the all-round view camera

The new ARCA-SWISS Universalis monorail view camera is perfection itself - ultra compact and full of precision technology.

Excellent for hiking or travel and starting at just over 2.5 pounds (1,2 kilograms) , Universalis is based on F-Line Metric gear movements but is much more compact and lighter in weight.
The basic model is extremely compact, making it ideal for use either in the studio or on location, where it is just as handy as a folding camera and easily fits into a backpack or messenger style shoulder bag. The reduced distance between the front and rear standards makes it possible to use very short focal length lenses, ideal for architectural photography. In addition, the allmetal construction provides extreme precision and rigidity.

With proprietary ARCA-SWISS orbix® system, all yaw-free swing and tilt movements are made around the centre of the lens (effectively in a sphere) so the position of the lens board plane is maintained in the correct position with no adverse effects on angularity or image composition.

The Universalis view camera is available in three versions.

The differences lie mainly in the function carriers, which come with or without support frames. In fact, all three models share a common monorail, front standard and lens carrier. The lens carrier also provides micrometric movements for tilt and vertical shift. Self-locking, micrometric vertical and lateral shift movements are also available on the rear standard.

It should be noted, that the amount of available shift on all three models is greater than the dimensions of currently available backs, for perfectly stitched panoramas.

The first version (DSLR) is for use with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, the supplied bellows attaches quickly via a magnetic ring to a very thin bayonet mount that attaches to DSLR or mirrorless cameras. Canon, Nikon and Sony E mounts are currently available and others will be produced if there is sufficient demand.

The second version (6x9) is intended for medium format backs (film or digital) and comprises a rear standard with an adapter plate for these backs. Wide angle as well as standard bellows from the ARCA-SWISS camera system are available.

The third version (4x5), for 4x5, has a rear standard with a ground-glass and a spring loading dark-slide holder and can be used either with 4X5 sheet film, or roll film holders.