The M-Line two: An All-Round View Camera By Staff September 7, 2009 — ARCA-SWISS has developed two new view cameras, the M-Line two Single Lens Reflex (SLR) and the M-Line two Medium Format (MF). These are all-round cameras that allow you to work from 35 mm to 4x5” film format or use with digital backs. ARCA-SWISS has a vast selection of accessories that can transform the M-Line Two into a 6x9 medium format or even a 4x5” camera.

The use of tilt and shift, in particular with a 35mm DSLR camera today, allows you to push your creative bound­aries On the Monolith system, tilt/swing and shift are incorporated onto a single standard. On the M-Line two, they have been separated: shift on the rear standard and tilt/swing on the front. This offers the advantage of being able to maintain the same angle of view because the shift is positioned at the rear.

Shift is often used today in digital photography to increase the angle of view and enhance definition. By removing tilt/swing from the rear standard, the probability of error is removed and a parallel film plane – essential for digital photography – is guaranteed.

The use of an extension rail and bellows allows a variable scale of reproduction making it possible to photograph a postage stamp or a wide landscape using the same configuration. The camera is equipped with ARCA-SWISS’ patented Orbix tilt system, the only device that allows you to maintain full control over the plane of focus.

When used with a DSLR camera or a digital back, this new precision system enables you to take images of build­ings, landscapes or objects with the fullest of control. It’s ideal for landscapes to macros. The M-Line two is part of one of the largest photographic systems currently available and is compatible with all DSLR cameras.

All traditional medium format film backs are compatible with the M-Line two. The usable focal length extends from 28mm for the M-Line two SLR and 23mm for the M-Line two MF, to infinity.

Technical specifications: M-Line two SLR and M-Line two MF
Dimensions: Length 250 mm, Depth 140 mm, Height 300 mm
Weight Barely over 2 kg (4.4 lbs)
Vertical shift 70 mm
Horizontal shift 70 mm
Swing 30°
Tilt 90°
Maximum extension 190 mm (depending on the configuration)
Adaptors available for the M-Line two DSLR: Canon, Nikon, Sony
Adaptors available for the M-Line two MF: Contax 645, Hasselblad V/H, Mamiya 645 AFD, AFI / HY6
Accessories: binocular viewfinder, lens hood, extension rail, Compendium

Email: comm.arca-swiss@orange.fr