This is an in-depth look at the many features and operation of this professional field camera. I open my backpack to show my favorite accessories and how I use them.
That is so impressive and much more affordable to use than 4x5. That so makes me think of getting the old 4x5 and roll film back out some day (been digital for many years with smaller cameras without tilt/shift equipment).
Good morning. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Another option you might consider...there are some excellent sliding backs you can use on your 4x5 that allows you to attach your digital camera to the 4x5 and produce some amazing high quality stitched images. Please see my previous video about the Fotodiox back on my 4x5.
@@richardmasseyphotography Oh, I knew there were digital backs (costing more than my car). I gotta check those other choises definately out! Going to watch the video for sure!
Great presentation! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and passion! In an era of youtube "influencers" and endless fads, it's refreshing to stumble upon no-nonsense, honest and down-to-earth photography channels. Subscribed!
Hi Richard You talk about the capability of the VH to rotate to vertical capture. Am I right to assume that this requires the VH rotating back? It appears that it is only rarely included in VH sales on auction sites. Does it support the use of the reflex viewer on one port and the film back on the other? I noted your remarks about loving the reflex viewer, and can imagine why... or at least why I would too in this subtropical zone - high light levels and hot temperatures under the dark cloth. regards David Hine
Hi David. Nice to hear from you. The VH (vertical/horizontal or very handy) is an amazing system that incorporates a rotating back. When on a tripod there is no need to turn the camera. The VH-R is a VH body with that incorporates a rangefinder. Here is a link to owners manual. If it is helpful, send Butkus a thanks/donation. Any additional questions, don't hesitate to contact me. www.cameramanuals.org/prof_pdf/horseman_vh-r.pdf
Hello I have found you channel just a couple of weeks ago . Quite interesting . Thank you for posting a video of 6x9 Horseman. I was actually thinking to buy one but still evaluating it. I have a question if I may . Concerning the motherboard does the sytem holds copal0 or copal 1 ? I know Nikor are good lenses but what about Schneider lenses ? could it be possible to mount a schneider and a linhof motherboard 1 ore 0 ? So a wide angle would be difficult , this is what I understood !!!!! thank you for the video and for cooperation .kind regards
Thanks for taking the time to comment...much appreciated. The lens board for the VH is 3-1/8" square with round corners and plenty of room for either a #0 or #1 shutter. So, they will hold any of your Schneider lenses of that size. The Linhof lens board is a bit larger, 3-3/4" x 3-7/8" with square corners and their special notching. You can easily make the VH lens board yourself or find them on the internet. I hope this helps?
@@richardmasseyphotography Hello thank you very much for the info. I am going to search all the required equipment hope to find everything is needed for a good configuration. I'll follow your coming video .
@@richardmasseyphotography thank you , oh yes they are - I also found interesting the video on Plaubel 69W - I didn't knew it - quite interesting . thank you
Thanks for your comment. I have several different tripods but my favorites are ones with a quick leveling half-ball fluid heads. These are most commonly used for video but are excellent for stills. Here is a link to the one in my video. th-cam.com/video/eFTbYcIoM38/w-d-xo.html. I hope this helps.
Hi Richard, excellent video about the Horseman 6x9! In the video image where you show the camera accessories, an adapter for digital cameras appears. I would like to know where you found it and who is the manufacturer? Thank you for sharing your knowledge !
Nice to hear from you. I found mine on eBay. The backs are made in China and work perfectly. They are made for about any digital camera. You just need to request the mount that matches your digital camera. Here is one I found for a Sony. I hope this helps. www.ebay.com/itm/285393537312?itmmeta=01HVBXGAPD2EWVW7NZ7H1XGPBE&hash=item4272c7c920:g:rpEAAOSwBkZjKTS6&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0Bc0djBDE80E2LIEODdWI49nLomoE3FwvrEoinLPRIp625zKWZdrYjN1nFzuNzuL4QtEUkglaOal6QOIN0ytt5xetMBIVQ6W2WpfxNHJNr8DnniBa7Oudsu%2FHzqxwC%2BjscgJr5wy7qQ7xFawbptRI%2FuRoOgIk%2BSEu24ii289QKD9RzgJjvxqcSZg5V1eLcoYonk7MMsGSCKlG9bueSbhQ7xDKXecCwRAxKeRoCWD9%2Bg4Z2vuvqoHlH8SgOSGdhaqiHpa%2FAz1VQT74OC7k2K88FA%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR66rwf3aYw
Congratulations. I'm sure you will love this little gem of a camera. Thank you for taking the time to comment...much appreciated. Have a safe flight back to Canada.
