Right on that link, Sal, it says that to get a vertical composition with the Alpinist, you have to tilt the tripod head 90 degrees. But as you said, there is an interesting video of the newer Alpinist X, which does have an innovative VH switch feature. It looks like a wonderful camera, but understandably has a high price point. I have never actually seen any Chamonix Alpine model, but have gone out and shot with someone who used the regular Chamonix 8x10, and it is a fine camera.
The only negative aspect I detect in that X camera is that some of the controls are rather intricate, and possibly difficult to use in severe weather with gloved hands. I prefer simplicity in bad weather.
I'm amazed at how well my old Phillips has held up, and like its Spartan features. If I need all kinds of movements and features, I use the Sinar system instead. I seldom shoot any lens shorter than 360 on my Phillips - a 240 maybe only 5% of the time; so I personally have no realistic need for a fresnel or screen brightener.
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