Gibellini Projects & Co, ACN45 4x5 camera, anyone have one?

[Ai Print]

I know there were threads about Allesandro Gibellini's 8x10 field cameras but now he is offering 4x5 and 16x20, just made an 11x14 as well. I have, use and *love* my Chamonix 45N-2 but the appeal of a second 4x5 camera as stunning as what Allesandro is turning out is getting quite strong.

So does anyone have one of his 4x5 cameras and if so, what is your experience with it?

His site is here if you are not familiar with his offerings.

 

[Ai Print]

I'm geting beta like actual dimensions, weights and such from him but yeah...these are brand new designs. Might be physically larger than my Chamonix 45N-2 and require a Photobackpacker camera case that I thought about buying....but did not....

 

[Richard Man]

I will be getting one shipped to me SOON. I will compare it to my Chamonix F1, and may have to sell the F1 to cover cost... Will report then.

 

[Ai Print]

I will be getting one shipped to me SOON. I will compare it to my Chamonix F1, and may have to sell the F1 to cover cost... Will report then.

Cool, thanks! I assume you are getting a Technika lens board adapter or are you getting his proprietary sized ones? I'd be keeping my 45N2 either way since it is really an unbeatable camera in terms of size, weight and function so I would be sticking with those sized boards.

 

[Richard Man]

I am getting the Tecnika adapter. I have the 617 Shenhao so keeping the same lensboard is important

 

[Ai Print]

When I talked to Alessandro, he told me that the ACN *actually* weighs 2.2K, which is about 1.5 pounds more than my 45N-2, the CCN which starts at 2,990 Euro weighs 1.6K so about 50 grams more than my 45N-2.

So I am waiting to see what the actual dimensions are since that is a pretty important consideration for me in terms of workflow. A little more weight I can handle, a lot bigger camera in 4x5 I can't.

We'll see....

 

[Dahod]

I've had some discussions with Ari regarding the ACN45 and traded a couple of emails with Alessandro and the communications have been really impressive. I'm specifically looking for back tilt on the rear standard which the ACN45 doesn't have (or the 8x10 if I understand correctly) but Alessandro seemed to feel that it was an easy fix that wouldn't add to the cost. I'm planning to make my decisions by early next year so I'll be interested to see what they come up with.

I was hoping they would update the Youtube demo of the 4x5 since the one shown is clearly a prototype and does nothing to show off the current model's features but I haven't seen anything yet. Anyone watching that video would get a completely different impression.

 

[Dahod]

I was looking at the ACN45 pictures on the site and the rear standard side arm didn't appear to have any capacity to go past vertical. Alessandro confirmed this and that the camera didn't have any back tilt. I know there are other high end cameras out there that are similar and I know that other users might rather have the quick absolute vertical setup it provides but unfortunately I'm looking for as many movements as I can get.

The good news is that Alessandro was confident he could provide back tilt but I'm not sure what he was planning or if the modification was going to be incorporated into the design.

 

[Ai Print]

I was looking at the ACN45 pictures on the site and the rear standard side arm didn't appear to have any capacity to go past vertical. Alessandro confirmed this and that the camera didn't have any back tilt. I know there are other high end cameras out there that are similar and I know that other users might rather have the quick absolute vertical setup it provides but unfortunately I'm looking for as many movements as I can get.

The good news is that Alessandro was confident he could provide back tilt but I'm not sure what he was planning or if the modification was going to be incorporated into the design.

I also had this confirmed, that he designed it that way so it would be fast to setup but also had no issues with putting longer rear arms with zero detents. And yes, I would never buy a large format camera that did not have rearward tilt...that is a pretty big deal.

 

[rorye]

I can't speak to the 4"x5" but the build on the 8"x10" is really nice, I imagine 4"x5" will be equally solid.

 

[Ai Print]

I'm still working through details with Gibellini but I am slowly moving towards getting one as the extra weight of the ACN45 might actually work in my favor for long drawn out multiple exposures. I need a camera I can "park" for 12-14 hours while I use the other one on different shots.

I'll chime in as I move along...

 

[Richard Man]

Mine should come in sometimes late next week. Actually, the 2.2 kg might be a deal breaker for me. I hiked 4000 feet/7 miles with a 25 lbs pack two weeks ago and 2600 ft/17 lbs pack a couple days ago to see how much weight I can carry for long hike. I thought the ACN4x5 is about the same weight as my Chamonix F1, but if it is 1.5 lbs+ heavier, I may have to sell it.

 

[Ai Print]

Yeah....he really needs to get his specs dialed in, the site says the ACN45 is 1.3 kg, then an email says the all carbon fiber CCN45 is 1.6 kg and the ACN45 is actually 2.2-2.3 kg. He means well and communicates well enough, these are growing pains I guess. Also, I hope you asked him for extended rear tilt rails, his standard ones lock the rear at a kooky 90 degrees and not beyond, kind of pointless for a field camera yes?

I know he will supply them at no extra charge and will likely make that standard as I don't know anyone that would not want rear base tilt on a field camera.

 

[Ai Print]

OK, I just sent in my final order...this might add up...a lot.

A Gibellini ACN45 with the shorter folding handle. Color of aluminum parts will be raw alu / silver in finish.
All carbon fiber components ( rear and base ) will be blue tinted.
Blue-grey bellows, blue knobs and all button hardware will be blue titanium unless no contrast is seen, like in the blue knobs.
Blue carbon fiber Technika lens board adapter.
Blue tinted Gibellini carbon fiber lens board for custom re-built Rodenstock 150mm 5.6 Apo Sironar S that will have a blue anodized shutter speed dial.

This is going to be one hell of a in person marketing piece.

 

[Dahod]

Congratulations - sounds pretty impressive. Looking forward to some pictures and your thoughts on it. Did you get the modified rear standard for rear tilt?

Dave

 

[Ai Print]

Did you get the modified rear standard for rear tilt?

For sure. And it really only amounts to slightly longer adjustment arms, the rear standard is the same.