Author Topic: Feed my GAS or How do you feel about the Chamonix 45 N-2 now after..... (Read 17807 times)

soeren · « **on:** December 28, 2012, 02:02:19 PM »

I'm seriously debating getting a 4X5" fieldtype camera in 2013 since my Norma 13X18cm is a wee bit on the heavy side for lugging around

The Chamonix 45 N-2 looks tempting and at least one of you have one and have reviewed it some time ago.
But how about now?
Is the love for it intact?
Does it behave as expected?
Any downside you didn't think or know about when purchasing?
Tips for new buyers e.g what would you do today if consiedering one? Get some extras like the leathercower or?
Best regards Søren

Andrej K · « **Reply #1 on:** December 28, 2012, 03:15:37 PM »

Soeren, I had exactly the same idea, but I go over it made an opposite decision:) I bought a better backpack (outdoor, not photo) for lugging the my 13x18 Norma, and created a "savings-box" for 8x10 deardorff or something similar...

But I am mostly interested in contact printing, so your priorities may be different.

Francois · « **Reply #2 on:** December 28, 2012, 03:28:27 PM »

I don't know much about the Chamonix other than that Leon has one.
Personally, I still have a venerable Crown Graphic that had a very adventurous previous life working in a factory's inspection lab.
Wanting to save my back, I found a beer cooler on wheels (it's a soft model) that was on liquidation for 10$ last fall at the grocery store. I made some extra foam padding to protect everything. Overall, it's not too heavy. And since I rarely venture out in the country, the wheels are a big bonus.

If I ever decide to venture out in the wilderness, I might modify a golf bag caddy to carry everything. I have three I found in the trash and that are just begging me to put them to good use.

Late Developer · « **Reply #3 on:** December 28, 2012, 04:01:21 PM »

Paul Mitchell also has a Chamonix, same as Leon's, I believe. Lovely piece of kit but you really have to know what you're doing to get the best out of it or it will take the cost of wasting film to a whole new level.

I like the idea of 5x4 and bought a Wista "Field" camera. It's quite small and portable but, as a dark cloth, neg carriers, a sturdy tripod and lots of other accessories are also required, I've had limited scope to use it and have reverted to to MF (Hasselblad 500c/m and Mamiya 7).

As I'm going down the anti-GAS route, I may well sell it. Alternatively, I might source a 6x9 back for it and use it as a 120 camera with "extra movements".

Paul Mitchell · « **Reply #4 on:** December 29, 2012, 04:52:18 PM »

I do indeed have a Chamonix 045N-1 and it's probably the best camera investment I've ever made. It's light, more movements than you would ever need and well made. Leon has the 045N-2 which includes some nice additions but the design is basically the same.

Paul

Jon Butler · « **Reply #5 on:** December 29, 2012, 06:08:02 PM »

I've been a Chamonix user since they were first introduced. See this info I posted on FADU http://www.film-and-darkroom-user.org.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=2786.
I would not bother with the leather cover as its glued to the bottom of the camera and a pain if you ever want to remove it, the supplied wrap is fine.
Don't by it from eBay, order it from Hugo at hugoz_2000@yahoo.com.
Looks like a 45-n3 is comming soon.
J.

LT · « **Reply #6 on:** December 29, 2012, 06:42:12 PM »

Its the best camera I have ever bought. Buy it. You wont regret it.

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #7 on:** December 29, 2012, 07:26:59 PM »

If EVER I get to grips with my Linhof and truly love it, I feel sure I will then get rid of it and buy the Chamonix. The Linhof is the weight of a family saloon!

soeren · « **Reply #8 on:** December 29, 2012, 08:21:19 PM »

Quote from: Jon Butler on December 29, 2012, 06:08:02 PM

I've been a Chamonix user since they were first introduced. See this info I posted on FADU http://www.film-and-darkroom-user.org.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=2786.
I would not bother with the leather cover as its glued to the bottom of the camera and a pain if you ever want to remove it, the supplied wrap is fine.
Don't by it from eBay, order it from Hugo at hugoz_2000@yahoo.com.
Looks like a 45-n3 is comming soon.
J.

A 45N-3? Can you tell more about that? Improvements, changes etc?
Best regards

soeren · « **Reply #9 on:** December 29, 2012, 08:24:25 PM »

Thanks all. I will definitely do the savings necesary to fund the investment. How about a good bag for it? Ive seen the F-stop mountain series and to me they look good. Any comments?
Best regards

LT · « **Reply #10 on:** December 29, 2012, 09:11:36 PM »

Bag = http://leontaylor-photo.tumblr.com/post/17670130353/vanguard-up-rise-38-camera-bag-review

Jon Butler · « **Reply #11 on:** December 29, 2012, 11:15:51 PM »

Soeren,
Not sure what they are going to improve on a 45-n2 to make the n3 but they may include base tilt on the front standard. The n2 will still be a fine camera.
J.

soeren · « **Reply #12 on:** December 30, 2012, 03:23:48 PM »

Quote from: Leon on December 29, 2012, 09:11:36 PM

Bag = http://leontaylor-photo.tumblr.com/post/17670130353/vanguard-up-rise-38-camera-bag-review

Looks nice Leon. Any pics of it packed with the Chamonix?
Which lenses do you use? I have a 65/8, 75/5,6, 150/5,6 and a 240/5,6 (all except the 240 will be used on the new camera) + a 90/8 in a broken shutter and a 135 Heliar mounted on my Bergheil and some barrel lenses.
Best regards

Glenn Haworth · « **Reply #13 on:** January 01, 2013, 10:02:44 AM »

Having used the 045N-2 for almost 2 years it's a superb camera and covers all the movements I would ever need.

