Chamonix 8x10 Video

[mccormickstudio]

video here

Hello all - I am a newbie and incredibly grateful for all of the information I have gleaned from this forum. Recently I have been in the market for a lightweight 8x10, and with little information and much faith, I decided upon a Chamonix 8x10. I watched fleabay for 6 months, tried extensively to find a new or used Phillips, considered many of the cameras recommended by users here -- but, ultimately decided on the Chamonix. In Indianapolis, I have no place but Jack's in Muncie to view and handle the occasional stray LF, unless I make it to a show. So I was very frustrated in my search with my inability to judge the movements and nuances of the cameras I was considering.

I have also read the entire diatribe regarding Chamonix on this fine forum. I understand the economics, the patriotism, the serviceability, the lack of a trustworthy interface, and the genreral tension between skepticism and enthusiasm for the Chamonix Cameras. I bought one regardless, and I must say that it is one of the most beautiful cameras that I have ever tinkered with, and certainly owned. I'm not an expert in LF, especially 8x10, but my lovely wife will certainly confirm that I own way too many cameras.

So I made a small movie of the Chamonix 8x10, essentially to answer the questions that I had before purchasing. I wanted to know about the functionality and movements of the camera, the ease of use, and the features. The movie is here on YouTube. I shot this in HD DV and if anyone wants a better mp4 or full hd, please PM me your ftp info or address and I can burn a dvd for a few bucks to cover dvd and shipping.

PS - I'm no agent for Chamonix. The 8x10 I purchased cost about $2800 w/(2) film holders, and I bought a 4x10 back for $280 + $280 for (2) 4x10 holders -- all through Hugo Zhang. He was concise, and (due to production circumstances, I suppose) the camera went from quoting cost to arrival at my office in about 10 days.

Regards,
Craig McCormick

[Maretzo]

The beauty and the beast...

[Anupam]

Very nice video. Thanks for the demo.

[ericantonio]

Very cool. I like the little bellows anti-sagging gizmo.

[Peter De Smidt]

Thanks for the video!

[ericantonio]

Watched it again, its better than those youtube girls shaking their bu**s!

[Steven Barall]

Thanks for the video.

[Jan Pedersen]

Nice Video Craig.
Agree 100% with you, i received mine April 4 and spent 4 days with my new 810 in Joshua Tree National monument last week. This camera is so easy to use and to set-up. Everything is so smooth and well made, it does not even feel like an 810
Well worth the cost in my opinion.

jan

[john collins]

Nicely done. Thanks.

[eddie]

ooooo! mine should be here some day soon! you guys are killing me!

great video....can we see some back movements in the next video ie rear tilt (if any)?