Toyo 45A vs. Chamonix 045n-2

[claus]

This is my first post here so... hello there!
I'm a brazilian photographer but I'm living in Paris nowadays. Now, let's talk about what matters.

My style is documentary photography and while studying the work of such photographers as Rob Hornstra, Alec Soth, Joel Sternfeld and Richard Misrach, I'm thinking in moving from MF to 4x5 format. After doing some research, I have the opportunity to get one of these two cameras:

1) Used Toyo 45A + Schneider Symmar-s 150 (multi coated) + Holders and a loupe. I would pay 890 USD for it.

2) New Chamonix 045n-2, body only. 980 USD

I'm wondering if it better to invest in the used metal camera kit or buy a new wood camera and get the lens later. And I'd love to hear some thoughts about these two cameras for this photography style.

Thank you in advance!

[Dvenosa]

My Toyo 45A is a joy to use...

BTW sou brasileiro tb

[sully75]

I'd go Chamonix. Very happy with mine. I'm sure you'll be good with either one.

A monorail like a Toyo is going to be much cheaper and in a lot of ways easier to use. But it's a bear to carry around.

[David Lobato]

I've had my Toyo 45A since 1988. It's a folding field camera, not a monorail like the 45E I once had. I have always loved using the 45A. It's easy to use intuitively under the dark cloth and very fast to setup, which may help in your work. One reason I will always keep it is because I get very sharp transparencies and b&w negatives (all that metal has advantages for stiffness). And it's rugged in frequent handling and transport. Plus it's part of the large Toyo system so accessories and spare parts are widely available.

I handled a Chamonix 45N recently and it was nice, but very different from my Toyo. I passed on the great deal the seller was offering for it. It would have taken me some time to get proficient with the movements on a Chamonix but it is a well made camera.

[Joseph Dickerson]

I don't currently own either, but have used both and either would work fine for your purposes.

Chamonix is lighter, has more movements, and will handle short and long focal lengths better than the Toyo 45A. The 45A is a tank, nearly indestructible, but for me at least, the Chamonix would be worth the extra shekels.

You could also look for a used Chamonix 045-n1. As folks move to the newer model they'll start to show up from time to time.

JD

[Preston]

I have a Chamonix 045N-2 and really like it. It is certainly worth the money--very well built, and to my mind, easy to use. If you decide on the Chamonix there's two things I'll note.

1. If you plan to use lenses longer than a 300mm (like a 450), you'll want to purchace the extension board, too.
2. There is rumored to be a new version coming out. Here's a link to the thread here at LFPF about it. New-Chamonix-in-3-months-ish

I believe you'll be happy with either camera.

--P

[vinny]

45n-2,here's one on the forum.

[Dave Hally]

I have both cameras, and I have't used the Toyo since I got the Chamonix. The Chammy has a lot longer bellows draw, which I like, and is a lot lighter. I think the price that you quoted for the Toyo is a little high, unless everything is absolutely pristine. For instance, I am thinking about selling mine for about 600, including a 180 symar s. Granted mine is well used, but has a fairly new bellows and is perfectly functional.
Both cameras are well built, and are a precise as you will need.
I did find that the base of the front standard of the Toyo is a little fragile, and will break if the camera fall over forward. Replacement parts are available. I also had the cover "glass" (acrylic) of the fresnel on the Chamonix break away at the four mounting points where it is clamped, I replaced mine with Lexan.
So, the Chammy will do anything that the Toyo can do, and it will handle longer lenses, such as a 300mm or more.
Good luck,
Dave Hally
.

[Darin Boville]

If your own documentary style is similar to the photographers you name you'll be fine with either camera. I've had both and like both. The Toyo is nearly a perfect field camera, I think. It's only flaw is that it is a bit heavy (of course, since it is metal and therefore difficult to damage). It's my favorite field camera, even more so than the Linhof. The Chamonix is close behind. Well-designed and light weight. It's only flaw in my mind (which others don't mind at all) is the system that often requires you to remount the front standard when changing lenses. I hate that! I'd be willing to add a few ounces to remove that feature


The Toyo could be used handheld though, as I said, it is heavy. The Chamonix as it comes would be difficult to use handheld, though I'm sure you could rig up some sort of strap or handle to make it more manageable.

--Darin

[claus]

Thank you all for the very insightful comments.
It's kind of a relief that I can't go wrong with either camera.

I'll tell you all the final decision once I made it.