This is my new Chamonix 045N-2: 4x5 inch, carbon fiber, aluminum and teak. The camera weighs 3 lbs. It accepts the Linhoff style lensboards, and the bellows extends to 395mm. It has great flexibility in terms of movements: Front tilt/rise/fall and shift; rear tilt and swing. Focusing is accomplished via a knob at the rear of the camera. The camera is made in China in a small quantities, in a small shop.
The lens is a Schneider-Krueznach Symmar-S, 210mm.
I am very, very happy with this camera. It is extremely well designed and built, and is ideal for outdoor work. My camera, Manfrotto CF tripod, and Kaiser ball head weighs in at about 8 lbs.!
Don't understanbd a word of your description
but have fun with your wonderful new toy!
Sandy
Posted by Lon Overacker on January 13, 2012 at 12:48 AM
She's a beaut Preston! Can't wait to see her in a couple of weeks!
4x5 inch? Is anyone envious?
Lon
Posted by Paul DeCesare on January 13, 2012 at 2:49 AM
Does it capture 720p or full 1080p HD video? I also don't see the HDMI port. Must be on the other side.
Hey, seriously, that truly is a beautiful piece. If I ever went back to film it would be LF. The only reason I understood anything in your description is because of Alain Briot's books which I have read. He talks about his Linhof quite often, fascinating.
Wheels, gears, fabric ... what size lamp wick does it accept? What a beautiful device!
Posted by Tom Nevesely on January 13, 2012 at 9:53 AM
Carbon fiber and wood? Wow, what an awesome looking camera!
I had a 4x5 once but I sold it because I hated getting the film developed and then having to scan it. I still miss the camera though. Shooting with it was like meditation for me.
Posted by David Graham on January 13, 2012 at 9:59 AM
Here's your harp; welcom to Heaven!
Here's your accordion; welcome to Hell!
OK, so I also play the harp! Thought it was funny!
Atchully, that's pretty impressive!
Dave Graham
East River, SD
Posted by Mark Stahlke on January 13, 2012 at 10:59 AM
Having had a Chamonix now for 3 or 4 years, I can say I really, really, really like mine too. They are outstanding cameras, even if it is tough to load the CF card.
Posted by Genny K. on January 14, 2012 at 10:54 AM
That's what you call a full-frame sensor !!!!
Very cool.
"Pretty, but how do you take pictures with that accordian on top of the ballhead?"
Just give it a squeeze?
"Don't understand a word of your description"
Sandy, come spend a day with a Lon and I. We'll fill you in. Of course, you'll have to adjust to looking at the world upside down and flipped left-to-right!
"That's what you call a full-frame sensor !!!!
Yep! When I scan my film at 1,800 ppi, I get a 64.8Mpx image, and oh, the detail!
I should have my first sheets from the camera returned this week, so I'll see how well I adjusted to the differences between the Chamonix and my Tachihara. It's been fun!
After using my new camera for a few months, I thought I'd pass on a few observations. I have used the camera for landscape, some clsoe-ups, as well as for architectural shots, and find it to be very stable and generous in its capabilities.
...With the universal bellows I do not need a bag bellows for my 90mm Nikkor, my widest lens.
...It took a little time to adjust to using axis tilt (lens) after using base tilt on my Tachihara.
...I wish that lens rise/fall and tilt had separate lock knobs. I found that if a keep a little tension on the front standard knobs, all is well.
...I really like the focusing mechanism. It is smooth, with no backlash.
...The weight of the camera is easy on my aging back.
...The supplied groundglass and Fresnel give a nice bright image, even with my f9, 300mm Nikkor and my f8, 90mm.
...This camera is a great value. It would be a bargain at twice the price.
--P
Posted by Lorna Taylor on April 1, 2012 at 2:07 PM
Discussion
18 repliesThis is my new Chamonix 045N-2: 4x5 inch, carbon fiber, aluminum and teak. The camera weighs 3 lbs. It accepts the Linhoff style lensboards, and the bellows extends to 395mm. It has great flexibility in terms of movements: Front tilt/rise/fall and shift; rear tilt and swing. Focusing is accomplished via a knob at the rear of the camera. The camera is made in China in a small quantities, in a small shop.
The lens is a Schneider-Krueznach Symmar-S, 210mm.
I am very, very happy with this camera. It is extremely well designed and built, and is ideal for outdoor work. My camera, Manfrotto CF tripod, and Kaiser ball head weighs in at about 8 lbs.!
Chamonix Large Format Cameras
If you have questions about this camera, please ask.
--P
but have fun with your wonderful new toy!
Sandy
4x5 inch? Is anyone envious?
Lon
Hey, seriously, that truly is a beautiful piece. If I ever went back to film it would be LF. The only reason I understood anything in your description is because of Alain Briot's books which I have read.
I had a 4x5 once but I sold it because I hated getting the film developed and then having to scan it. I still miss the camera though. Shooting with it was like meditation for me.
Here's your accordion; welcome to Hell!
OK, so I also play the harp! Thought it was funny!
Atchully, that's pretty impressive!
Dave Graham
East River, SD
Having had a Chamonix now for 3 or 4 years, I can say I really, really, really like mine too. They are outstanding cameras, even if it is tough to load the CF card.
Very cool.
Just give it a squeeze?
Sandy, come spend a day with a Lon and I. We'll fill you in. Of course, you'll have to adjust to looking at the world upside down and flipped left-to-right!
Yep! When I scan my film at 1,800 ppi, I get a 64.8Mpx image, and oh, the detail!
I should have my first sheets from the camera returned this week, so I'll see how well I adjusted to the differences between the Chamonix and my Tachihara. It's been fun!
Thanks for the comments everyone,
--P
...With the universal bellows I do not need a bag bellows for my 90mm Nikkor, my widest lens.
...It took a little time to adjust to using axis tilt (lens) after using base tilt on my Tachihara.
...I wish that lens rise/fall and tilt had separate lock knobs. I found that if a keep a little tension on the front standard knobs, all is well.
...I really like the focusing mechanism. It is smooth, with no backlash.
...The weight of the camera is easy on my aging back.
...The supplied groundglass and Fresnel give a nice bright image, even with my f9, 300mm Nikkor and my f8, 90mm.
...This camera is a great value. It would be a bargain at twice the price.
--P
Seriously, though, I hope you enjoy it a lot... looks really cool. I'm not sure I have the patience!
I will if you are buying, David!
--P