Film cameras
Omega View 45E / 45 F User manual
User manual for Omega View 45E / 45 F. 16 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
16 pagesEnglish2.2 MB PDF
Loading your manual…Open PDF directly
Document details
- Brand
- Omega
- Model / document
- Omega View 45E / 45 F
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 16
- File size
- 2.2 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
Search available document text
Find a term, then jump to its page in the original PDF. Image-only pages may not be searchable; check the PDF for exact wording and diagrams.
Page 4 · Read text
Front Controls Back Controls
Top Slide Lock Top Slide Lock
rirt Lock Tilt Lock I
Rise Lock
Focusing Focusing
Frame Frame
Release- Release
Rise I- Rise LockKnob R ise Knob
Rise Knob
IIl_
Micro Focus Lock I Rise Knob Swing/ Lateral
Shift Lock Swing/ Lateral
Bottom Slide Lock Shift Lock I Micro Focus
Knob II
Bottom Slide Lock Micro Focus Knob Micro Focus Lock
Swing/ Lateral Fast Focus Lock Swing/LateralShift Lock Fast Focus Lock Shift Lock
SpecialFeaturesof Your OmegaView
LargeSquareLensboard Bellows
The Omega View lensboard will accept almost any size lens The rugged Omega View bellows is made of a special extremely
and shuttercombination.Becausethe lensboardis square,it can flexible material which permits camera movements even with
be placedon the camerain any of four positions.This meansthat shorter focal length lenses. The bellows is durable, and requires
the shutter speed and aperture controls can be easily used no special care.
regardlessof cameraposition.
Wide Angle Bellows 45Fonty
Spirit Levels The optional wide angle bellows is an ideal aid for wide angle
photography.The f lexibleconstructionallows maximum cameraThe horizontaland verticalspirit levelson the cameraback f rame
permrt convenient positioning of the camera in the neutral movements at minimum bellows extension. Along with the
posrtion.The levelscan also be used to bring the cameraback to optional 250mm monorail (designed for both 45E and 45F
the vertical position when correcting for vertical distortion. cameras), these accessories are additional conveniences when using wide angle or short focal length lenses.
The LargeMonorail RecessedWide Angle Lensboard Insures stability. The rib on the monorail features a scale For architectural,scenic and other short focal length photog- calibratedin 1Omm incrementsfor convenientdeterminationof raphy,the Omega View recessedwide angle lensboardshould be bellows extension. The keyway in the tripod mounting block used to permit easy focusing and camera movementswith wide allows the camerato rotate 10" on the monorail to compensate angle lenses. for unevennessof the tripod and to help bring the horizon to the
levelpoint. GroundGlassViewing
Grafloli"Accessories 1. The large ground glass area lets you ccuratelyevaluateand
The groundglaqs back can be removed to accommodate Graflok compose the image exactly as it wi r ?ppe?r on film.
type accessories.Simply push down the focusing f rame releases 2. Camera adjustments can be accurately used only with a
and slide the ground glass back off the camera. ground glass screen.
Film Holders 3. Whenpreplanmakingyour composition,multipleexposuresand ondrawonethepiecelayoutof film,foryoueachcan
The Omega View is designed to accqmmodate all standard exposureon the ground glass. Use a greasepencil, crayon or
4"x5" sneet f ilm holders and the'Polaroiff+xSLand Film Holder other pencil that will wipe off easily.
Model 545 without removing the groundglass focusing frame.
4. For an evenbrighterimageon the ground glass, the accessory 6x7cmand 6x9cm roll f ilm formats are availablewith the optional
Fresnel Focusing Screen Kit may be installed. Quick RollSlider.The PolaroidLand Pack Film Holder Model 405
can be used by removingthe ground glass frame and securingthe
holder with the slide locks. 'Polaroid is a registered trade mark
of the PolaroidCorporation. 3View original page 4Page 5 · Read text
Unpacking MountingThe Lens
Your Omega View has been specially packaged in form-fitted lf a lens was not mounted on the lensboardwhen your Omega
styrofoam. lt can be quickly set up or disassembled,for ease in View was purchased,take the lens and lensboardto a qualified
storing or carrying in relatively small spaces. This makes it camera repair t-echnicianfor proper mounting. The Consumer
possibleto transportthe camerain a luggagestyle case; or, when ServiceDivisioriof BerkeyMarketingCompanieswill also mount
properlyprotected,in a backpackfor carryingin the f ield without your lens for a nominal charge.
the bulk of a fully assembledcamera.
