Sinar from Feuerthalen near Schaffhausen built monorail cameras from 1948 on a modular principle: every standard, bellows, rail and back fits every other, and a 4x5 can be converted to 5x7 or 8x10. The F series (F1, F2) is the lighter field version with lockable movements, the P series (P, P2, P3) the precision studio camera with micrometer adjustment and the heaviest build, and the later X and the P3 are also meant for digital backs. The Sinaron lenses (built by Rodenstock) and the Sinar shutter with DB lens boards complete the system.
On used Sinar kits we check every movement (tilt, swing, shift, rise) for play and locking, the bellows for cracks and light leaks, the rail and rail clamp, the ground glass and the Fresnel, and on lenses the shutter at every speed and the glass for haze and fungus. Sinar parts are still readily available, so a kit can always be completed.
Starting with large format? A Sinar F2 with a 150mm or 210mm Sinaron is a sensible start; for the studio choose a P2. We buy complete Sinar kits and help you assemble yours.
