Shen-Hao PTB45, Why is it cheaper than the rest? is more lightweight and flexible!

Hi everybody,

i go to try to do large format photography and i wanna buy a 4x5 field camera.

I have seen that Shen-Hao cameras have a good price and a aceptable quality.

Viewing the available models i saw that the PTB54 have:

-more movements on the front than the rest.
-Good movements on the rear.
-It has the most versatile bellows (from 45 to 390mm)
-Is the lightest of 4x5 viewcameras (only 1.4 Kg)

But is the cheaper! Why? ¿Does she have any defect like bado wood or something similar?

Thanks.
Best regards!

It's made in China. I've never seen nor handled one, but there are many satisfied Shen Hao users out there. From what I can see, it seems to be a very good value.

I think it's a good camera, but does not seem sturdy and the movements of the front do not seem precise and reliable, maybe that is the reason for its low price, but otherwise, this model is similar to Chamonix Cameras, and these cameras are in high demand...

I have the Shen Hao HZX 4X5-IIA which is a very good small type of folding wood camera. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of seeing a Chamonix that was being sold; it is a very good camera as well.

After viewing the view camera store you tube videos on both Shen Hao cameras, the HZX 4X5-IIA and the PTB 45, I came to the conclusion that the Shen Hao PTB 45 is very close to the same as the Chamonix, at least in what it does, how it does it and the size both folded and unfolded.

I was thinking of buying a new PTB 4x5 and saw a possible Chamonix purchase at a reduced price, as a cheaper way to get a PTB 4x5.

Well the Chamonix is a brilliant camera, but I decided to stay with my HZX 4X5-IIA for one main reason and a couple of other lesser reasons.

The HZX 4X5-IIA I have, has a permanently fitted Fuji 150 lens when folded; something the Chamonix owner said couldn't be done with her camera. I didn't try to see if a small lens could be fitted, but took her word. This was the main reason I decided against the Chamonix. It meant that as the camera is built to fold up to a quite compact size, it cannot have a lens attached, so I would have to carry any lens separately, which does add slight bulk.

I will explain a bit here. Sometimes I wish or need to travel very small, I have the 4x5 camera, a 150 lens which is versatile and compact, a tripod, two film holders (4 sheets) and a light meter. With the lens carried inside the folded camera, it is one thing less to find space for. The lens I carry is a Fujinon 150 f/6.3 and it is reversed when the camera is folded.

The exceptional agility of the Chamonix camera was quite apparent in a direct side by side comparison with my HZX 4X5-IIA; with the major difference being the rear focusing wheel.

I don't think there would be anything wrong with the Shen Hao PTB 4x5 at all. If it is as people say, effectively a copy of the Chamonix, which I believe it is, then it should be a very good purchase.

There is only $60 USD difference on the Badger web site between the HZX 4X5-IIA and the PTB 4x5. My HZX 4X5-IIA is a brilliant camera for the price, I assume the PTB 4x5 would be the same.

Mick.

The PTB came out shortly after chamonix released their 45n-1. I've only owned one shen hao camera, the hzx. It was fine but the chamonix's (45n-2) are better built, sturdier, more versatile, and lighter. That's what I own now and I'm no longer looking for another 4x5. I did a comparison of the shenhao vs. chamonix on the lf forum a couple years back if you search there. They are both copies of the Phillips design.