To place the lensboardon the camera:
Garefullyremoveall the Omega View components from the 1. Push the top lensboard container, and place them slide lock up, and the on a clean level surface. lower lensboard slide You will find the following lock down. items:
NOTE: Always hold the 1. Front and rearstandards lenswith one hand while assembledwith bellows, engagingor unfastening ground glass and lens- the slide locks to pre- board. vent it from falling.
2. Monorailwith removable f:--:-l 2. Place the lensboard on end caps. the camera and return
3. Tripod mounting block. the slide locks to their
locked positions.4. ReferenceScales.
3. The lens diaphragm and
NOTE: Savethe packagingmaterialsand carton in the event you shutter speed controls
wish to ship the camera at a later date. should be easily ac-
cessible.
Assembly 1. Removeone of the end caps from the monorail. Depressthe Bringingthe Gamerato the
locking button, and slide the end cap off the rail. 2. Loosen the fast focus locking levers on the front and rear Neutral Position lZerol standards. The neutral position is the point where the camera is level; the
Removethe cardboardshipping tube from the front and rear f ront and rearstandardsare verticallyand horizontallyparallelto
standards. each other with no front and back rise or lateralshift. The detents
3. Loosen the lock knob on the tripod mounting block. for the tilts, swings and lateral shifts will help you bring the camerato neutral easily. A slight amount of f inger pressureon
4. Gently slide the monorail through the front standard. Make the right tilt braces will provide more positive tilt detenting.
certainthat the ribbed guide on the monorail fits the keyway
on the front standard.
5. Slide the tripod mount-
ing block onto the
monorail, centering it
with the lock knob on the
left side.
6. Slide the rear standard
onto the monorail and
replacethe monorailend
cap.
7. Tighten the fast focus
locking levers on the
front and rear standards. 1. Unfastenthe front and rear rise and fall locking levers, and Tightenthe lock knob on bring the front and rear frames to the lowest position by the tripod mounting turning the rise and fall knobs. Relock the levers. block.
2. Unfastenthe lateralshift and swing locking levers.Move the
NOTE:Tighten the lock knobs and leversfirmly, but do not over- front and rear standards to the horizontal position. Lateral
tighten. Excessive force is not required to hold the camera in shift and swing positions are at zero when the detents are position. engaged. Lock the levers.
3. Unfasten the tilt lock knobs, and set the front and rear
standardsto the vertical zero position. The vertical tilt posi-TripodMounting tions are at zero when the detents are engaged. Lock the tilt
Placeyour Omega View on a sturdy tripod, and secure firmly. knobs.
Thereare two tripod mounting sockets: one for standardtripods 4. The spirit levelson the rear standardwill tell you when the en-
(1/4 x 20), and one for Europeanthreadedtripods. tire camera is level.
1
hView original page 5Page 6 · Read text
6. Unlock the rear standardThe ReferenceScales fast focusing lockingPackaged with your Omega View is a set of self adhesive lever,and slide the rearreferencescales for the front and rear standards. These scales standard forward orindicatethe amount of tilt and lateralshift. Before applying the backward on the mono-scales, be certain that the camera is in the neutral position. rail until the subjectFollow the instructions supplied with the referencescales. comes into focus. lt may
also be necessary to
move the front standard
forward. Relock the fast
focus locking leverwhen
the image appearssharp.
7. For critical focusing,
loosen the microfocus
locking lever and turn
the micro focusingknob.
The rack and pinion I mechanism allows for
extremely precise focus control. t
8. The revolvingback is standard on the 45F, optional on the 45E,
and will rotatea full 360'. Releasethe brakelever,position theBasicOperatingProcedure back in any vertical, horizontalor intermediateposition, and
1. lt is usuallybest to positionthe front and rear standardsso the then secure the brake lever to lock the back in place. Film
tripod mounting block is centeredbetweenthem. This assures holders can be easily insertedsimply by lifting the bail release.
even weight distribution
and maximum stability 9. After composingand focusing, close the lens; set the required
on the tripod. When f number and shutter speed; cock the shutter.
using short focal length
10. Inserta sheet f ilm holder lenses. move the front
standard to its forward which has been loaded
most position to prevent with the film of your
the possibility of the choice.To insertthe f ilm
monorailprotrudinginto holder, pull the top of
the picture. the ground glass frame
backward and slide the
holder into position.
2. Open the lens and set
the diaphragm to its
maximum aperture for
viewingand focusing.
11. Remove the dark slide3. The cameraback can be changedfrom verticalto horizontalto from the film holder. fit the composition you
choose.Simply push the
top slide lock up, and the
bottom slide lock down.
Remove the back and
position it as needed.
Push the slide locks into
the locked position.
