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FAQ: HORSEMAN TECHNICAL CAMERAS
Q1: The Horseman technical cameras are said to allow superb camera movements. What does that mean in concrete terms?
A: They are fitted with the click stops, which ensure exact alignments when the standards are put back to their original positions. Thus it provides for accurate and easily adjusted focus on the right and left.
Q2: What are the differences between the Horseman 45FA and 45HD?
A: The biggest difference is in their prices. The 45FA is about 50% more expensive than the 45HD.
In features, the 45FA allows tilt of the back standard while the 45HD does not. The FA utilizes rack and pinion mechanism for rise of the front standard while the HD does not. Flange back is 272mm in the FA (with shift of the back standard) and 249mm in the HD. Focusing screen includes the fresnel with the FA, and not for the HD. Focusing hood is included with the FA, and not with the HD.
Q3: How can I choose a lens suitable for Horseman technical cameras?
A: Any lens for large-format camera may be used on the Horseman Technical Cameras, as long as following conditions are met:
  1. Flange-back of the lens is 60mm to 250mm.
  2. The shutter used is either #0 or #1.
  3. Diameter of the rear lens does not exceed 65mm.
  4. Circle of the image of the lens covers the format used (exceeds 150mm for 4x5", and 100mm for 6x9cm).
 Lens Data and Usable Lens List (HTML) | (PDF) 
Q4: What is the difference between Rodenstock N and S type lenses?
A: The N lenses are "standard" models. The S lenses are characterized by utilizing ED (extra low dispersion) lens elements, and provide larger image circle and usable field angle than the N lenses.
Q5: How can I select the lens paneles for Horseman technical cameras?
A: Lens panels dedicated to the Horseman Technical Cameras are 80mm square. The lens panel is an indispensable accessory for mounting a lens on the cameras. Eight models of the lens panels are available to suit different types of lenses and sizes of shutters.
Knowing the size of the shutter built in the lens (#0 or #1) is essential for selecting a right lens panel.
25655 Lens Panel (not cut out) For drilling your own lens openings
25656 Lens Panel (for #0 shutters) Ready to accept #0 size shutters
25657 Lens Panel (with C-1 ring) For mounting Copal #1 shutters.
The C-ring (spacer) moves the shutter a little forward from the panel for easier access.
25651 Lens Panel (with C-0 ring) The shutter is mounted forward of the panel surface to improve operability with a #0 shutter.
25658 Telephoto Lens Panel (for #0 shutters) For 360 and 400mm telephoto lenses.
25652 Telephoto Lens Panel (for #1 shutters) Use this to get additional flange-back when using a telephoto lens with a #0 shutter.
25653 Lens Panel (Apo-Sironar-S 210mm) Exclusive for Apo-Sironar-S 210mm
25654 Lens Panel (Apo-Ronar 300mm) Exclusive for Apo-Ronar 300mm, Fujinon C 300mm or Nikkor-M 300mm.
25659 Linhof-standard Panel Adapter HL For attaching lenses mounted on Linhof-standard panels to the Horseman Technical Cameras.
Q6: How can I mount the lens and lens panel on Horseman technical cameras?
A: Structure of lens
A lens for large-format camera consists of the front and rear lens group with a shutter in between. Each group is screwed into the shutter to form a complete lens. The lens may be taken apart easily (There is a retaining ring between the shutter and the rear).
Structure of lens
Attaching a lens panel
To have a lens mounted on a Horseman Technical Camera, the lens must be placed into a 80mm square Lens Panel (for #0 or #1 shutter).
Remove the rear of the lens from the rest of the lens. Then remove the retaining ring and put the Lens Panel to the shutter. Replace the retaining ring and tighten it with a lens spanner wrench. Screw in the rear lens to complete reassembly.
Q7: What is the bellows made of? How can I keep it? Is it replaceable?
A: The bellows is made of synthetic leather that is durable and easy-to-maintain. Keep it dry and folded. The bellows is replaceable, but that replacement should be performed by a qualified repair technician.
Q8: What are the "infinity stops" for?
A: The "infinity stops" help you quickly set your lens to infinity focus. Once adjusted to the lens, the lens stage may be drawn out promptly to the infinity position.
Q9: I would like to do focusing of the image right side up. How can I do it?
A: Horseman makes the right accessories available for the purpose! Use the Binocular Reflex Viewer with the 45FA and 45HD and the Angle Viewer for the VH.
Q10: How can I take medium format pictures with the 45FA or 45HD?
A: Use a Horseman Roll Film Holder 451, 452, 453, 454 or 612, depending on the format size and film type you want.
Q11: What exposure meter should I use for 45FA and 45HD?
A: The Horseman Exposure Meter will be the right choice, as it allows for both shutter-priority and aperture-priority light measuring. The Horseman Exposure Meter measures average light that goes through the lens (TTL) at the film plane, which eliminates the needs for compensation for filter factors or bellows extension in close-up shooting. This is a very easy-to-use exposure meter, even for beginners.
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