ABSTRACT
The vertical-horizontal reversible back found on most early view cameras is used on many contemporary view cameras because it is less expensive to manufacture and does not require as large a bellows as a revolving back designed to be used at any angle of rotation. For many years 35-mm and roll-film cameras have had depth-of-field scales on the lens barrel or the camera body, a feature now being adopted by view camera manufacturers. Since most view cameras cannot be handheld, it is appropriate to consider improvements made in tripods and stands over the years. Locking mechanisms on the focusing adjustments to prevent defocusing the image when inserting a film holder are normally provided as standard equipment on view cameras, but improvements have been made in their design. Improvements include separating the locking and focusing controls and, more recently, providing self-locking focusing controls.
