Chamonix Saber

[NicolasArg]

I've been looking at this camera on the Chamonix web site for the last couple of days and it looks really tempting for long mountain hikes. Any owner out there, any review?
What do you think about it as a rugged and light landscape camera vs a Toyo CF for example? I'm aware of its limitations, but the size and the weight are quite interesting for travel.
Would love to hear any opinions, thanks in advance!

[Hugo Zhang]

Nicolas,

The first batch of 30 Sabers were sold out in hours and the next batch is sometimes next year and there is a waiting list.

See this thread and use google translation to read the Chinese. I have one and love it and it burns at least twice of film than a regular 45 view camera.

http://forum.xitek.com/showthread.php?threadid=727784

Hugo

[NicolasArg]

Thanks for the link Hugo, I'm reading it right now and it does look really interesting. Had no idea they were that hard to buy.
Thanks again.

[AgentX]

There are other 4x5 Polaroid conversion cameras out there...Razzledog, Alpenhaus, etc., but they seem to have waiting lists too...

[Richard K.]

Hugo, I don't see these on the Chamonix site. Is there a page for them?

[Richard K.]

Richard, I think you just need to look more carefully! Here it is:

http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/saber.html

[NicolasArg]

There are other 4x5 Polaroid conversion cameras out there...Razzledog, Alpenhaus, etc., but they seem to have waiting lists too...

Certainly and maybe it's just a matter of perception, but somehow the saber looks a bit flatter and more compact. But then again, I never tried any of these cameras.

[bracan]

I got mine Saber two days ago with 135mm APO Symmar and I must say....this camera is fantastic!!!! Weight ideal, handling ideal, finish ideal....Well done Hugo.
I just roll test with Polaroid 545 holder and Polaroid 55
Aperture was f8,5 and I use one flash head with fresnel.