CANHAM vs EBONY

[jdurr]

K B CANHAM 4X5 vs EBONY RW45

Which one would you choose? And why?

Thanks

[Sal Santamaura]

Ebony without a nanosecond's hesitation.

Why? I own two Ebony cameras and once drove more than 100 miles round trip to handle a Canham. I found the Canham not only "fiddly" to open and close, but insufficiently rigid when set up. Proponents will write that, even though Canhams can be deflected, they return to their set positions when pressure is released. My response: pressure is never constant or released when working under windy conditions in the field.

[jdurr]

Ebony without a nanosecond's hesitation.

Why? I own two Ebony cameras and once drove more than 100 miles round trip to handle a Canham. I found the Canham not only "fiddly" to open and close, but insufficiently rigid when set up. Proponents will write that, even though Canhams can be deflected, they return to their set positions when pressure is released. My response: pressure is never constant or released when working under windy conditions in the field.

One for the Ebony!

[Tin Can]

I pick H1 https://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/cameras/45h1

However I want it custom without 4X5 back

Just 5X7 back

Maybe next winter


I bought their 11X14, but sold as it was too nice


I already have a beautiful Japanese 4X5 which I carry unfolded

[Jason Greenberg Motamedi]

Based on the sample? Canham, because I prefer 5x7.

[daisy9]

I purchased the newest Linhof Technika 3000 for a fair used price from KEH. For new 4x5 cameras, try B&H Photo.

[Lachlan 717]

Intrepid 4x5 and buy a couple of top notch lenses with the left over cash.

[Martin Aislabie]

It depends - but doesn't it always.

For sheer build quality and ease of use - the Ebony.

But the RW45 is fairly limited in terms of lenses it can cope with - good for wide angle but it doesn't have the extension for long lenses.

If you are OK with the lens limitations of the Ebony, then it's the Ebony every time.

Martin

[jnantz]

Based on the sample? Canham, because I prefer 5x7.

same here, and the surplus money could be used to purchase film and paper. Ebony's are nice but perfection isn't everything.

[Scott Davis]

One of the big downsides now to an Ebony is that they're no longer in business - you want or need something, either a repair or a customization? No factory support. And as has been noted on many threads here, Keith Canham provides A-1 world-class customer support for his products.