The Swebo TC-1 is a nice piece of kit, but the rail and bellows only accommodate about 190 mm of flange focal distance. I can focus the Digaron HR 180mm lens from infinity to a few meters, but I can’t use longer lenses even at infinity, and I can’t get the bellows draw necessary for a lot of the greater-than-life-size macro work I want to do. I asked the Swebo folks if they could help me out.
They could. They have a six-pleat bellows and a 350mm monorail. I ordered them, and they arrived in about a week.
The parts look good.
But there was some extra stuff in the box.
That should prove useful in getting another 100 mm or so of extension.
And something else, an Arca Swiss riser:
Not sure what I’ll use the riser for, but it’s always nice to get more than you expected.
Hi, Did you order your SWEBO TC 1 via Aliexpress? the Shop5796905 Store? I’m looking into this for my sony system as I have a new small goods client and I anticipate a LOT of close up macro work. Would love to connect with you and get your experience.
I did. I’m going to be setting it up for macro in the next couple of months.
Hi Jim, after almost a year, since this publication, have you started taking macros with this Swebo camera? Did you manage to do 1:1 or more? Thanks.
Still on my to do list, sad to say…
Thanks Jim. I hope you can get started soon .-)
I purchased a TC-1 a month ago and immediately ordered the 6 pleat bellows and the 350mm rail. You are correct, with the standard rail I could not focus the 180mm Fujinon, just manage it if I pushed both standards as far as they would go, with the 350 I can comfortably use the T-ED 360 even for moderate close up. I also have the T-ED 500 and 720, I haven’t tried the 500 yet but I will try tomorrow I will probably have to get the extension. All in all the TC-1 is a great piece of kit, it’s well built, the markings are accurate and the use of Arca Swiss clamping means that the system doesn’t need occasional adjustment.