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Chamonix or Canham DLC

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Andrew Moxom

Andrew Moxom

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Okay, which camera would you buy? I already have a Canham, but am very intrigued about the Chamonix for it's lightness, and axis front tilt etc. As I get older, weight on my back becomes more of an issue too. The Chamonix will be lighter for sure, but what would be your preference, or do I keep both?
 
I had both at once.

Here is why I kept the Chamonix.

The cost for a new Canham DLC is $2450. The cost for a new Chamonix 45N-1 is $800.
The average ebay price for a used Canham is about $1200. The average ebay price for a used Chamonix is $1100

To me, the Chamonix seemed a bit more rigid and offered all of the movements that I needed for portrait and landscape work.

The big catch, and to me, this is huge, is going to be service/repair for the camera. Keith Canham has exceptional customer service and turn around time. I am unsure what to do with my Chamonix, other than send it back to China, which will not be quick or cheap. I've emailed Hugo Zhang a few times about this and suggested he get something going here in the USA, because repairs will certainly be needed as more and more of these cameras come in the USA.

The Canham is a wonderful camera with lots of bellows and movements. But, for what I do, the Chamonix was the better camera when it came to cost and usability. The Chamonix weighs about 3.5 pounds and is very well made. Also, they are very hard to find and are quite nice to look at.

Just my opinion.
 
Were I buying new, today, a Canham in a heartbeat. It WORKS so well.
 
Yeah. Canham. Without any reservations what-so-ever. No question.
 
Andrew Moxom said:
...can the Chamonix use a 75mm lens without a recessed board and still have some movements that you know of? Thanks for the advice btw.
Click to expand...

With a 90mm lens, the standard bellows has maybe 20-25mm of rise (out of the full 45mm). You won't need a recessed board with the 75mm, but I wouldn't expect a lot of movement. The Chamonix universal bellows is available now, so I'd seriously consider that option for wide lenses. A bag bellows will also be released in a few months.
 
Andrew Moxom said:
Okay, which camera would you buy? I already have a Canham, but am very intrigued about the Chamonix for it's lightness, and axis front tilt etc. As I get older, weight on my back becomes more of an issue too. The Chamonix will be lighter for sure, but what would be your preference, or do I keep both?
Click to expand...
Chamonix!
 
I played with one Chamonix a while back, and thought it was a nice camera. However, I liked the Canham DLC more, longer bellows, lots movements and the capability to use pretty much any lens from 47mm to 450mm without changing the bellows. (Though with wide angle lenses movements can get a little stiff they are still usable).

Right now if I were to buy a new 4x5, without worrying about cost then it would be an easy choice........ Arca-Swiss Field C.

Hope it helps.

Gary
 
Andrew Moxom said:
Okay, which camera would you buy? I already have a Canham, but am very intrigued about the Chamonix for it's lightness, and axis front tilt etc. As I get older, weight on my back becomes more of an issue too. The Chamonix will be lighter for sure, but what would be your preference, or do I keep both?
Click to expand...

Hi Andrew,
I think keep both, I think your Canham will do movements the other one won't do. I am in the same boat as you when it comes to carrying things. I prefer my Arca setup but also have an Ebony 45s which you may consider. It is rigid, light and requires no folding or unfolding and is the best wooden camera I have ever seen...Evan Clarke
 
Evan, for most of the work I do, the Canham has way more movements than I can use at this time. I'd love an Ebony, but the cost is prohibitive. I've spoken to a few folks offline about the Chamonix, and there are lots of positive things to say about it. First and foremost is it's construction, which is top notch. I also prefer folding view cameras for sheet film work. I hope to have my 6x9 view camera finished for roll film work as well in the very near future. Then I am about set for cameras for a while. I will test the Canham and Chamonix side by side and see which one fits my method of working best, and offload the one that doesn't! Thanks!
 
I'm sure you'll be happy with the Chamonix, it does have it's slight annoyances but it's lightweight construction coupled with it's rigidity makes for a fine camera. I understand they have fixed a couple of the problems for the next version – the scale on the bed that it dark gray on gray and the annoying GG cover that's a pain to get on and off. The only other problem I've found is not having any click stops at 90 degrees so you have to do a fair amount of checking to make everything's in line. Something (the only thing really) that I miss from the Ebony mine replaced.
 
The Chamonix has little slides that stop the camera at 90 degrees when opening. I missed this little feature for the first couple of days that I owned the camera.
 
Oh yes, it does have those (although they do tend to retract sometimes leaving me a very confused photographer!). Just wish there was some way of clicking the front standard into place.
 
The camera costs $800 including shipping. It weighs 3.5 pounds and can mount a 400mm lens.

It's incredibly well built and very easy to use. It has more movements than 99% will ever need.

enough with the complaints about the very very little things.

you knew when you bought it that the front standard doesn't not click into place.

I had the Canham DLC, the Toyo 45ax and the Chamonix all at the same time.

I now only have the Chamonix after much consideration and comparisons.

I recommend the camera because I use it and have had several other cameras at the same time.

How many can say that?
 
Andrew Moxom said:
....I will test the Canham and Chamonix side by side and see which one fits my method of working best, and offload the one that doesn't! Thanks!
Click to expand...

Please post your review on this thread when you have a chance. Thanks.
 
david b said:
enough with the complaints about the very very little things.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry I had the audacity to point out the very minor issues I had with the Chamonix, as I said, I love the camera and wouldn't want to change it for any other 4x5 camera.

It's brilliant and completely perfect.

Better?
 
Well gentlemen, after reading Robert's review over at Trad Photo, I have started to really give this camera serious consideration.
I currently use the Toyo 45AII and ... must admit that it would be nice to have something a little lighter to go with the rest of the necessary gear.
Thanks for the discussion.
 
Where to find info about Chamonix (technical details and prices, contacts etc...). I saw about it on LF forum, but is there some web site?

Thanks
 
I saw various Chamonix cameras at foto3 and was very impressed. It's rigid and that's important because I use big lenses.
 
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