NOTE: 12. Exposethe film using a
Always hold the back with cable releaseto trip the
one hand while engagingor shutter. For more con-
unfasteningthe slide locks venient cable release
to prevent the back from handling,and to prevent
f a l l i n g . strain on the cable, the
cable release adapter
can be used.
4. The Omega 45F will accommodate a wide angle bellows
simply by unlocking both the top and bottom bellows slide
locks on the front and rear standards. Remove the standard
bellowsand attachthe wide angle bellows,then relockall slide
locks.
5. Placea focusing cloth, focusing hood, reflex mirror hood or
magnifying hood on the back of the Omega View to facilitate 13. Replacethe dark slide, and removethe film holder from the
viewing and focusing. camera. The film is ready for processing.View original page 6Page 8 · Read text
HorizontalDistortion
Starting Camera Position
Camera Neutral
Problem: GonvergingHorizontalLines
Solutlon: Swing back to correct distortion. Swing front to correct
sharpness
CorrectedPhotographView original page 8Page 9 · Read text
HorizontallmagePosition
Starting Camera Position
Camera Neutral (Front View)
Problem: Poor composition
Reposition lmage
Solutlon: Lateral Shift
Shift front and/or back laterally for desired correction.
Corrected Photograph
hView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
Verticallmage Position Starting Camera Position Problem: Poor Composition Camera Neutral Repositionlmage Solution: Rising front and back Raise front and/or back verticallyfor desired correction. Corrected PhotographView original page 10
Page 11 · Read text
Depthof Field
Depthof f ield can be controlledwith the lens aperture,but may be
increasedconsiderablyby using camera movements.
Starting Camera Position
Problem:Insufficient Depth of Field
Solution: Tilt front forward to increase depth of field
Corrected Photograph
iltil
NOTE: The camera back can also be used separatelyor with the These are the most commonly used camera movements and
front to control depth of field. Swings can be used in the same applications.All of these movementscan be used separatelyor
manner to compensate for insufficient depth of field on the in combination to achieve the desired correction. For more
horizontalplane. technical information, you may want to consult some of the
excellentbooks on largeformat photographywhich are available
from your camera dealer.
1 0
hView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
OmegaView 45Eand 45FAccessories
CollapsibleLens Hood 6x9cmMagnifyingHood
Becauseview camera lenses vary in front diameter, it is some- The 6x9cm magnifyinQ-
timesdifficult to f ind appropriatescrewon or slip on lens shades. hood is designed specifi-
The collapsiblelens hood cally for the Quick Roll
can be used with nearly all Sliderand functions in the
lenses from short to long same way as the 4"x5"
focal length. lt attaches magnifyinghood.
convenientlyto the camera
by screwingthe bracketinto
the mountingsocketon the 4"x5" and 6x9cm FocusingHoods
front standard. The collap- These hoods are designedsiblelenshood is hingedso primarilyfor use in the f ield,that it will swing upward the 4"x5" for the standardproviding easy access to Omega View back and theshutter and aperture con- 6x9cm for the Quick Rolltrols. Slider. When not in use,
both hoods fold flat against
Revolving Back StandardOn 45F,Optlonalon45E the camera back and need
not be removed while theThe revolvingback rotates a full 360" so that the image can be camera is being carried.changed from horizontalto When closed. the hood wil I also protect the grouncl glass.verticalwitout removingthe
fromback the camera. The 4"x5" ReflexMirror Hoodrotating feature is also help-
f ul for aligningthe imageor The most useful focusing
changing the image posi- and viewing accessory is
tion on the ground glass. the Reflex Mirror hood. lt
The bail releasesimplifies has a built-inmagnifier that
insertion of f ilm holders permits viewing with both
and opens the back wide eyes in the horizontal and
enough . to accept the vertical ground glass posi-
PolaroidtmLand Pack Film tions.And, most important,
Holder Model 405. the Reflex Mirror Hood
inverts the ground glass
Quick Roll Sliders seenimageright-side-upso that the subjectfor easeis of compositionand focusing.
Using one of the Quick Roll Slidersquickly convertsthe Omegq.
