The challenges solved by Tilt (swing) and Shift

Historically when creating an image where the main elements were not on the same focus plane, out came the trusty large format 4x5 (or 8x10) view camera (from Cambo, ARCA-SWISS, Sinar, Toyo and many others - including FujiFilm GX680), with a rail and bellows system that allowed for film planes and lens positions to be shifted and tilted. This allowed for perspective control and precise positioning of the subject in relation to it's environment.

Fast forward and there would be many photographers that may have never put hands on a large technical camera with movements. Their tools of trade may have become Tilt/Shift lenses on their 35mm camera of choice, or there may be some requiring more control when creating their images that may have jumped into attaching their 35mm or medium format digital back or camera on a compact view camera with rail and bellows, much like the Cambo ACTUS or ARCA-SWISS M-Line or F-Line.

The 110mm has ±15mm rise and fall, if you want to achieve shifting side to side, the lens has a switch to rotate the lens barrel 90°.

The same also goes for the ±10°Tilt, top to bottom. If you want to swing side to side, the lens is again rotated 90° to achieve swing left to right.

The problem with using a standard macro lens is that when you get nice and close to fill the frame with the subject, you generally get a very narrow depth of field. The only solution to get the subject sharp from front to back is to either:
- use a focus stacking technique that creates a large number of files and then deciding what focus stacking software is going to give you the best result
- move the camera back a long way to try and get more of the subect in focus meaning that the potential size of the image is compromised as you are not using the whole frame

The 110mm Macro Tilt Shift solves this dilemma by allowing the positioning of the lens elements to alter the normal lens position (being parallel to the sensor).

And by the way, this lens will create amazing possibilities when used with video as well.

While conducting our test, we captured sharp images of a watch, ensuring all components were in focus. However, we were compelled to explore the lens's capabilities beyond its intended use. Rather than settling for a mundane image where every element of the watch is sharp, we sought to unleash the lens's creative potential by adding some extra flair.

Thank-you Adrian Lander (still life [and other things] master) for helping us explore what this lens would not normally be used for!

To check out Adrian's amazing body of work, please visit https://www.adrianlander.com.au/ You can also follow him on Instagram