shen hao 4x10 vs chamonix 4x10

[prado333]

I would like to know opinions betwen the two cameras shen hao and chamonix
because i don´t know which to buy
all opinions are welcome

[Walter Calahan]

Both cameras are very well made. Don't worry about it. Get the one that makes you happy.

If one is available, but you'll have to wait on the other, get the one available. If one has the style wood you like, get that one.

The best solution is find someone or a store that has both, and check them out. Just because I like a manufacturer's design solution doesn't mean you'll like it.

Save you energy so you can worry about the images you make. Cheers.

[jetcode]

I can't speak for the Chamonix but the Shen-Hao 4x10 is awesome. I have the 5x7 back too. All in Burma Teak. The last view camera I will ever need. There is a Ebay seller who has 4x10 holders from Hong Kong for $80 each. They work well and are light tight. I just purchased some Shen-Hao 5x7 holders and they are good too. The slides move freely and there's no chance for light leak at the seams like the plastic holders which cost more used then the Shen-Hao's do new.

[A Charles]

There are a number of issues I would consider. The first is weight. The Chamonix in maple weighs only 4.8 pounds. The Shen Hao in walnut weighs twice as much at 8.8 pounds. The next issue is price. The Chamonix cost $2,240.00 The Shen Hao only cost $1,695.00. Another issue is the style of construction. The Chamonix is the popular Phillips style construction. The Shen Hao is the more traditional style. If your budget will allow I would say go with the Chamonix because of the weight issue. I have the Shen Hao FCL-810a and its a fine camera. If the Chamonix 8x10 would have been available when I decided to buy I would have gone with the Chamonix over the Shen Hao just because I'm guessing the quality of construction is probably better with the Chamonix but thats just a guess.

[Marko]

Which brins another question: Which of the two cameras allow changing orientation (horizontal to vertical) without having to tilt the entire camera?

Also, what would be the advantage of buying a dedicated 4x10 camera over an 8x10 with a 4x10 reducing back?

[Jiri Vasina]

Also, what would be the advantage of buying a dedicated 4x10 camera over an 8x10 with a 4x10 reducing back?

Size and weight?

But there are also advantages on the 8x10 side of the equation...

[jetcode]

There are a number of issues I would consider. The first is weight. The Chamonix in maple weighs only 4.8 pounds. The Shen Hao in walnut weighs twice as much at 8.8 pounds. The next issue is price. The Chamonix cost $2,240.00 The Shen Hao only cost $1,695.00. Another issue is the style of construction. The Chamonix is the popular Phillips style construction. The Shen Hao is the more traditional style. If your budget will allow I would say go with the Chamonix because of the weight issue. I have the Shen Hao FCL-810a and its a fine camera. If the Chamonix 8x10 would have been available when I decided to buy I would have gone with the Chamonix over the Shen Hao just because I'm guessing the quality of construction is probably better with the Chamonix but thats just a guess.

It is a guess. The quality of my camera easily compares with that of the Canham I owned. At some point quality (high end cameras appear quite useable) becomes less of an issue and weight and cost as you state become more of an issue. My camera feels light in my hand for it's size. It doesn't feel like 8.8 lbs but then again it's made in Teak. The $500 I saved bought me film holders. I have no allegiance to Shen-Hao I just think it's a great camera. After viewing the Phillips design I am not all that sure that this design matters to me. Give me a traditional flatbed, my preference purely.

[Songyun]

Which brins another question: Which of the two cameras allow changing orientation (horizontal to vertical) without having to tilt the entire camera?

Also, what would be the advantage of buying a dedicated 4x10 camera over an 8x10 with a 4x10 reducing back?

1) None

2) You can shoot 8X10. Only advantage you have in 4X10 is the weight. Again Chamonix 810 only weights less than 4 kgs.

[jetcode]

Marko,

I like to shoot 4x10 verticals and it turns out that it wasn't all that difficult to do. The camera was just as stable vertically as horizintally though we know that the perspective controls are obviously different.

Joe

[C Henry]

I'm another owner of the shan hao 4x10. My camera weighs 3.6kg without a lensboard.
It's a great camera as long as one understands the limitations. With a decent tripod and head, I'm able to photograph in the portrait orientation. However, using movements becomes slightly problematic, since the front swing and shift are controlled by the same lever. As such I will chose a composition which doesn't require movements.
At home in its landscape orientation it works beautifully (although to perform the axis tilt tricky due to the mechanism - base tilts works fine).
I have no experience with the Chanonix, and as such cannot comment.