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Thread: New to LF - Chamonix or used Wista SP outfit?

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  1. #1

    Join Date
    Mar 2017
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    New to LF - Chamonix or used Wista SP outfit?

    Dilemma!! But a nice one to have.
    Ive been photographing for 40plus years and have been digital for the last 15 or so. But I miss the smell of fixer and want to slow down some aspects of my image making. So I want to try LF - 4x5 specifically. I aim to shoot some still life, environmental portraits, may a few landscapes.
    So I am about to splurge and get a camera but caught in the usual dilemma of what to get. Budget is $2000 for camera and 1-2 lenses. Looking around, I am between the following two choices:

    1. Getting a new Chamonix 45F1 (probably in Teak) and get two used lenses 150 and 210 or a 90, and 5-10 film holders (used)
    2.Ive seen on eBay from a US based dealer a used Wista45sp with 150 and 210 Fujinon lenses and 5 film holders. (Offers 30 day return). Camera seems clean although bellows look well used (would check for leaks anyway).

    I already have a Toyo loupe, dark cloth, cable release and heavy duty tripod, filters etc and just bought the SP445 dev tank for the darkroom.
    Anyone any thoughts they would like to share?
    Best
    Simon

  2. #2
    Dave Karp
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    Re: New to LF - Chamonix or used Wista SP outfit?

    You have selected two excellent cameras. Each operates differently. The Chamonix is a folder. It folds on itself and the front standard must be screwed into place on the focusing block each time you use it. The Wista SP collapses into itself and then shuts closed. I think the Chamonix has more bellows extension, but both have available extenders, although the Wista requires either extension lensboards or a focusing extension and a longer bellows.

    Both cameras are designed for photographing in the field. For still life you might prefer a monorail camera. The monorail will give you the full range of movements and is designed for studio use. A monorail will save you a lot of money because they are plentiful on the used market. Used Sinar, Toyo, and Cambo cameras are available at reasonable prices and the accessories are also readily available.

    Fujinon lenses are excellent and often available at very reasonable prices when compared to the equally fine offerings from Rodenstock, Nikon, and Schneider. Check out prices on the cameras and lenses individually. I don't know anything about the package you found on eBay, but prices for nice 150mm and 210mm Fujinon NW (multicoated, with lettering on the outside of the lens barrel, marked as "Fujinon W") are very reasonable. You might be able to purchase the items separately for less. I have purchased four Fujinon lenses from three different Japanese sellers and they have all been in excellent condition.

  3. #3
    Huub
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    Netherlands
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    Re: New to LF - Chamonix or used Wista SP outfit?

    Did you already look into this older discussion? http://www.largeformatphotography.in...Chamonix-45N-1

  4. #4

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    Re: New to LF - Chamonix or used Wista SP outfit?

    I purchased a Wista SP later last year. It'll be excellent to backpack. I would pick one with a good bellows, versus a bellows that's obviously showing its age. It seems to me that the bellows material is a little thin. Although, there are replacement bellows available on EBay, sans frames.

    Being able to change bellows is also a plus; although, the bag bellows new is expensive. (B&H.) None the less, I will probably save and purchase one later. With the standard bellows, I can get about 3/4" rise with my Nikon 90mm SW f8. My longest lens is a 385mm Wollensak Tele-Rapter with a flange focal length that's under 300mm. It's a heavy lens; yet, the SP has no problem supporting it.

    I tried a 300mm extension with the 600mm bellows and decided that I didn't need it. The extension has a tripod mount on the front end for additional support. For example, when in use, one could support the extended front using a light-weight monopod. Without using that additional monopod support, the extension with a lens mounted (Nikon 450mm f9 M) was prone to vibrations. While I didn't try it, I think that the extensions would work fine if using the extra support. I have a rail camera that can meet all my long lens needs, so I decided to return the extension and long bellows that I purchased.

    The swing micro-adjustment is quite effective. Note that one adjusts only one side at a time; not both.

    One can get a dedicated lens shade on EBay for under $200. I plan to use the Lee system. It's also possible to purchase a binocular reflex viewer.

