Better? Calumet Cadet Wide or CC-402 (for architecture)

[Kekhotep]

Hi,

I need to know quickly, which is a better camera for architecture: Calumet Cadet Wide or the Calumet CC-402?

Thank you, elaborations are welcome.

 

[markbarendt]

Both cameras are pretty basic.

I have a CC4xx and you'd be hard pressed to find something it can't do photographically, and it is a very solid camera.

I would think the Cadet would be able to do it all too. Have not used the cadet personally so don't know how solid it is.

 

[Kekhotep]

Thank you, in a forum I read, "tightening the clamps (on the Cadet) tends to move the standards..." Is this a problem on the CC4.. as well?

 

[markbarendt]

I've had no problem.

 

[Kekhotep]

Again, thank you.

 

[papagene]

I have the regular Cadet and have had no problems when tightening down any of the knobs.

 

[Kekhotep]

Thank you very much. Have you had any problems with the Cadet's plastic parts?

 

[papagene]

No I haven't, but I tend to treat my equipment with respect as I really can't afford to repair on a regular basis or replace when broken. Saying that, I have hiked through the woods with it on many occasions.

 

[markbarendt]

The guy that I bought my CC4xx from accidentally "ran over" it. No not clear over it but it did act as a tire chock, the bellows was ruined, beyond that there wasn't any damage.

 

[Alan Gales]

Personally, I can't understand why anyone would buy a Calumet Cadet unless they just wanted an ultralight weight camera with full movements for backpacking.

For the same price there are a lot better options out there. For architecture I would be more concerned about stability and much less concerned about ultra light weight.

 

[Kekhotep]

Thank you Alan, do you have any suggestions in their price range? They are both available to me at a store for under $250.00.

 

[Ian Grant]

I had a Cambo Cadet for a while, they are cheaper than other monorails but very functional,I had no problems using mine.

Ian

 

[Kekhotep]

I've gone with the Calumet CC-402, and I'm quite happy with it. Thank you all.

 

[Alan Gales]

Thank you Alan, do you have any suggestions in their price range? They are both available to me at a store for under $250.00.

I see clean late model Cambo/Calumet monorails go for $200.00 and less on Ebay and occasionally Craigslist. They are much sturdier than a Cadet.

For $300.00 you can get a nice Sinar F which is even a better choice if you are willing to spend the coin.

 

[Alan Gales]

Google Large Format Photography Forum. Click on LF Home Page in the upper left hand corner. There is a wealth of free information there for you to read.

If you are not in a hurry there are a lot of bargains out there in monorails. A lot of times you can buy a camera with a lens and extras for an even better deal.

 

[Alan Gales]

I've gone with the Calumet CC-402, and I'm quite happy with it. Thank you all.

Sorry. I looked over that you purchased the CC-402. Congratulations on your new camera and welcome to large format.