriate connectors?

A: The Horsemen can use many different large format lenses. You need to measure the diameter of the back of the lens. It cannot be any larger than 2.9 / 73mm.And the two adapters made are for a Copal #0 and Copal #1 shutter.

Q: 6. can xcd lenses be used with the camera body?

A: Yes, the Cambo ACTUS-G View Camera Body with 20mm Lens Kit for Hasselblad X Mount will work with a Hasselblad XCD 55mm f/2.5 V Lens.

Q: 7. 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: 8. 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: 9. What lens plate or lens adapter is needed at the front to mount XCD lenses? What part number or product name to be specific.

A: Cambo ACTUS-G View Camera Body with 20mm Lens Kit for Hasselblad X Mount comes with a Hasselblad X Mount adapter to connect your hasselblad X mount medium format camera. As for the lenses the lens mount it is a proprietary mount, compatible with optional ACTUS-B lensplates only.

Q: 10. Can you please mention all items needed to build the complete system for Hasselblad H digital back?The picture does not show that, neither the description does. I hate guesswork.

A: The Horseman LD Pro Series Mounting Plate for Hasselblad H Mount Digital Backs (B&H # HOHHMP), would be required to connect the Hasselblad H digital back onto the Horseman VCC PRO DB View Camera Converter. However, I cannot indicate which lens adapter you will need because it was not indicated above which brand/model lens you own. As such, you would have to e-mail prophoto@bhphotovideo.com with your inquiry and the brand/model of your large format lens so we may identify the correct lens adapter for your needs.