    Read the information about the SP on the Wista website. For example, they claim that one can use a 75mm lens without using the SP's drop bed. I also picked up from KEH an attachment that will enable me to use a 47mm lens in combination with the bag bellows. I doubt that I'll ever use it, though.

    All in all, I sure like the camera and look forward to using it this coming season.

  5. #5

    Re: New to LF - Chamonix or used Wista SP outfit?

    Quote Originally Posted by neil poulsen View Post
    Read the information about the SP on the Wista website. For example, they claim that one can use a 75mm lens without using the SP's drop bed. I also picked up from KEH an attachment that will enable me to use a 47mm lens in combination with the bag bellows. I doubt that I'll ever use it, though.
    Can you tell me about that attachment? I recently picked up an SP and I plan on using 55mm and 75mm lenses. The 90mm I have on there doesn't allow me a tun of room already. How will this pan out? Hahah thanks

    Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk

  6. #6
    Rodfjell's Avatar
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    Re: New to LF - Chamonix or used Wista SP outfit?

    I got into 4x5 last year and started with a Wista SP metal field camera. I sold it a few months ago and bought a Chamonix 045N-2. That model weighs the same as the F1 you're looking at. It is much lighter than the Wista and setting up the Chamonix and breaking it down really isn't a hassle at all.

    Given that you're a serious photographer I'd recommend buying a brand new F1 over a used SP. Fujinon lenses are reallly sharp and can be bought much cheaper than comparable lenses from Japanese sellers.

    Don't buy from the reseller on eBay. Buy directly from Chamonix by contacting their US distributor Hugo Zhang (http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com). Hugo will offer to send the camera as a gift thru PayPal to save you money but if something goes wrong you don't have PayPal's buyer protection. I ordered mine on a Friday and had it in my hands the following Thursday in Louisiana.


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  7. #7

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    Re: New to LF - Chamonix or used Wista SP outfit?

    Quote Originally Posted by Rodfjell View Post
    I got into 4x5 last year and started with a Wista SP metal field camera. I sold it a few months ago and bought a Chamonix 045N-2. That model weighs the same as the F1 you're looking at. It is much lighter than the Wista and setting up the Chamonix and breaking it down really isn't a hassle at all.

    Given that you're a serious photographer I'd recommend buying a brand new F1 over a used SP. Fujinon lenses are reallly sharp and can be bought much cheaper than comparable lenses from Japanese sellers.

    Don't buy from the reseller on eBay. Buy directly from Chamonix by contacting their US distributor Hugo Zhang (http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com). Hugo will offer to send the camera as a gift thru PayPal to save you money but if something goes wrong you don't have PayPal's buyer protection. I ordered mine on a Friday and had it in my hands the following Thursday in Louisiana.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    You do realize that by encouraging it to be sent as a "gift" you are abetting a crime, don't you?

  8. #8

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    Re: New to LF - Chamonix or used Wista SP outfit?

    Hi all, and thanks for the instructive responses.
    I think I'll go for the Wista 'kit' to start with. It gets me up and running quickly (that's a word I don't think you hear often in LF photography), and the cost of entry is slightly lower. Then I can see where the medium takes me and then upgrade or tune the kit as I need it. Of particular importance to me is to be able to set-up/take-down reasonably quickly. I'm working on a visual essay on how Veterans are using music to overcome PTSD and other mental health issues and the portraits usually have to be done quite fast.

  9. #9
    Rodfjell's Avatar
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    Re: New to LF - Chamonix or used Wista SP outfit?

    I did a quick look for you and a new Chamonix F1, a lot of film holders from ebay, a Fujinon 150mm & 210mm from ebay comes out to $1527. How much will the Wista SP setup cost you?

  10. #10
    Rodfjell's Avatar
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    Re: New to LF - Chamonix or used Wista SP outfit?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Salomon View Post
    You do realize that by encouraging it to be sent as a "gift" you are abetting a crime, don't you?
    Duh, Bob lol. I was encouraging him not to do so.


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