View to Qxgcmor 6x7cm roll f ilm formatswith the use of Mamiyf AdapterLensboards
or Grafle'i 120roll f ilm backs (not included).The Quick Rott Stid-er For those photographers who have purchased an Omega Viewfeaturesa ground glass fresnel focusing screen that slides into 'u and also own a 4"x5" Calumetl'Speed Graphicl"or Linhofpositionfor focusingand composing.After focusing,the Quick Technica camera, the adapter lensboards make it possible toRoll Slider shifts to the change lenses from one of these cameras to the Omega Viewexposurepositionmaking it without removing the lenses from their present lensboards.unnecessary to remove Standardf lat lensboardsfor normal and long focal length lenses,either the ground glass or and recessed lensboards for wide angle lenses are available.roll film back during the
focusing exposure or pro- 250mmMonorailcedure. The Roll Slid- Quick
er has a built-in cam The short 250mm monorail is designed for use in wide angle
operated darkslide to pre- photography as an additional convenience when using wide
vent accidentalexposureor angle or short focal length lenses.lt f its the OmegaView 45E with
light leaks when in the a standard bellows and the 45F with either the standard or
focusing position. optionalwide angle bellows. Featuringan elevatedrib for greater
stability and calibrated in 10mm increment marks, it permits
greaterthan 1:1 magnificationwhen used with a 90mm lens.4"x5" Magnifying Hood
The 4"x5" magnifyinghood Wide Angle Bellowsfor 45F
eliminatesthe need for a The optional wide angle bellows is an ideal aid for wide anglefocusingcloth. The built-in photography.The flexibleconstructionallows maximum cameramagnifier providesfor quick movements at minimum bellows extension, when using wideprecisefocusing and view- angle or short focal length lenses. Designed to be on the Omegaing of the groundglass.The View 45F and Toyo View cameras.m a g n i f y i n gh o o d w i l l s w i n g
away from the back of the
camera for convenient ac- CarryingCase
cess to the ground glass The sturdy carrying case is designed to hold the completely
su rface. assembled camera, and has two additional compartments for
lenses and accessories.
For a completelisting of accessoriessee your OmegaView/ToyoDealer. 1 1View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
Helpful Operating Suggestions
1 . Always bring the swings, tilts and lateral shift to the zero
positions before composing, focusing and making camera
movemenlS.
2 . Keepyour view cameraclean and d ust f ree.Wipe the exterior
surtaceswith a clean lint f ree cloth. Occasionally,clean the
inside of the camerausing a vacuum cleanerwith a crevice
tool attached to the hose. Removethe lensboardand camera
back before vacuuming.
3. Sheet film holders must be cleaned regularly.Vacuum or
dust thoroughly before loading.
lf you are using a focusing cloth insteadof a magnifyingor
focusing hood, the cloth should be made of heavy black
materialand largeenough to be used comfortably(approxi-
mately4'x4').When working outdoors on hot sunny days, a
focusingcloth with black materialon one side and white on
the other side is ideal. Use the white side on top so it will re-
f lect some of the heat f rom the sun.
Don't subject your film holders to heat or intense light for
long periodsof time.
6 . Always use a cable release when tripping a view camera
shutter.A long flexible cable releaseworks well becauseit
will not transmit the movementof your hand to the camera
during long exposures.
7. A sturdy tripod is necessary to avoid camera shake.
8 . Wait severalsecondsafter removingthe dark slide and cock-
ing the shutter before making the exposure.This will help
oreventcamerashake which can cause lack of sharpnessin
your photographs.
A small angle finder that can be purchasedat any hardware
store is an excellentaid for correctingconvergingvertical
lines. After tilting the camera back, use the angle finder to
make certain the lensboard is parallel to the back.
10. Close up photography: As you movecloserto the subiect, the
lens-to-filmdistanceincreases,and the amount of light fall-
ing on the film decreases.When you work at closer than
normal lens{o-subject distances there must be exposure
compensationfor the added bellows extension.The follow-
ing formula for finding the "effective aperture" is a con-
venientone for determiningthe additionalexposurerequired..
a. Measure the length of the bellows extension from the
center of the shutter to the ground glass.
b. Usea light meterto determineexposure(indicatedf /stop
and shutter speed).
c. Effective aperture =
Example: light meter reads f/16 (indicated f/stop) at
1 / 1251hSecond.
Bellows extension is 16"
Lensfocal length = 2'l0mm (approximatelyS")
1_6"._xf/.19 - 'f/32 (effective aperture)
8"
This means that the indicatedf/stop has a true value of
t/32. ln order to achieveproperexposure,we must open
the lens 2 f /stops or make the equivalentchange in the
shutter speed.In this example,we could open the lens to 'll30 f/8 or increasethe shutter speed to second.View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
There are several calculators for computing close-up ex-
posures availablefrom your photo dealer. When making
. close-upphotographsit may be necessaryto focus with the
rear focusing controls, or slide the monorail forward or
backward through the tripod mounting block to obtain
sharpnessand maintain the desired magnification.
11. A small 24" Iape measureis helpful for determiningbellows
extension.
