Which Chamonix 4x5?

[Alan Klein]

I read through your question several times and I don't get it.

You're asking people to experience a camera For You which is absolutely impossible.

If you really had one specific question that would be one thing but you've thrown in a multitude of variables.

The thing to do, in my opinion, since you've narrowed it down to Chamonix is flip a coin and buy one.

After you have experienced one view camera, examined it's specs and compared it to others you might have a better idea of what you want.

If your not going far from the car who cares about weight?

You don't like upside down and backwards? Seriously?

Buy a camera.

Get on with it.

Brad, Sorry I'm frustrating you. I'm brand new to LF, never used the equipment. So I have a lot of questions before committing to thousand of dollars. Thanks for your comment about weight and the car. I already considered that and made the decision to go with the 45H-1. Now that Steve and Kent answered my question on film holders, I know where I'm going. Everyone's help is appreciated. Thanks.

[Kiwi7475]

Brad, Sorry I'm frustrating you. I'm brand new to LF, never used the equipment. So I have a lot of questions before committing to thousand of dollars. Thanks for your comment about weight and the car. I already considered that and made the decision to go with the 45H-1. Now that Steve and Kent answered my question on film holders, I know where I'm going. Everyone's help is appreciated. Thanks.

I second your decision, I’m a happy owner of a F2 and I haven’t used any of the extra capabilities that it offers beyond the H1. And when hiking I always wish I had the other one for a quicker set up.... good luck!

[darr]

Hi Alan,

I have had way too many 4x5 cameras to list them all, and I liked all of them except for a 5x7" Wisner Tech (would come off the rails).

My favorite was an Ebony SW - non folder; very similar to that pretty 45H-1.
I favor the non-folders. The 45H-1 would be my choice if I was choosing.

I have always used a right angle viewfinder (RAV) if available. It started in photography school with an in-line viewer (not upright) for my Calumet 4x5.
Ebony Camera customized a Cambo RAV years ago for me because I wanted it that bad.

Viewfinders come in handy out in the weather at times, but I really do not enjoy being under a dark cloth.
My Sinar Norma just got a RAV from KEH.com for $63 US delivered a week ago.

I have been using view cameras (monorail and field) for over 30 years and only purchased new film holders once.
I usually buy mine used from KEH for $10-$15 each with never a problem.

Buying used is how I am able to afford all the gear I have.
I can recommend the following sites to check for used photography goods:


Camera West: https://camerawest.com/

Igor Camera: http://www.igorcamera.com/

KEH: https://www.keh.com/

Midwest Photo: https://mpex.com/

National Camera Exchange: https://www.natcam.com/product-category/used/

Badger Graphic Sales: http://www.badgergraphic.com/opencar...te=common/home



Best of luck to you!!
Darr

[brad martin]

You'll learn way more trying things for yourself than asking open ended questions.

Just my experience.

[Two23]

Here's another good video on loading film holders.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5CeGAR10K0


Kent in SD

[pepeguitarra]

Although I have the F2 and several other wooden cameras in very nice conditions, I find myself using the Intrepid 4x5 Mk II the most. It is light weight, and does everything I need to. It is not even 2 pounds heavy.

[Alan Klein]

Hi Alan,

I have had way too many 4x5 cameras to list them all, and I liked all of them except for a 5x7" Wisner Tech (would come off the rails).

My favorite was an Ebony SW - non folder; very similar to that pretty 45H-1.
I favor the non-folders. The 45H-1 would be my choice if I was choosing.

I have always used a right angle viewfinder (RAV) if available. It started in photography school with an in-line viewer (not upright) for my Calumet 4x5.
Ebony Camera customized a Cambo RAV years ago for me because I wanted it that bad.

Viewfinders come in handy out in the weather at times, but I really do not enjoy being under a dark cloth.
My Sinar Norma just got a RAV from KEH.com for $63 US delivered a week ago.

I have been using view cameras (monorail and field) for over 30 years and only purchased new film holders once.
I usually buy mine used from KEH for $10-$15 each with never a problem.

Buying used is how I am able to afford all the gear I have.
I can recommend the following sites to check for used photography goods:


Camera West: https://camerawest.com/

Igor Camera: http://www.igorcamera.com/

KEH: https://www.keh.com/

Midwest Photo: https://mpex.com/

National Camera Exchange: https://www.natcam.com/product-category/used/

Badger Graphic Sales: http://www.badgergraphic.com/opencar...te=common/home



Best of luck to you!!
Darr

Darr, thanks for your advice. Chamonix has various viewfinders for 4x5. What do you think?
http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/ac...es/viewfinders

[lassethomas]

Currently, I’m shooting medium format (Mamiya RB67) with 35mm equivalents in 24mm, 44mm, 85mm and 172mm (Actual lenses are 50mm, 90mm, 180mm, and 360mm). That's about 90mm for 4x5 to get the 24mm equivalent. I also would want to get a 150mm for normal shooting. Which lenses would you recommend for sharp focus for the 45H1 model?

Well, I wouldn't worry too much about the lenses. As long as you get a decent copy from the big four made within the last 40 years or so you will be fine.
Sharpness in large format is not about the lens really, it's about you and your ability to asses the scene, make the right movements, get the right depth of field. And actually execute your intentions.

I don't think I actually nailed the focus in my first thirty sheets or so.

Eventually you will get to see differences between lenses but this will not be your first problem.
And then if you're planning to scan, the scanner is going to be your biggest limitation anyway.

So get a few lenses, don't pay too much, and start to get a feeling for the craft.

/Lasse

[darr]

Darr, thanks for your advice. Chamonix has various viewfinders for 4x5. What do you think?
http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/ac...es/viewfinders

Alan,

Their 4x5 Reflex Viewer is a Cambo knock-off; the model I had Ebony convert for my use with their cameras.
The only problem I had with the Cambo type viewfinder was the need to use a step-stool sometimes, but I begin at 5'2" so you might not have that problem.

Darr

[Two23]

Darr, thanks for your advice. Chamonix has various viewfinders for 4x5. What do you think?
http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/ac...es/viewfinders

You really need to use a magnifier/loupe to focus sharply. The problem with all the "viewers" I've seen is they make it more difficult to stick my hand in there and hold a loupe. This is especially true for 4x5, which is really a pretty small format. I don't use any viewer at all and prefer to simply throw either a jacket or an x-large black t-shirt over the back of the camera and my head so I have easy access to the ground glass. I've never felt the need for a viewer. I've been using 4x5 and 5x7 for 25 years now. Save your money for something more important--there's plenty of more useful stuff to spend on.

Kent in SD