Been eyeing one of these up for a couple of years now. Finally pulled the trigger this week bundled with a 65mm, 105mm AND Polaroid back. Still getting my head around lens availability, particularly longer lenses (I use longer lenses on my Fuji GFX often for my landscapes)
I also like the compression of longer lenses for landscapes. Although the bellows may seem a limiting factor, don't worry. You can use long lenses with this camera. The way to get the full use out of longer lens is by using a "Top-Hat" lens board. The board is the opposite of a recessed lens board. With it you can achieve about any extension by stacking a series of extension tubes...a must have for close up work! The attached is a sample that is made for a 4x5. There are companies that make the same type for the smaller VH/VHR. Best of luck. www.ebay.com/itm/184941754294?_nkw=Extension+lens+board+for+Horseman+VHR+6x9+camera&itmmeta=01J6KBHG7A8YXAV47AY8VPC5NB&hash=item2b0f6337b6:g:nlsAAOSwR6BbvuZZ&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAABEHoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKnt59G3qM3Cu%2FzsGpqhfWn1Tb4SRnpcLE5piAD0ySdOuU0A0OYs8cKhCgFj%2BHBFLINEgHgui2M0bt3Y4nZ22Ugny29f0Jej0kbqdF4%2F4Smx2cxjK7WVcHe4GNnb%2BUZHfAERokEIEeO9ly9RjlG3U5WEbmDNzbbdEKUtJOXY47ux3WOcT%2FZ78pSdMHoxnN0muOkGucqFvldkEi9Y8xd7KFC%2FhAKT7dnJ4RoxFo%2F5mJzLuAYI38W21NIvSv%2FaacMI1CtNWYoJpZ2hG9WcJsBNFuW24QP7lYGHOSGKJS%2F%2BjYi216ZF5LEUTt%2Fv4pPCAWTOjMKAX8BTkWsWX4QZDVVR8%2Fca%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-CDxuu0ZA
Thanks for commenting. www.ebay.com/itm/375515587216?itmmeta=01J1SV9T4N3WCCET6CEK2Q8157&hash=item576e792290:g:1P8AAOSw1exmg2Fp&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4H0MFnf8iYeeqSKdRDlG%2FmCh5cEf22zxAnTzOWAJQ4Cw7AnwjPKMOry8EEJ1lcUmd8k7yF8NvSZuHxRL7QE5yVCbMqhkqYlHrEzv%2B5gJluat7RrJG48BnQu7AP8Sxz6k4CzaelxtTSAYM3CJK1OrEaPyBfDoKScVmr7sB4AtrYo2BdN2Bxx8UXSklubPNx8Qx8QkB1PW5hhzSdiQiFQQ%2FWitbElOEcq0pBC7oNTrGKQO5AaNitNTaGkNBzHDMMmPQMHKibLxprdIu5%2FBocn1WbGsaLcJtwvJNd7lKfUXdPPD%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7Sip7uOZA
Thanks for reaching out. That 6 x12 is an exceptionally fine roll film holder but it only fits the 4 x 5 cameras equipped with a Graflok-type back. With the correct camera, it can be used on numerous 4x5 view cameras, press cameras, or technical field cameras.
@@elliotlowndes5219 It is compatible with any 4x5 technical or view camera that has a Graflok back. Such as, Horseman 45FA, Horseman Woodman 45, Graflex Speed Graphic/Super Graphic/ Crown Graphic, Toyo-Field 45A, Chamonix 4x5, Shen Hao 4x5.
Thank you so much for this great video. I just ordered this camera and I was wondering if I can use any shutter release cable or if horseman has a proprietary model? Thanks!
Hi David. Congratulations on the new camera. I'm sure you will love it. Thanks for commenting. You can use and standard cable release. All the lenses are regular view camera lenses.
