chamonix accessories 4x5 .. what to buy?

[yuexiachou29]

Hello
I am considering to buy a chamonix 4x5 camera. but don't know if anyone would recommend buying any accessories...

[Darin Boville]

Do you mean Chamonix-specific accessories or LF accessories in general--are you experience with LF or just starting out?

--Darin

[mathieu Bauwens]

which accessories and what would be the purpose of it ?

[BrianShaw]

Sure... I can suggest one: film.

[soeren]

Sure... I can suggest one: film.

And filmholders, doesn't have to be Chamonix holders though
I bought the Chamonix 45 F1 with the fresnell. It came with the groundglass protection plate and a wrap, thats it.
Besides camera, film and holders you need a lens covering the 4X5" format, a tripod, a loupe and something to use as a darkcloth. If you don't have access to a darkroom you'll also need a changing bag and may I suggest something to develop your negs in and with.
Best regards

[Joe Wright]

You might want to consider their extension block, this allows you to extend the camera to acommodate a longer light weight non-telephoto lens such as the Fuji 450-C or get in close on your subject with a 300mm or similar lens. The bellows is capable of it, albeit a little tight at that length and, the stability decreases a little but perfectly useable in the right conditions.

The block is made using the same material as the camera bed, so very rigid and feather weight!

[Jac@stafford.net]

When I began LF I wasted money first by getting a poor lens, then wasted more money on one that was better than I needed.

I suggest you ask about your first lens.

[soeren]

I wish someone made the sinar shutters in linhof lensboard sizes
Oh BTW if you want to do IR photography youll need IR proof bellows.
Best regards

[pasiasty]

if you concern original Chamonix stuff:
- a view-finder hood, but it requires modification; then you can forget about a dark-cloth
- a bag bellows if you want to use UWA lenses (actually, I bought mine with both standard and bag bellows instead of universal one; mine shortest lens is 58 mm)
- a fresnel
- a leather wrap - or DIY a better one

[angusparker]

As owner of two Chamonix 4x5s, I would suggest the following:
Pass on extension board - you will rarely use it and the longest lenses are very expensive
Pass on Chamonix film holders - they are pretty but not very functional, buy new Toyo instead
Buy their fresnel option
Buy their leather wrap
Consider their lens boards - light and expensive but the don't fit in all Linhof style cameras, e.g. Shen Hao
Buy a plastic ground glass protector
Buy a good cable release
Buy good dark cloth, eg. BTZS
Buy a light tripod and Really Right Stuff ball head BH-25, the smallest they have which will work with smaller lenses fine
Buy a three lens set over time - 125/180/240 or 90/150/300. I like the former focal lengths better. Try and stick with same manufacturer. I would go Fujinon or Nikon. Stick to one or at most two filter sizes. E.g. 52 and 67mm.
I find anything less than a 110mm lens extreme on a 4x5, but your sensibility may be different. Don't buy anything less than 90mm at least at the start. That way you can avoid buying another set of bellows.