Chamonix 45-1N focus rail - freeplay

[Andrew Moxom]

Do any of the recent Chamonix owners out there notice if their Chamonix has some free play in the focusing rail? On mine when the front stand is secured into any one of the 5 holes on the focusing rail, I notice there some free play from side to side on the front standard. It's a minescule amount, but it's there and shows up as a small 'rattle'. When looking straight into the front of the front standard, and grasping the locking knobs, one in each hand, I can notice a small amount of wiggle that is definitely attributed to free play in the two v slotted steel rails on the side of the carbon focus rail. These v slotted rails slide into a machined guide on each side that are fastened to the base of the camera.

I maybe nitpicking, but I can feel this wiggle and as the camera has no focus lock like a lot of other field cameras, I wonder if it is an issue? It is a little disconcerting and I think it could be fixed by a tighter tolerance, or a focus lock. I love the focus system for this camera with it's helical screw design. It's so simple, but a focus lock might resolve this issue for me. I'm not trying to cause an alarm, but just asking if anyone else with this camera notices this on their Chamonix? Or did I potentially get a lemon? I can totally get rid of this problem if I wedge a small piece of cardboard in the gap between the carbon focus rail, and the base. It's ghetto and works, but I would still like not to have to do this.

Also being as I was one of the few folks who ordered their camera off of E'Bay thinking it was through Hugo, when in fact it was not. I'm not sure what leg I have to stand on.

Maybe Hugo can comment?

 

[Barry S]

There's absolutely no rattle or play I've noticed in my 45N-1. I'll check mine again tonight, but I've gone over it pretty thoroughly. I've owned two of them and have noticed some minor differences because my second has much tighter focusing than the first, but no real issues with either camera.

 

[Jon Butler]

Andrew,
Just been checking my 45N-1 there is on play on the focusing rails or anywhere else at all.
Check the block bolts under the bed, you should be able to adjust the blocks to take up any play.
I'm sure this do it, best of luck.
JON.

 

[Jeff Bannow]

None here on mine either. It's solid as a rock in all conditions I've used it in so far.

 

[david b]

Andrew,
my 45N-1 was rock solid. Much more than my Canham

 

[Andrew Moxom]

Well, I checked the two guides on the focusing rail. Seemed tight enough. I then loosened them both and then held the two guides snuggly (not overly tight) against the focus rail using a hand clamp to ensure all surfaces were touching. I retightened the screws. It is better, but there is just a hint of play still. Not sure what I else I can do? I have to reiterate, my camera is solid as well, but the noise and minimal freeplay is disconcerting. It could only be .0001" off at the guides and that could translate to a little bit of movement. It also depends on how for out the focus rail is. The further out it is, the more apparent the problem appears. IT also diminshes when either the rail is retracted in fully so there is take up from the threads bearing against it. It's so slight, but it's there and if you guys do not feel it, then mine is NOT up to spec in that regard. Try it with your camera racked out, but not all the way, then again when it's wound out all the way.

 

[david b]

When I first got my camera, I said to Hugo and the folks over at LFF, that the key to Chamonix's success will be a service/repair facility here in the US.

Chamonix has an incredible product but if something were to fail, sending the camera to China and waiting for a repair, is not acceptable.

Hopefully Chamonix and Hugo will figure something out.

 

[Hugo Zhang]

If any of you has ordered a 45n-1 camera from me which has a problem, I will ask the factory to send you a new one to replace it. David's idea of a service/repair facility is ideal, but not practical.

Thanks, guys!!!