@@richardmasseyphotography Thanks for the quick replay and for the information, Richard! I'm really excited to get started. I had recently bought a Mamiya c220 and love the results, so I wanted to get something with movement and a rectangular format. It's been great fun!
@@davidrobins7665 One of the great features about this camera is the ability to use interchangeable film backs all the way from 6x6 up to 6x9. That huge 6x9 negative will probably impress you with how much larger it is than the 6x6...50%!
Hi Richard Your video really struck a chord with me. After lots of looking around, everything from the Ysolette to the Texas Leica, you talked about enjoying composing on the ground glass. Learning by studying and close observation rang so true. I plan to get a VH in a couple of months. Then I can start up the learning curve and enjoy the view as I go.
Thank you so much for this very informative video. I've ordered a Horseman 985, along with an adapter for my Canon digital camera. I'd love to see how you use your digital bodies with your VH. Have a great day!
Congrats on purchasing this amazing camera. I'm sure you will love it. Thanks for taking time to comment. That could be an interesting little video...especially since no one has heard of this! In addition to making a straight shot, it is a good method for making panoramas by simply shifting the lens side to side. Of course, the main advantage is being able to tilt the lens down for increased depth of field without the need to use the smaller f-stops. Don't hesitate to let me know how it works for you.
That's exactly what had popped into my head - Shifting the lens for panoramas, rather than using a much more expensive shifting back and 4x5 camera. Once I have some work assembled, we'll have to compare notes!
@@AngusFindlay I always look forward to hearing from you. I would like to suggest that when you start doing panoramas, rotated the back into the vertical position. The common tendency is to use a horizontal position and just overlap two or three images. By having your camera in the horizontal and overlapping 4 or 5 images the file sizes will be remarkably better.
Hi Richard Slowly the project budget for a VH is coming together. In watching your video again on the VH, I noticed more details that matter in my planning. I also thought that I (and possibly others) would enjoy a video on how the many in-camera adjustments can be used. It would be great to see them through the view change (using your digital video adapter). One example of use for each type of adjustment would be enough. That would leave you able to teach more about on site composition (eg your example in this video about wildflowers and tilt) in your in person courses. A second thought for a video is how to identify potential lenses suited to the VH. You show one on a top hat in the video. That could be another case for a live video while you show some lens options. really respect your work, David
Thank you for your in-depth comment. I must admit I have been procrastinating. You have given me a few excellent ideas for future videos. This is one of my favorite cameras and there is so much more to share about it. Thanks.
Hi Richard I trust you are looking after yourself. The sale of the house closed successfully today. So now I have a budget for a VH! After celebrating with some single malt, I am planning to buy a near mint body and suitable lens/es. As well as the reflex viewer.... I would welcome your advice on lenses especially. I cannot clearly identify a lens with cable shutter release. I can see them in some images of lenses but cannot generalise to the name and manufacturer to enable comparisons. One camera with a Seiko 90 mm SLV lens caught my eye but it had no shutter release. In addition, I would wecome your thoughts on focal lengths. You mentioned 65mm and >200mm in the video. Given my deep interest in nature (and in slow photography), would those focal lengths give me good options? Regards David
@@DavidHine-r1g Congratulations! Be sure your camera comes with the ground glass and folding metal protective cover. These are all in one piece. The first lens I'd recommend is the 105mm S Nikkor. This little gem is tack sharp and renders beautiful colors. The next would be something like the 65mm Topcon that was developed for these technical cameras. Anything wider/shorter than this would be impractical. The lens boards are too small to allow for a recessed lens board. I'd next get something around 180 -210mm. This is an excellent focal length for portraits and dramatic compressed images of distant scenes...think of mountain ranges and atmospheric haze. While you can focus to infinity with the standard bellows, you ability to focus close will be limited. Because of this, get a modular top-hat lens board. Remember, the VH uses small lens boards and you will want to stick with either a #0 or #1 shutter. Fuji makes some excellent lenses that fit. Take a look at the Fuji 180mm Fujinon-A f/9. It isn't fast but is small and does a great job. For more information go to the large format forum. I hope this helps.
This is the best Horseman VH description & demo so far. Thanks! I bought one as an upgrade from my Century Graphic. Do you feel that using the reflex viewer makes it easier to use the camera's movements?
