TraditionalPhotographer.NET / Cameras & Accessories / Large Format Cameras / Chamonix 45N-1 / Latest Posts

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

roteague — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 21:27:40 GMT

[quote][b]PhotoBob (9/14/2008)[/b][hr]The lens boards I also purchased were not necessary as my current lens boards all fit! If it mounts into a Toyo 45AII, I guess it will work in the Chamonix 45.[/quote]

That's a change. None of my Toyo boards fit my Chamonix (mine requires Linhof style boards). I bought all Bromwell boards as replacements.

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

PhotoBob — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:24:54 GMT

I bought mine with the focusing hood that attaches to the back, but find it impractical to use with a loupe as it sticks out quite far and is narrow and does not spread out due to its folding nature. I ended up cutting mine so that I could use it. However, it still isn't perfect, but I continue to use it as a protective cover for the fresnel back.
I also bought the leather case and it is okay.
The lens boards I also purchased were not necessary as my current lens boards all fit!
If it mounts into a Toyo 45AII, I guess it will work in the Chamonix 45.

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

roteague — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:49:45 GMT

I added a number of illustrative images to the Technical Gallery this afternoon to show the camera in a bit more detail (and to allow me to practice with my small studio).

http://www.traditionalphotographer.net/MemberGallery.aspx?Gallery=Technical

Let me know if you have any questions about the camera.

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

roteague — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:37:25 GMT

There is a thread going on here: http://forum.xitek.com/showthread.php?threadid=441511 with some images of new accessories for the camera. Unfortunately,the forum is in Chinese so I'm not able to follow along with what is being said.

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

naturephoto1 — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 17:30:59 GMT

Hi Robert,

It looks like a nice camera, enjoy it. It is much less expensive than my Toho Shimo FC-45X field camera that has a stripped weight of 2 lbs 12 oz (including Really Right Stuff Arca type QR). But you do have some added convenience to your camera that I do not. Mine has its idiosyncracies packs small in 2 pieces and will not set up probably as quickly as yours.

Anyway, we will have to compare the cameras when we get together at Photo3 in Fort Collins in June. If we shoot together before rather than after the conference, then we will compare then.

Rich

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

Bertilsson — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 06:27:27 GMT

A friend of mine is getting one of these Chamonix carbon fiber cameras. I am full of anticipation to see what it's all about.
It's name is the same as a famous ski resort in France, residing on the slope of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe.

Good luck with your new cameras, I really hope they serve you well!

- Thomas

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

davidb — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 23:20:49 GMT

No problems switching what so ever.

I find the camera very easy to use.

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

roteague — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:50:57 GMT

[quote][b]davidb (1/4/2008)[/b][hr]I did have chance.

I shot it a bunch over xmas and new years as well as a road trip to Amarillo two days ago.

It is really nice to use.

The controls are easy and the screen is bright.

I just wish they had a folding focusing hood.

It is much faster to set up than my Canham and about the same as the Toyo.

I love how light it is. With my Bogen carbon fiber tripod and Kirk BH-3 head,
it is a very light set up.[/quote]

Did you find switching from portrait to landscape mode to be a bit clumsy? I did find taking the back off to put a roll film back on to be a bit slow and clumsy, but I didn't test switching the orientation of the back.

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

davidb — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:53:36 GMT

I did have chance.

I shot it a bunch over xmas and new years as well as a road trip to Amarillo two days ago.

It is really nice to use.

The controls are easy and the screen is bright.

I just wish they had a folding focusing hood.

It is much faster to set up than my Canham and about the same as the Toyo.

I love how light it is. With my Bogen carbon fiber tripod and Kirk BH-3 head,
it is a very light set up.

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

roteague — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:00:01 GMT

David,

Have you had a chance to work with yours yet? Between the weather and work, I haven't even taken mine out of the house. I'm frustrated.

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

roteague — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 17:21:39 GMT

[quote][b]Geert (12/30/2007)[/b][hr][quote][b]davidb (12/29/2007)[/b][hr]Yeah, I am not sure there was a discount for the group purchase.[/quote]

I don't think so, I got the same price quote for a next run in the summer of 2008.

I'm really looking forward to your experiences with the Chamonix cameras. The price is no obstacle (I'm a second hand cheapskate) but I only hope the cameras will stand the times.

G[/quote]

Everything I've read seems to indicate they do. The Carbon Fiber makes them pretty solid, as well as light - but, the test of time remains.

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

Geert — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 14:52:13 GMT

[quote][b]davidb (12/29/2007)[/b][hr]Yeah, I am not sure there was a discount for the group purchase.[/quote]

I don't think so, I got the same price quote for a next run in the summer of 2008.

I'm really looking forward to your experiences with the Chamonix cameras. The price is no obstacle (I'm a second hand cheapskate) but I only hope the cameras will stand the times.

G

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

davidb — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 16:16:10 GMT

Yeah, I am not sure there was a discount for the group purchase.

As for the serial numbers, they don't make much sense to me.

Mine is 0086.

Did they make 86 or 237 cameras so far?

Who knows.

I just wish the price of the 5x7 would come down.

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

roteague — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 07:37:57 GMT

Unfortunately, they don't seem to have a website. There is a domain: http://www.chamonixcamera.com, but seems to only be a parking domain - no content. Information on their cameras seems to be hard to come by.

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

Eirik Berger — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 04:19:20 GMT

Does Chamonix have a website where they present their products?