From what I've heard I believe the 045N-3 will have asymmetric tilt on the rear but don't quote me on that

Paul Mitchell · « **Reply #14 on:** January 01, 2013, 10:42:28 AM »

Quote from: Glenn Haworth on January 01, 2013, 10:02:44 AM

Having used the 045N-2 for almost 2 years it's a superb camera and covers all the movements I would ever need.

Hi Glenn, welcome aboard!

Glenn Haworth · « **Reply #15 on:** January 01, 2013, 05:30:13 PM »

Quote from: Paul Mitchell on January 01, 2013, 10:42:28 AM

Hi Glenn, welcome aboard!

Thanks Paul

Jon Butler · « **Reply #16 on:** January 05, 2013, 12:51:17 PM »

http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/045F1.html

Looks interesting.
J.

soeren · « **Reply #17 on:** January 06, 2013, 06:01:26 PM »

Quote from: Jon Butler on January 05, 2013, 12:51:17 PM

http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/045F1.html

Looks interesting.
J.

Yes Indeed. Any guesses on price?
Best regards

Jon Butler · « **Reply #18 on:** January 06, 2013, 10:43:58 PM »

$1030 plus $60 shipping plus PayPal fees. So it's $130 more than the 45-n2.
J.

soeren · « **Reply #19 on:** January 10, 2013, 06:49:52 AM »

Is the rear movements essential? Would you choose the new version over the N-2 if you where about to buy now?
And thinking about it when is rear tilt used? examples?
Best regards
Søren

LT · « **Reply #20 on:** January 10, 2013, 07:40:48 AM »

Soeren - I have to be honest and say I really don't understand how the new assymetrical movements work, or what the benefit is. I can say that I have never found that my 045n-2 has restricted my photography through lack of movements.

PS - I'll take a snap of the bag with the camera later.

Jon Butler · « **Reply #21 on:** January 10, 2013, 11:40:43 AM »

Asymmetrical movements.
J.

http://www.ebonycamera.com/media/asymmetrical.movements.pdf

Andrea. · « **Reply #22 on:** January 10, 2013, 11:51:19 AM »

Surely, all those lovely movements would aid you taking snaps like that of Polly Chandler. Better than from to back sharpness me thinks.
http://www.pollychandler.com/

LT · « **Reply #23 on:** January 10, 2013, 12:12:37 PM »

Soeren - bag with 045n-2 kit:

I take the camera, 6 dds film holders, 2 lenses/ shutters on boards, 1 x minolta spot meter, 1 x silvestri loupe, 3 x shutter release, 1 x Lee filter holder, 1 x orange filter, 1 x -10 stop filter, 1 x moleskine notebook, 2 x lens pens, 2 x pencils, 1 x rain cover, 1 x Kodak pocket photographers guide (useful for on the fly extension and dof calcs), 1 x bulb blower brush, 1 x tripod spanner and some sealable plastic bags for rain / condensation protection.

There is just enough room for a third lens too. You need to use the extension zip to make sure there is room for the film holders. It is really comfortable to carry across the shoulders . I use my coat as a dark cloth, so no need to find room for that.

The first snap shows the top zip access opened, the second shows the whole flap opened.I've not taken it out in a heavy rain shower, but the top zip doesn't seem to leak in light rain, and the bad comes with a waterproof cover should then rain get really heavy.

1357818606821 by LeonTaylor27, on Flickr

1357818606513 by LeonTaylor27, on Flickr

1357818607196 by LeonTaylor27, on Flickr

soeren · « **Reply #24 on:** January 10, 2013, 02:28:01 PM »

Jon and Andrea, thanks for the links. Good information and inspiration. Leon that looks really impressive all that stuff in the bag. How big is the bag really? It looks quite small. Aha, and some usable ideas on accessories.
Not decided yet but at the moment I'm biased towards the N-2 perhaps with a couple of lensboards.
Best regards
Søren

Jon Butler · « **Reply #25 on:** January 10, 2013, 03:02:13 PM »

Soeren,
Good choice, you can't go wrong with the N2 it's a great tool.
Enjoy it.
J.

Francois · « **Reply #26 on:** January 10, 2013, 03:09:46 PM »

Quote from: soeren on January 10, 2013, 06:49:52 AM

Is the rear movements essential? Would you choose the new version over the N-2 if you where about to buy now?
And thinking about it when is rear tilt used? examples?