I think the finder makes it much easier to use the camera for everything. The finder is a little bulky but is feather-weight. I use a photo vest almost all the time. It has two large pockets. One pocket is home to my finder. Please see my video about my most valued photo accessory.
It sure looks like a nice capable sturdy field camera, and nicely presented, thank you. I’m a big fan of 6x9, but wondering if the Horseman VH is that much lighter or more compact than “comparable” 4x5’s such as the Toyo 45A. I’m a bit put off by proprietary/non-Graflock backs. Which is a bit dumb considering you can put anything on the front end and the only real back end constraint is the film backs… And I do appreciate that you aren’t trying to “sell” your audience on “this is the ultimate camera”, you’re doing us a service showing what’s capable with technical field cameras, so I hope this doesn’t come across as anything other than a genuine question. While I’ve previously considered a 6x9 technical camera “limiting” in that you can’t expand upwards to 4x5, that could well be a good thing… not able to use it as a “gateway drug” to the expense of 4x5 film and 15 film holders 🤭
I found them on eBay. The company makes them for about any camera out there. With mirrorless cameras you are able to use wider angel lenses because the lens to sensor/film plane is less. One thing I enjoy doing is using this adapter and shifting the lens to capture multiple images that I later stitch into sizeable panoramas. Here you go...www.ebay.com/itm/176084761727?itmmeta=01HR0VYVHB4JCGYP50E6TH4EQ3&hash=item28ff783c7f:g:nfIAAOxyV85R5Ple&itmprp=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8H5ouX8mqrdJMH4mwCUgyv%2Bl1LiIzCoP3CPK3cs7Q%2FUerfcndlK7QHM0QY2SQF6zP%2B%2FWMPHW5XYkOx8VO1Vf8qmqplk2mpb97RheLvvnJKxxKqZ2gxigiLgve4qrnYCi26DHuXwkdwk8Rsx7%2Bwq33SeLkdJfmj%2Fn1%2Bq%2FUD%2FeAAoIRmZCXzNqPX0tLzHv%2FC36lDGrzA61T3OGNUSOK08x3F4TBPI7Ujo%2Ff0guSji0PwKFj%2FumdYuHTPMs0Y%2F36WEmb532GykQYREb9E6v26Ng0bNyeVP0S1uLHu2aKEJPSId6IjSdc8ybqYGPQzevEvfMCA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-K4-5vAYw
Excellent video! I have a Horseman 980 that I really enjoy using. I have found it to be a very versatile camera for everything from landscape to macro. Even after I acquired a 4X5 I still keep using the 980 often, especially on walks where I want to keep gear to a minimum.
Thank you very much for making this video. This camera is such a surprise and a discovery. I didn't know that such a system existed. Very much appreciated.
Thanks for taking the time to comment...much appreciated. One of the best things about buying the versatile vintage cameras it that you won't loose any money with them. Unlike modern digitals that are outdated six months after you buy them! You can use your Horseman VH for years and sell it for about what you paid for it...maybe even more! So, pay a little extra and get one in excellent shape. I highly recommend the reflex finder. It is a little bulky but is very light. I use a photo vest with two large pockets. One of the pockets is home to my reflex finder.
That is so impressive and much more affordable to use than 4x5. That so makes me think of getting the old 4x5 and roll film back out some day (been digital for many years with smaller cameras without tilt/shift equipment).
Good morning. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Another option you might consider...there are some excellent sliding backs you can use on your 4x5 that allows you to attach your digital camera to the 4x5 and produce some amazing high quality stitched images. Please see my previous video about the Fotodiox back on my 4x5.
@@richardmasseyphotography Oh, I knew there were digital backs (costing more than my car). I gotta check those other choises definately out! Going to watch the video for sure!
Great presentation! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and passion! In an era of youtube "influencers" and endless fads, it's refreshing to stumble upon no-nonsense, honest and down-to-earth photography channels. Subscribed!
Thank you for subscribing and for taking the time to comment...very kind of you.
Such an elegant way to shoot medium format. From the best photography TH-camr, of all time.
You have me blushing! Thanks for the kind words. I agree, this certainly is an elegant system that is such a pleasure to use...very high fun factor!
