Advice purchase of 4x5 field camera: Intrepid mk4 vs Shen-Hao (HZX45-IIA) vs Chamonix

[Smudger]

Thanks! That reminds me of another question I forgot to ask. The Shen Hao can infinity focus a wide angle lens by advancing the rear standard instead of moving the front stardard backward. That prevents the risk of having the front rail in the picture frame with, for exemple, the 75mm I intend to use. From what I can see the Chamonix 45F-2 doesn't have that possibility. Would a 75mm put the front rail in the frame with the Chamonix 45F-2?

I have a 45F-2. The rear standard has a Massive amount of forward & back adjustment.

 

[Alan Gales]

You say you are inexperienced. It's hard to make a decision on a camera when you are inexperienced. I'd suggest you buy an inexpensive used camera in good shape. Burn a bunch of film with it and learn what you like about it and what you don't. If you then find that you want something different then sell the camera for close to what you paid and buy what you want. That way you will make an educated decision.

 

[Luis-F-S]

I would suggest you look for a second hand unit of either one and get into large format that way. You really need to use a LF camera for a while to understand the system, height to width of the format and how the different focal lengths work. Changing cameras later,

Mick.

Hi, buy used....
This is very good advice. Most of us don’t end up long term with the first camera we buy. Regardless of how much research we do. It’s very hard to get your money out of a camera bought new in the used market. When I outgrew my Wista/Zone VI camera I looked for a Deadorff V5 and never looked back! I now own 6 Dorffs, and feel it’s the best field camera made!!

 

[DREW WILEY]

I'd go for the best quality within your budget range; and among the three models mentioned, that would be the Chamonix. Roll film holders are a little trickier to learn on than full 4x5 holders because of the smaller image area as well as extra weight this adds to the rear of the camera. Camera rigidity is more important than extreme movements, which you'll never use anyway. But a degree of compromise is inevitable when very light weight is a priority.