Usability of the Chamonix Saber vs. Polaroid conversion

**richardman** · 27-Nov-2013, 00:56

Hi folks, has anyone ever used both a Chamonix Saber and a Polaroid converted 4x5, e.g. Alpenhause, Razzle etc.?

I have a Saber with 120mm APO Symmar that I like a lot. I have now purchased a Xenotar 135 and I am wondering which body to get. Specifically Alpenhause can get close focusing which is a plus. The Saber is very light and convenient to use. The Sbaer VF is OK and the RF is usable, although obviously not Leica like. If you have used both, how you compare them in terms of RF patch brightness and other handling issues?

Thanks

**Drew Bedo** · 27-Nov-2013, 06:02

While I have zero direct experience with either of these cameras, I know that neither of them have "Leica-like" range finders. Does that help any?

I have long wished that Leica had made a Mamya-7-ish camera, or something like the X-Pan or larger.

**richardman** · 27-Nov-2013, 06:06

Yes, the Saber is definitely not Leica-like, nor XPan like. I have a few of those too. I am sure Polaroid is not either.

**EdSawyer** · 27-Nov-2013, 12:37

The Mamiya 7 is I think the gold standard of rangefinders, both in terms of the overall package and of the rangefinder function/image/quality. Let us know what you find out, Richard.

-Ed

**richardman** · 27-Nov-2013, 13:43

I am tilting toward the Saber, but there will be a 4+ month wait... Ugh.

**richardman** · 27-Nov-2013, 13:45

I had a Mamiya 7II too. Used it for a year+. Sold it to buy the M9 :-)

I love the Leica RF better, but those two are very close.

**Phil Hudson** · 27-Nov-2013, 14:35

Personally I prefer the handling of the Saber - the layout just feels more intuitive to me, especially in landscape orientation. In the past I have owned a Littman, and still have a Four Designs Polaroid conversion (both Polaroid 110 based I think). The rangefinders I have found to be surprisingly accurate, although there is a certain amount of play in the focusing mechanism with all of them.

**richardman** · 27-Nov-2013, 18:00

Phil, thanks. I agree with the orientation.

So how does the VF/RF compare between the Saber and other 2 converted Polaroids you have used? Brightness? Accuracy, such as it is?

Thanks