Hi Richard
You talk about the capability of the VH to rotate to vertical capture. Am I right to assume that this requires the VH rotating back? It appears that it is only rarely included in VH sales on auction sites. Does it support the use of the reflex viewer on one port and the film back on the other? I noted your remarks about loving the reflex viewer, and can imagine why... or at least why I would too in this subtropical zone - high light levels and hot temperatures under the dark cloth.
regards
David Hine
Hi David. Nice to hear from you. The VH (vertical/horizontal or very handy) is an amazing system that incorporates a rotating back. When on a tripod there is no need to turn the camera. The VH-R is a VH body with that incorporates a rangefinder. Here is a link to owners manual. If it is helpful, send Butkus a thanks/donation. Any additional questions, don't hesitate to contact me. www.cameramanuals.org/prof_pdf/horseman_vh-r.pdf
Hello I have found you channel just a couple of weeks ago . Quite interesting . Thank you for posting a video of 6x9 Horseman. I was actually thinking to buy one but still evaluating it. I have a question if I may . Concerning the motherboard does the sytem holds copal0 or copal 1 ? I know Nikor are good lenses but what about Schneider lenses ? could it be possible to mount a schneider and a linhof motherboard 1 ore 0 ? So a wide angle would be difficult , this is what I understood !!!!! thank you for the video and for cooperation .kind regards
Thanks for taking the time to comment...much appreciated. The lens board for the VH is 3-1/8" square with round corners and plenty of room for either a #0 or #1 shutter. So, they will hold any of your Schneider lenses of that size. The Linhof lens board is a bit larger, 3-3/4" x 3-7/8" with square corners and their special notching. You can easily make the VH lens board yourself or find them on the internet. I hope this helps?
@@richardmasseyphotography Hello thank you very much for the info. I am going to search all the required equipment hope to find everything is needed for a good configuration. I'll follow your coming video .
Best of luck. Thank you for visiting my channel. Are there topics you would like to see me cover?@@leonardodecesaris4987
@@richardmasseyphotography thank you , oh yes they are - I also found interesting the video on Plaubel 69W - I didn't knew it - quite interesting . thank you
You are very welcome. I hope you keep in touch. Please like and share my videos.@@leonardodecesaris4987
Hey Richard, what ttipod and head is that your'e using. Thx
Thanks for your comment. I have several different tripods but my favorites are ones with a quick leveling half-ball fluid heads. These are most commonly used for video but are excellent for stills. Here is a link to the one in my video. th-cam.com/video/eFTbYcIoM38/w-d-xo.html. I hope this helps.
Hi Richard, excellent video about the Horseman 6x9! In the video image where you show the camera accessories, an adapter for digital cameras appears. I would like to know where you found it and who is the manufacturer? Thank you for sharing your knowledge !
Nice to hear from you. I found mine on eBay. The backs are made in China and work perfectly. They are made for about any digital camera. You just need to request the mount that matches your digital camera. Here is one I found for a Sony. I hope this helps. www.ebay.com/itm/285393537312?itmmeta=01HVBXGAPD2EWVW7NZ7H1XGPBE&hash=item4272c7c920:g:rpEAAOSwBkZjKTS6&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA0Bc0djBDE80E2LIEODdWI49nLomoE3FwvrEoinLPRIp625zKWZdrYjN1nFzuNzuL4QtEUkglaOal6QOIN0ytt5xetMBIVQ6W2WpfxNHJNr8DnniBa7Oudsu%2FHzqxwC%2BjscgJr5wy7qQ7xFawbptRI%2FuRoOgIk%2BSEu24ii289QKD9RzgJjvxqcSZg5V1eLcoYonk7MMsGSCKlG9bueSbhQ7xDKXecCwRAxKeRoCWD9%2Bg4Z2vuvqoHlH8SgOSGdhaqiHpa%2FAz1VQT74OC7k2K88FA%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR66rwf3aYw
@richardmasseyphotography Thanks a lot for the tip, Richard !!!
The timing of this video is perfect, I'm ordering one in 3 weeks, when I return home to Canada from Mexico. I'm subbing for more videos.
Congratulations. I'm sure you will love this little gem of a camera. Thank you for taking the time to comment...much appreciated. Have a safe flight back to Canada.
Been eyeing one of these up for a couple of years now. Finally pulled the trigger this week bundled with a 65mm, 105mm AND Polaroid back.