12. Filtersand adapterrings forview camera lenses can be ob-
tained from your photo dealer. lf the front diameterof your
lens is extremelylarge,smallerf ilterscan be attachedto the
rearof the lens.When using f ilters,always focus the camera
with the f ilter in place for optimum sharpness.
13. Always insert and remove f ilm holders carefully to prevent
the cameraback f rom snappingagainstthe frameand break-
ing the ground glass.
14. A lupe or ground glass magnifier is very helpful for critical
focusing when using a focusing cloth or non-magnifying
focusing hood.
ChoosingView CameraLenses
The term "normal lens" applies to all camerasand formats, and
simply means that the lens is neither wide-anglenor telephoto,
but has a "normal angle of view." The usual way of determining
the normal focal length for a given format is to measure the
diagonal of the negative.
The diagonalof a 4"x5" negativeis 162mm(approximately6%").
So it would seem that a normal lens for your 4"x5" camerawould
be approximately165mm in focal length. However,there is one
important fact to remember: most 150-165mmlenses (except
wide f ield lenses)do not producea largeenough circle of usable
illuminationto permit the use of maximum camera movements
without vignetting.Further,a lensof that focal length is too short
for portraitureand generalstill life applicationsbecauseit tends
to foreshorten facial features and exaggerate perspective. For
these reasons, it is best to use a longer focal length lens for
"generalpurpose"view camera photography.
An excellentgeneralpurposefocal length for the Omega View is
21Omm.becauseit will allow comolete camera movementsand
can be used for most portrait, commercial and still life appli-
cations.The normal bellows draw of the Omega View will also
permit magnifications up to 1:1 making close-up photographs
p os s i blewit h t h e 2 1 0 mm focal length.
A basic guide to 4"x5" view camera focal lengths:
GeneralPurpose:180mm, 210mm, 241mm
Portraiture:24Omm, 254mm, 300mm
'Life:Product & Still 210mm. 24Cmm.300mm
Architectural Interiors,
Exteriors& Wide Angle: 90mm, 75mm, 65mm
Short Focal Length
Semi Wide Angle: 150mm, 135mmView original page 14Page 15 · Read text
'tit
j
Whiil Choosinga View CameraLensRemember: 1. Longerfocal lengthlensesrequiremore bellowsextensionto Specifications
f ocus than shorterfocallengthlenses.You will needa bellows Format: 4"x5" acceptsstandardsheet f ilm holders,Polariod'"
extensionthe same as the focal lengthof the lens to focus at back, film packs and Grafmatic back.
inf inity (exception:telephotoformula lenses).
2. The lens should produce a large enough circle of usable Additional Formats: 6x7cm and 6x9cm using Grafleilor Mamiy'I
illumination to permit camera movements.(Exceptions:ex- Roll Film Backs with AccessoryQuick Roll Sliders.
tremewide anglelenses:65mm,75mm).lf cameramovements
Camera Movements (Front and Rear) are not necessary,the circle of usable illuminationcan be Tilts . + 30" smaller,but should fully cover the negativearea.
Swings 7 20'
3. The choice of focal length is largelya matter of personalpre- Rise . 90m (3.5")
ference.One photographermay prefer a 210mm lens for a Lateralshitt . +32mm(1.3")
portrait,anotherphotographermay use a 300mm lens for the RevolvingBack [45F only] . .360'
same kind of photograph.
4. The choiceof focal length can be determinedby the desired Dimensions:
photographiceffect. For instance, there is no law that says Length Overall 474mm(18.7")
wide angle lens must be used for architectureonly. Ex- HeightOverall 330mm(13")
cellentstill life photographscan be made with short focal Width Overall 280mm(11")
lengthlensesto force perspectiveand give the illusionof ex- Maximum Extension 452mm(17.8")
treme depth. Minimum Extension 86mm (3.4")
Minimum Extensionwith
5. Eachlens you own should be mounted on an appropriatelens- RecessedLens Board. . . . 41mm(1.6")
board. Normal and long focal length lenses should be MonorailDiameter 39mm(1.5")
mountedon the standardlensboard.Wide angle lensesshould Weight 4 kg. (8.8lbs.)
be mounted on recessed lensboards to allow convenient LensboardSize . 158mmx158mm(6.3"x6.3") focusing and camera movement.
Specificationssubiect to change without notice
Omega View/Toyo Division
BERKEYMARKETINGCOMPANIES
25'20Brooklyn-0ueensExpwy.West,Woodside,NY11377t 12121932'4040 '1011 4 3 9 0 V 5 7 8 ChestnutStreet.Burbank.California91506 r (213) Printed in USA 843-1883H hView original page 15From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.