The only thing I could find was [url=http://stores.ebay.com/viewcamera-china_W0QQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118QQtZkm]Viewcamera-China [/url]on the e-site.

I have considered ULF for 10 years or so but the cameras have been to expensive for me. But my goal is to be up and running with a 12x20 camera in 2008. There simply isn´t anything like a good contact print. :Wow:

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

roteague — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 09:24:55 GMT

[quote][b]eric rose (12/24/2007)[/b][hr]How much did you guys save by doing the group purchase? I use to have a Wista woodie that I sold to buy my Tech IV as I needed something that is bullet proof. My sweetie has a Shen-Hao that she loves and it sure is light compared to my beast! Maybe I need to look at getting another lighter 4x5. Ummmm...[/quote]

I don't whether we saved much or not, to be honest. The company that makes these cameras doesn't sell them outside of China. One of the members over on LF had some contacts there so he put together an order. He did say that producing all the cameras, then shipping them at once did save on the shipping cost, but I can't tell you how much. This is a very new line of cameras; mine is serial number 0237.

I really haven't used mine yet, other than trying to get a feel for it (no film shot yet). However, I love the way the camera looks and the way it handles. My only concern is how it will stand up to repeated use, but from looking at it, I don't think it will be a problem.

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

eric rose — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 08:52:49 GMT

How much did you guys save by doing the group purchase? I use to have a Wista woodie that I sold to buy my Tech IV as I needed something that is bullet proof. My sweetie has a Shen-Hao that she loves and it sure is light compared to my beast! Maybe I need to look at getting another lighter 4x5. Ummmm...

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

davidb — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:44:07 GMT

I believe the camera will be able to use up to a 360mm lens.

Also, I have a Toyo 45AX that I am now looking to sell.

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

roteague — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:57:43 GMT

[quote][b]Eirik Berger (12/23/2007)[/b][hr]I saw this camera in Oslo when I was there in early october, I friend of mine had just got it. It looked very nice. Congratulations both of you, I guess we will see some pictures soon?

When I first got involved in LF-photography and got my first camere (a Cambo SCN), my girlfriend at the time said a ew things to me when I wanted a new camera. This was after she learned that theese cameras were all manual and with no fancy gadgets.
"Isn´t the camera just a piece of bellows making sure there is proper distance between the film and lens? It seems to me that the lens is doing the hard work, why by a new camera?":angry:

Well, Robert. If you dont ned your Toyo anymore I can give you my address. I have grown out of my 45CF. I have started to miss back movements for field work.[/quote]

Eirik,

I've been really needing a new camera for sometime now. While I love the Toyo, it took a dump in the ocean about three years ago, and has never been the same - the back extension doesn't work, for example. The other reason for the camera is simply because it has gotten so much more difficult to travel with LF, that I felt the need to lighten the kit as much as possible. I'm sure I'll continue to use the Toyo, locally, at least until I get used to the new camera.

You should look at getting one of these yourself. Unfortunately, there is a waiting list, but you know what they say "all good things come to those who wait".

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

Tim Curry — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 14:58:34 GMT

Looks like a very nice system, well thought out with good attention to fit and finish. What amount of bellows draw is there with it run completely out? 300mm lens OK? tim

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

Eirik Berger — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 14:39:54 GMT

I saw this camera in Oslo when I was there in early october, I friend of mine had just got it. It looked very nice. Congratulations both of you, I guess we will see some pictures soon?

When I first got involved in LF-photography and got my first camera (a Cambo SCN), my girlfriend at the time said a few things to me when I wanted a new camera. This was after she learned that these cameras were all manual and with no fancy gadgets.
"Isn´t the camera just a piece of bellows making sure there is proper distance between the film and lens? It seems to me that the lens is doing the hard work, why by a new camera?":angry:

Well, Robert. If you dont need your Toyo anymore I can give you my address. I have grown out of my 45CF. I have started to miss back movements for field work.

RE: Chamonix 45N-1

davidb — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 12:07:38 GMT

Yeah I got one too.

Dark Walnut but mine was stained/painted flat black to match the carbon fiber.

The camera weighs less than 4 pounds.

It is easily packable. Folds up nice and small. And is very quick to set up.

I made a few shots yesterday in Santa Fe and the camera is a true joy to use.

There is attention in every detail. The rear standard has 3 usable bubble levels.

The ground glass is extremely bright and fine grained. No replacement/upgrade is needed.

Sliding a film holder in is like a hot knife through butter. Very easy and silky.

Included with the $699 is a padded wrap for the camera and a slice of carbon fiber that
is fitted for the ground glass, to act as a protector. Genius.

The camera is based on the RH Phillips design. The fine focusing is in the rear of the
camera as opposed to the front, like on a Toyo or a Canham. Little things to get used to.

All in all, I really like the camera and think it was worth the money. Actually, I think it is
worth more.

Chamonix 45N-1

roteague — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:12:41 GMT

I thought you might enjoying the latest addition to my kit. It is a Chamonix 45N-1. I got this as part of a group buy over on LF forum. It was $699 US, plus $75 shipping, direct from the factory in China.

The camera is Walnut and Carbon Fiber, and is extremely light. I'm taking it out for a spin tomorrow morning, and see how it handles. It is different enough from my Toyo that it may take me a little while to get used to using it. I'll do a write up of the camera once I've had some time with it.

davidb got one as well. Hopefully, he will pop-on and give us his thoughts on this camera.