Still getting my head around lens availability, particularly longer lenses (I use longer lenses on my Fuji GFX often for my landscapes)
I also like the compression of longer lenses for landscapes. Although the bellows may seem a limiting factor, don't worry. You can use long lenses with this camera. The way to get the full use out of longer lens is by using a "Top-Hat" lens board. The board is the opposite of a recessed lens board. With it you can achieve about any extension by stacking a series of extension tubes...a must have for close up work! The attached is a sample that is made for a 4x5. There are companies that make the same type for the smaller VH/VHR. Best of luck.
www.ebay.com/itm/184941754294?_nkw=Extension+lens+board+for+Horseman+VHR+6x9+camera&itmmeta=01J6KBHG7A8YXAV47AY8VPC5NB&hash=item2b0f6337b6:g:nlsAAOSwR6BbvuZZ&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAABEHoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKnt59G3qM3Cu%2FzsGpqhfWn1Tb4SRnpcLE5piAD0ySdOuU0A0OYs8cKhCgFj%2BHBFLINEgHgui2M0bt3Y4nZ22Ugny29f0Jej0kbqdF4%2F4Smx2cxjK7WVcHe4GNnb%2BUZHfAERokEIEeO9ly9RjlG3U5WEbmDNzbbdEKUtJOXY47ux3WOcT%2FZ78pSdMHoxnN0muOkGucqFvldkEi9Y8xd7KFC%2FhAKT7dnJ4RoxFo%2F5mJzLuAYI38W21NIvSv%2FaacMI1CtNWYoJpZ2hG9WcJsBNFuW24QP7lYGHOSGKJS%2F%2BjYi216ZF5LEUTt%2Fv4pPCAWTOjMKAX8BTkWsWX4QZDVVR8%2Fca%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-CDxuu0ZA
@@richardmasseyphotography awesome info! Thanks for that!
@@JarredSpec My pleasure.
Great stuff, do you know how much this sort of kit would cost?
Thanks for commenting. www.ebay.com/itm/375515587216?itmmeta=01J1SV9T4N3WCCET6CEK2Q8157&hash=item576e792290:g:1P8AAOSw1exmg2Fp&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA4H0MFnf8iYeeqSKdRDlG%2FmCh5cEf22zxAnTzOWAJQ4Cw7AnwjPKMOry8EEJ1lcUmd8k7yF8NvSZuHxRL7QE5yVCbMqhkqYlHrEzv%2B5gJluat7RrJG48BnQu7AP8Sxz6k4CzaelxtTSAYM3CJK1OrEaPyBfDoKScVmr7sB4AtrYo2BdN2Bxx8UXSklubPNx8Qx8QkB1PW5hhzSdiQiFQQ%2FWitbElOEcq0pBC7oNTrGKQO5AaNitNTaGkNBzHDMMmPQMHKibLxprdIu5%2FBocn1WbGsaLcJtwvJNd7lKfUXdPPD%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7Sip7uOZA
Hello. There is as 6EXP 6x12 back on ebay. Do you know which model of horseman is compatible with that?
Thanks for reaching out. That 6 x12 is an exceptionally fine roll film holder but it only fits the 4 x 5 cameras equipped with a Graflok-type back. With the correct camera, it can be used on numerous 4x5 view cameras, press cameras, or technical field cameras.
@@richardmasseyphotography Thanks, do you know what models it is compatible with?
@@elliotlowndes5219 It is compatible with any 4x5 technical or view camera that has a Graflok back. Such as, Horseman 45FA,
Horseman Woodman 45, Graflex Speed Graphic/Super Graphic/ Crown Graphic, Toyo-Field 45A, Chamonix 4x5, Shen Hao 4x5.
Thank you so much for this great video. I just ordered this camera and I was wondering if I can use any shutter release cable or if horseman has a proprietary model? Thanks!
Hi David. Congratulations on the new camera. I'm sure you will love it. Thanks for commenting. You can use and standard cable release. All the lenses are regular view camera lenses.
@@richardmasseyphotography Thanks for the quick replay and for the information, Richard! I'm really excited to get started. I had recently bought a Mamiya c220 and love the results, so I wanted to get something with movement and a rectangular format. It's been great fun!
