Sequence viewing > Index - Cameras - lenses - optics - Resource - ©
Lloyd Godman
Film - Digital
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. |
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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"
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10" x 8" |
300 mm |
24" x 36"
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