Looking for a new camera: Shen-Hao vs Chamonix

[Really Big Cameras]

Kerry, can I use the Horseman 612 with the chamonix 4x5, thanks.

Gregory,

Yes, no problems with the Horseman roll film backs, including the 6x12, on the Chamonix 4x5.

Kerry Thalmann
Really Big Cameras

[Frank Petronio]

Did I miss something or is Kerry selling Chamonix cameras now? I don't see them on his website.

[Archphoto]

Has any one attached a Linhof Universal viewfinder to the Chamonix 45 ?

Thinking of buying a Chamonix, thats why.

How to fit it on top I know.

Thanks,
Peter

[Oren Grad]

Did I miss something or is Kerry selling Chamonix cameras now?

Both.

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?t=43478

[tgtaylor]

While I understand the theory behind your aversion to wooden cameras, as someone who lives in a wet climate (Oregon, it rains a LOT here), in practice I have never had a problem with a wooden camera caused by moisture.

In theory, metal cameras may be more durable and more resistant to the elements, but again, I have never had any problems in these areas with any of the many wooden cameras I've used (Zone VI, Anba Ikeda, Wisner, Canham).

Kerry Thalmann
Really Big Cameras

I am from the deep, deep south where the homes are wooden and at least a century or two old. Those houses were built out of Cypress - a tree that grows in the swamp and not susceptible to dry rot as other woods are. I wonder why Cypress is not used in wooden camera construction?

[Gordon Moat]

I got my Shen-Hao HZX45A-II from Badger Graphic a few years ago, and it has worked quite well for me in urban shooting situations. I started off with a used 135mm lens, which the camera can easily exceed image circle with the movements possible. Only the 180mm Nikkor I have comes close to running into the edge of possible movements while still in the image circle, but then the camera nearly seems twisted into a pretzel to do that.

The HZX45A-II has rear standard movements. Originally I felt I would not use them much, though I wanted to be able to have the choice. After much more time using my Shen-Hao, I find that I use the rear movements quite often.

Going to a 90mm lens, which you may want eventually, you might find that some movements could really bunch up the standard bellows. The bellows is stiff when the camera is new, though it will loosen up a little with usage. One option is the bag bellows, which Badger sell. Another option is a recessed lens board, though if you shoot under low light or night conditions, then it is tougher to read the aperture and shutter settings. You can use the bag bellows with a 135mm, so it would be possible to keep it on the camera, though the standard bellows would be better with longer lenses.

Since you want to go mostly short or wide lenses, then you might consider one of the other Shen-Hao cameras. The HZX45A-II is very nice, and a good all around choice, but one of the more specialized models might be more workable for you. Depending upon pricing, the TFC45-BII might be a better choice.

http://www.shen-hao.com/

Ciao!

Gordon Moat Photography

[Clement Apffel]

The only 90mm whose coverage MIGHT be limited by the universal bellows is the 90mm Super Angulon XL.

I think the 90 Super-angulon XL cannot be mounted on the 45N-1.
The rear element beeing to big to enter the front standard.

I'll check that for you when I get home tonight.

[Clement Apffel]

I confirm that the 90/5,6 SA XL cannot be mounted on the 45N-1.
Unless with some makeshift solution like mounting the lens on the board after it has been attached to the front standard...

Definitely not a solution I would consider.