@@davidrobins7665 One of the great features about this camera is the ability to use interchangeable film backs all the way from 6x6 up to 6x9. That huge 6x9 negative will probably impress you with how much larger it is than the 6x6...50%!
Hi Richard
Your video really struck a chord with me. After lots of looking around, everything from the Ysolette to the Texas Leica, you talked about enjoying composing on the ground glass. Learning by studying and close observation rang so true. I plan to get a VH in a couple of months. Then I can start up the learning curve and enjoy the view as I go.
This is such a precision/versatile camera in a very compact size. I'm sure you will love it. Let me hear about your progress.
Thank you so much for this very informative video. I've ordered a Horseman 985, along with an adapter for my Canon digital camera. I'd love to see how you use your digital bodies with your VH. Have a great day!
Congrats on purchasing this amazing camera. I'm sure you will love it. Thanks for taking time to comment. That could be an interesting little video...especially since no one has heard of this! In addition to making a straight shot, it is a good method for making panoramas by simply shifting the lens side to side. Of course, the main advantage is being able to tilt the lens down for increased depth of field without the need to use the smaller f-stops. Don't hesitate to let me know how it works for you.
That's exactly what had popped into my head - Shifting the lens for panoramas, rather than using a much more expensive shifting back and 4x5 camera. Once I have some work assembled, we'll have to compare notes!
@@AngusFindlay I always look forward to hearing from you. I would like to suggest that when you start doing panoramas, rotated the back into the vertical position. The common tendency is to use a horizontal position and just overlap two or three images. By having your camera in the horizontal and overlapping 4 or 5 images the file sizes will be remarkably better.
Hi Richard
Slowly the project budget for a VH is coming together.
In watching your video again on the VH, I noticed more details that matter in my planning.
I also thought that I (and possibly others) would enjoy a video on how the many in-camera adjustments can be used. It would be great to see them through the view change (using your digital video adapter). One example of use for each type of adjustment would be enough.
That would leave you able to teach more about on site composition (eg your example in this video about wildflowers and tilt) in your in person courses. A second thought for a video is how to identify potential lenses suited to the VH. You show one on a top hat in the video. That could be another case for a live video while you show some lens options.
really respect your work,
David
Thank you for your in-depth comment. I must admit I have been procrastinating. You have given me a few excellent ideas for future videos. This is one of my favorite cameras and there is so much more to share about it. Thanks.
Hi Richard
I trust you are looking after yourself.
The sale of the house closed successfully today. So now I have a budget for a VH!
After celebrating with some single malt, I am planning to buy a near mint body and suitable lens/es. As well as the reflex viewer....
I would welcome your advice on lenses especially.
I cannot clearly identify a lens with cable shutter release. I can see them in some images of lenses but cannot generalise to the name and manufacturer to enable comparisons. One camera with a Seiko 90 mm SLV lens caught my eye but it had no shutter release.
In addition, I would wecome your thoughts on focal lengths. You mentioned 65mm and >200mm in the video.
Given my deep interest in nature (and in slow photography), would those focal lengths give me good options?
Regards
David
@@DavidHine-r1g Congratulations! Be sure your camera comes with the ground glass and folding metal protective cover. These are all in one piece. The first lens I'd recommend is the 105mm S Nikkor. This little gem is tack sharp and renders beautiful colors. The next would be something like the 65mm Topcon that was developed for these technical cameras. Anything wider/shorter than this would be impractical. The lens boards are too small to allow for a recessed lens board. I'd next get something around 180 -210mm. This is an excellent focal length for portraits and dramatic compressed images of distant scenes...think of mountain ranges and atmospheric haze. While you can focus to infinity with the standard bellows, you ability to focus close will be limited. Because of this, get a modular top-hat lens board. Remember, the VH uses small lens boards and you will want to stick with either a #0 or #1 shutter. Fuji makes some excellent lenses that fit. Take a look at the Fuji 180mm Fujinon-A f/9. It isn't fast but is small and does a great job. For more information go to the large format forum. I hope this helps.
@@richardmasseyphotography Thanks so much Richard. Very clear and easy to follow advice with comments on use cases.
Regards
David
what a great introduction to what looks to be an amazing camera!