Actually front and rear movements control very different things.
The front will affect focus depth and perspective control. The rear movements affect shape of the object.

The rear tilts are more often used in product photography as they can make objects look either slim or fat. Front shift is used in architectural shots to avoid distortion. Front tilt will affect the focus. Rear shift is just like front shift.

Paul Mitchell · « **Reply #27 on:** January 10, 2013, 03:40:05 PM »

Here's a good explanation as to how asymmetrical movements work on the Ebony http://www.ebonycamera.com/media/asymmetrical.movements.pdf

Jon Butler · « **Reply #28 on:** January 10, 2013, 05:03:28 PM »

Paul,
I've already added that link, sorry.
J.

Paul Mitchell · « **Reply #29 on:** January 10, 2013, 06:00:46 PM »

Sos John didn't see it

soeren · « **Reply #30 on:** April 05, 2013, 09:48:22 AM »

Hmm wrote Hugo and found out the waiting list for the 45N2 is 6 months

So it seems Im going for the F1. The fresnell lens is an extra that will set me back another 35$. Is it worth it?
my widest lens (for now) will be my 65mm or maybe just the 75mm.
Should I get the fresnell lens?
Best regards

Paul Mitchell · « **Reply #31 on:** April 05, 2013, 12:20:46 PM »

I would definitely suggest paying a bit extra for the fresnell screen, you will certainly reap the rewards when using the camera in low light conditions.

Greg Bartley · « **Reply #32 on:** April 05, 2013, 02:24:53 PM »

fresnell screens are a must have !

Francois · « **Reply #33 on:** April 05, 2013, 04:17:56 PM »

If there's any option I feel is an absolute must, the fresnel is the one. It makes the image appear very bright all over the groundglass. When you just have the regular GG, the corners often get really dark and essentially useless.

soeren · « **Reply #34 on:** April 10, 2013, 08:29:02 AM »

Edit
Sigh tap tap tap. Hmm anything in the mail yet.? I CANT WAIT

DaveP · « **Reply #35 on:** April 14, 2013, 08:40:55 PM »

I got one of the first batch of the new F1s, lets just say its a damn good camera, and great to see a "luxury" feature like asymmetric tilt on an affordable camera. Enjoy.

soeren · « **Reply #36 on:** April 15, 2013, 07:36:55 PM »

I certainly will when it arives. Its just that I have found out I need two copal 0 size boards for it, well at least one as my 75mm sits in a recessed board that will have to do for now. Found a 270 mm rodenstock telegor? So Im covered lenswise.
Data was wrong. Time does pass slower when you are waiting $:-\$

Best regards

soeren · « **Reply #37 on:** April 25, 2013, 10:00:44 AM »

Time to round of this thread.
Got My 45 F1 yesterday and have only had time to dryhandle it with my 75mm lens.
buildquality and finish is incredibly good, no misshaps, scratches or the like on my sample.
Only thing to regret is not getting the lensboards needed from Hugo since they seem a bit harder to find than I thought.
Got plenty of Copal 1 one copal 00 (wrong size board), the recessed one my 75mm is sitting in and offcource the 270mm assemply but Im still lacking 2 flat #0 and a flat #00. My usual sources suddenly dried out

Oh and any ideas for a good loupe?
Best regards

DonkeyDave · « **Reply #38 on:** April 25, 2013, 11:02:50 AM »

You can spend hundreds on a loupe, but I have got by for years with a simple slide viewing loupe, which are around £4 on the 'bay. You can improve things by putting black tape around the clear skirt.

Lens boards I make from aluminium sheet, a drill/dremel and a hacksaw. They look rubbish but work.

soeren · « **Reply #39 on:** April 25, 2013, 11:23:47 AM »

I have used a slide loupe with my Sinar but with my Chamonix I have to reverse it due to the fresnel lens and besides that I'd like something better with a larger viewing area. I have thought about the DIY solution but its a bit early to make my brand new camera look like rubbish

Best regards

LT · « **Reply #40 on:** April 25, 2013, 05:38:54 PM »

I spent ages getting by with a linen viewer type loupe, but then pushed out the boat a bit and bought a silvestri. It was worth pushing for. Life is much easier now.

Paul Mitchell · « **Reply #41 on:** April 26, 2013, 08:45:46 AM »

Loupe's are one of those pieces of equipment that you buy once and will probably last a lifetime. A decent loupe (Silvestri/Schneider/Horseman) can be bought quite cheaply if you're prepared to hunt around. I personally use a Canon x4 loupe, with a black and semi translucent skirt, which I picked up for £45.00

Sooooooo jealous of your 45 F1!

Paul

DaveP · « **Reply #42 on:** April 27, 2013, 12:13:15 AM »

The Ohnar/Jessops branded Pro 4x loupe I bought for a tenner years ago off eBay is great as a general loupe for LF focussing, well made and very sharp, they are off most people's radar and without the prestige of a Schneider or Silvestri they are something of a "sleeper".