I was hesitant to chime in, but the Horseman is such a different camera from the other 2. have you read up on it? As far as the Chamonix cameras go, I owned a 45n-2 for a while and really liked it. I'm still thinking about getting another one. Prices for the Chamonix cameras used have been what I would call "high" lately. I have no idea what the current tariff situation will do to the prices, but Hugo at Chamonix is a pleasure to do business with, and if you're looking for a mint copy, I think an actual new one may only cost you a couple hundred more.
hi MTG. comments like these are why i love popping into forums, even if only the classifieds. i feel the concern and appreciate your knowledge!
i am aware of the limitations of the Horseman, but only in theory. i tried shooting LF once (literally fired the shutter once) and was overwhelmed. it was with a chamonix 45N-2. and it wasn't that camera that was a problem. it was me not understanding the machine that is a LF camera.
but the quality of that camera was apparent.
i plan to do short day hikes and some backpacking with this camera. so i want something relatively light. i am not interested in major movements from what i understand, so i think even the limited range of the Horseman will be okay (again, i think but don't know). i also shoot almost always in a moderate range, think 35-90mm FOV's in 35mm equivalent terms.
the Horseman is appealing because the set up is way quicker and it alleviates my PTSD with that one time i made my LF image. quicker set up, things lock/zero into place very easily. heck, if i get a particular lens i can leave it attached. in many ways it feels like a good intro camera. but it weighs about a pound more than the Chamonix and it won't be any cheaper. the focal length restrictions seem acceptable to me for my first LF camera. i'm only going to take two lenses into the field with me at max anyway.
plus it looks cool! really cool! and the way it works just seem very satisfying. i used to try not to value aesthetics of gear, but i would always find myself still wanting to try something that i didn't buy simply because it was cool. the itch never went away until i had it myself. i bucked trends trying to feel superior that i saw beyond the surface, but internally knew i wanted to try it first hand! so i'm learning to embrace that desire, if the trend aligns with something that's actually pretty neat.
the chamonix's are awesome. and i think you're exactly right about the used market. i was talking to a seller about a 45F-2 for $1300 when i could buy new for $1510 (shipped, no tax). then i found out he lost the GG protector which is $60 from Chamonix and i thought i'm just buying new. i even added everything to my cart.
i'm just not in a rush and would love to save a little money buying used. often used cameras come as kits and making the whole purchasing experience easier. so it's tempting to wait and it's tempting to buy. i don't know how much longer i'll last holding out for used, even if there is no rush (i hope to make a trip in January with this camera, so i want it by then).
lastly between the 45N-2 and 45F-2, even though adding rear movements adds complexity and creates even more potential for confusion, i realize i don't have to move it if i don't want to. but when i graduate to it, it'll be there with the F-2. and the cost difference is negligible.
anyway, there's my essay of a response.
appreciate your comment. hope mine makes sense.
_christopher