Thanks for taking the time to share.
Thank you. My pleasure . Are there topics you would like me to cover?
Looks like a linhof?
Yes, it does. They are both precisions cameras. The Linhof cost much more and is heavier.
Thanks for your guidance.
Stay well
David Hine, Queensland Australia
Thanks for the kind words.
This is the best Horseman VH description & demo so far. Thanks! I bought one as an upgrade from my Century Graphic. Do you feel that using the reflex viewer makes it easier to use the camera's movements?
I think the finder makes it much easier to use the camera for everything. The finder is a little bulky but is feather-weight. I use a photo vest almost all the time. It has two large pockets. One pocket is home to my finder. Please see my video about my most valued photo accessory.
It sure looks like a nice capable sturdy field camera, and nicely presented, thank you. I’m a big fan of 6x9, but wondering if the Horseman VH is that much lighter or more compact than “comparable” 4x5’s such as the Toyo 45A.
I’m a bit put off by proprietary/non-Graflock backs. Which is a bit dumb considering you can put anything on the front end and the only real back end constraint is the film backs…
And I do appreciate that you aren’t trying to “sell” your audience on “this is the ultimate camera”, you’re doing us a service showing what’s capable with technical field cameras, so I hope this doesn’t come across as anything other than a genuine question.
While I’ve previously considered a 6x9 technical camera “limiting” in that you can’t expand upwards to 4x5, that could well be a good thing… not able to use it as a “gateway drug” to the expense of 4x5 film and 15 film holders 🤭
Thanks for your comment...much appreciated. Horseman does make a 4x5 back for this camera. It locks in just like a roll film back.
Wonderful, and highly instructor video! I was wondering where did you acquire your digital camera adapter plates?
I found them on eBay. The company makes them for about any camera out there. With mirrorless cameras you are able to use wider angel lenses because the lens to sensor/film plane is less. One thing I enjoy doing is using this adapter and shifting the lens to capture multiple images that I later stitch into sizeable panoramas. Here you go...www.ebay.com/itm/176084761727?itmmeta=01HR0VYVHB4JCGYP50E6TH4EQ3&hash=item28ff783c7f:g:nfIAAOxyV85R5Ple&itmprp=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8H5ouX8mqrdJMH4mwCUgyv%2Bl1LiIzCoP3CPK3cs7Q%2FUerfcndlK7QHM0QY2SQF6zP%2B%2FWMPHW5XYkOx8VO1Vf8qmqplk2mpb97RheLvvnJKxxKqZ2gxigiLgve4qrnYCi26DHuXwkdwk8Rsx7%2Bwq33SeLkdJfmj%2Fn1%2Bq%2FUD%2FeAAoIRmZCXzNqPX0tLzHv%2FC36lDGrzA61T3OGNUSOK08x3F4TBPI7Ujo%2Ff0guSji0PwKFj%2FumdYuHTPMs0Y%2F36WEmb532GykQYREb9E6v26Ng0bNyeVP0S1uLHu2aKEJPSId6IjSdc8ybqYGPQzevEvfMCA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-K4-5vAYw
Excellent video! I have a Horseman 980 that I really enjoy using. I have found it to be a very versatile camera for everything from landscape to macro. Even after I acquired a 4X5 I still keep using the 980 often, especially on walks where I want to keep gear to a minimum.
Sounds like you are enjoying your photography. Thanks again for watching my video. Is there a special topic you would like me to cover?
Thank you very much for making this video. This camera is such a surprise and a discovery. I didn't know that such a system existed. Very much appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to comment...much appreciated. This is a very compact and versatile system that is a dream to use.
Loved this vid.....Awesome camera..... I am now looking into purchasing one 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to comment...much appreciated. One of the best things about buying the versatile vintage cameras it that you won't loose any money with them. Unlike modern digitals that are outdated six months after you buy them! You can use your Horseman VH for years and sell it for about what you paid for it...maybe even more! So, pay a little extra and get one in excellent shape. I highly recommend the reflex finder. It is a little bulky but is very light. I use a photo vest with two large pockets. One of the pockets is home to my reflex finder.
Great content, love how informative you make these videos as well as your focus on such unique and impressive gear.
Thank you for the your kind comment...much appreciated.
Magic