Horseman ER-1
image by Tim Shoebridge (Image rights) |
The Horseman ER-1 manufactured by Komamura is a 6x9 format technical/field/press camera which takes roll film in interchangeable backs. It allows movements/adjustments to correct for various distortions and to control the plane of sharp focus. Being a field camera, it is similar to a view camera but more compact and with fewer adjustments. In common with many press cameras it has a viewfinder and rangefinder to allow handheld use. The ER-1 was introduced at Photokina 1984.[1].
Notable changes from the VH-R include a removable zoom viewfinder (65-300mm) and the ER (Electro-Remote) monitoring system. The monitoring system is located in the ER-grip and requires an ER roll film holder and ER lens to work. The system will indicate if the film needs winding and if the dark slide has been removed.
ER-1 camera specifications
Rangefinder | Rangefinder coupling range | Camera bed drop | Lens standard movements | Camera back movements | Revolving back system | Track extension | Bellows extension | Dimensions | Weight |
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Cam coupling double image coincidence type (Base = 70mm, Ratio = 1:1). |
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15 degrees |
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72mm |
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145 x 152 x 96 mm when folded. |
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ER lenses
A new seven-lens lineup was introduced with the ER-1 camera. All ER lenses feature "Hard Multi Coating", and are rangefinder coupled with the correct rangefinder cam. The ER lenses are mounted on special 80mm Horseman lensboards with built in micro-solenoids and contacts for interfacing with the ER-monitoring system.
Lens | Lens construction | Image circle | Filter diameter | Front diameter | Rear diameter | Flange focal distance | Overall length | Weight |
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ER 65mm f7 | 6 elements in 4 groups | 152mm (f22), 120mm (f7) | 40.5mm | 42mm | 39.5mm | 70.6mm | 55.8mm | 300g |
ER 75mm f5.6 | 6 elements in 4 groups | 120mm (f22), 100mm (f5.6) | 40.5mm | 42mm | 31mm | 73.7mm | 37.9mm | 230g |
ER 90mm f5.6 | 6 elements in 4 groups | 150mm (f22), 130mm (f5.6) | 40.5mm | 42mm | 39.5mm | 88.6mm | 39.5mm | 230g |
ER 105mm f5.6 | 6 elements in 4 groups | 160mm (f22), 140mm (f5.6) | 43mm | 45mm | 48mm | 104.2mm | 47.5mm | 260g |
ER 120mm f5.6 | 6 elements in 4 groups | 160mm (f22), 160mm (f5.6) | 40.5mm | 42mm | 51mm | 121.3mm | 49.8mm | 290g |
ER 150mm f5.6 | 4 elements in 3 groups | 160mm (f22), 140mm (f5.6) | 40.5mm | 42mm | 31mm | 144.4mm | 41.5mm | 250g |
ER 180mm | 4 elements in 4 groups | 140mm (f22), 100mm (f5.6) | 52mm | 54mm | 39.5mm | 124.9mm | 74.5mm | 330g |