Topcon Horseman 970 VHR Press View Camera with Topcor RS 105mm f3.5 Lens

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The Horseman Press Camera represents a series of 2-1/4" x 3-1/4" format technical cameras cameras dating to 1960.    (6x9 and 6x7 Horseman backs for either 120 or 220 film  are available at the time of this article)  

The 960 was introduced in 1960, the 970 in 1963, followed by the 980, 985, and VH and VHR (rangefinder) models   There was one fairly uncommon early model (760) that lacked a rangefinder as did the subsequent VH for those wanting a lighter, more compact camera for field use.   Both the VH and VHR shared the same body casting.  It is not uncommon to see a VHR with the rangefinder removed. 

HISTORY

In addition to Horseman rollfilm backs, Horseman Press Cameras would accept 6x9cm cut film holders, Graphic RH8, RH10, RH12, and RH20 rollfilm backs as well as 6x7 Mamiya RB rollfilm backs.   A 4x5 inch accessory Horseman back was available.   Horseman also makes (made?) a 6x12 panoramic back which can probably (verify) be used with the 4x5 accessory back.   Generally, the "Super" lenses would cover 4x5 when the accessory back was used.  The "Pro" Horseman lenses would not.  Most any maker's lenses from 47mm up to a (roughly) 240mm (telephoto) can be mounted on Horseman lensboards and focused on the ground glass.

Horseman Press cameras shared a feature in common with the Linhof Technica (bellows) cameras: movements were incorporated into the rear standard as well as the front standard.  The Horseman, however was considerably lighter than the Linhof. and most any decent machine shop can turn out simple but functional lens boards (the light traps on the back of Horseman lensboards don't seem to be necessary--as in my experience--light leaks without those "ridges" are not a problem.     

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