5x7 Chamonix or Arca Swiss Compact?

dodphotography said:

My only gripe with Chamonix is that they wedged their into the market with very competitive pricing but over the last few years that’s eroded a bit. I’m not doubting their products at all, but the pricing has in a way made the train depart from the affordable category. I don’t expect Intrepid pricing but the 810 is now north of 3 and at that price I’m just buying a Canham and having support here stateside.

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I wanted to support Ken, great guy, I've bought film from. However, since my aim is tall, outside buildings I need more front rise that I saw on his camera. The Arca Swiss is 75mm, Chamonix 72mm. The Canham is 28.

You can always tilt your camera bed or rail upwards, then re-adjust the front and back standards back to vertical using base tilt control, to gain significantly more rise if needed. Offset hole-position lensboards also help.

bdial said:

You might want to consider a Ritter 8x10 with a 5x7 reducing back. In 8x10 trim it weighs 6.4 pounds.

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Thank you

DREW WILEY said:

You can always tilt your camera bed or rail upwards, then re-adjust the front and back standards back to vertical using base tilt control, to gain significantly more rise if needed. Offset hole-position lensboards also help.

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Thank you, I've used that extreme rise technique

I use a Chamonix 5x7 (57Fs-2 Model). It is light weight easy to use and very sturdy. I like you wanted something to backpack when necessary. My padded photo backpack with camera, one lens, 3 cut film holders and darkcloth etc weight in about 15 lbs add my carbon fiber tripod and ball head the field kit is under 20 lbs. I wanted larger than 4x5 but less than 8x10. The 5x7 is perfect - allows for contact prints or digital darkroom. Hugo Zang is the US dealer and very helpful ( hugoz_2000@yahoo.com ). My main kit for LF is a wheeled cart (converted wheeled toolbox). It has the backpack kit plus a second lenses and 4 additional cut film holders, misc filters etc That kit is under 30 lbs including the hard case tool box. The camera is an easy setup and takedown, very bright ground glass, stable, and a joy to use.

Also - look for a used one - first.

jeffzeitlin said:

Also - look for a used one - first.

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Thank you, I'm buying one. I bought a 5x7 Rittreck. It's nice but not as expandable as I'd like.