Hmm, I know I just wrote a post about simplifying things but : ))
The Chamonix seems like a great option. Online people rave about the quality, the cameras are also lightweight and cheaper than manufactures like Ebony, Canham, Lotus. I guess these things are made in a shop in Haining, China by 8 experienced craftsmen. Heck if I bought the thing I might even travel to China to pick it up myself to avoid shipping costs.
Update* I sent a email to Chamonix asking for more details.
Is the Chamonix view camera the answer to my Ultra Large Format view camera problems? If for example I bought a 16x20 version of this camera could I get reducing backs to also shoot 11x14, 8x20 and 12x20? I could have 4 cameras in one, thou I would have to buy all the holders etc. Doing wet plate is a big option with these type cameras as film costs are so expensive. The idea of having a 16x20, 11x14 and a panoramic of some kind (8x20, 12x2) in one camera is very appealing. I could use this machine for portraits and for producing my slumscape series (opposite Kenro Izu photography).
The Chamonix seems like a great option. Online people rave about the quality, the cameras are also lightweight and cheaper than manufactures like Ebony, Canham, Lotus. I guess these things are made in a shop in Haining, China by 8 experienced craftsmen. Heck if I bought the thing I might even travel to China to pick it up myself to avoid shipping costs.
If I want to go really extreme they also make a 20x24 ($500 more than their 16x20) camera!! Everything is lighter weight and cheaper than elsewhere. Here are some details
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| Chamonix 16x20, $6315 USD, 34 pounds |
| 16X20 specifications | |||||||||||||||||||
| Accessories | Film Holders | ||||||||||||||||||
| Bellow | Maximum | 1050mm | |||||||||||||||||
| Minimum | 210mm | ||||||||||||||||||
| movement | Front | Rise : 158mm | |||||||||||||||||
| Fall : 94mm | |||||||||||||||||||
| Tilt : limited by bellow | |||||||||||||||||||
| shift : 52mm to each side | |||||||||||||||||||
| swing: limited by bellow | |||||||||||||||||||
| Rear | shift : none | ||||||||||||||||||
| swing : 10 degree to each side | |||||||||||||||||||
| Tilt : 25 degree backwards, forwards limited by bellow | |||||||||||||||||||
| weight | Sapele and carbon fiber: 33.95 pound/15.40 kg | ||||||||||||||||||
| Dark Walnut: not available | |||||||||||||||||||
Current price list, subject to change without notice.
16X20: $6,315
International EMS shipping: Camera $450
International EMS shipping: Camera $450
| 20X24 horizontal only specifications | |||||||||||||||||||
| Accessories | |||||||||||||||||||
| Bellow | Maximum | 920mm | |||||||||||||||||
| Minimum | 220mm | ||||||||||||||||||
| movement | Front | Rise : 142.5mm | |||||||||||||||||
| Fall : 142.5mm | |||||||||||||||||||
| Tilt : limited by bellow | |||||||||||||||||||
| shift : 104mm to each side | |||||||||||||||||||
| swing: limited by bellow | |||||||||||||||||||
| Rear | shift : none | ||||||||||||||||||
| swing : ? | |||||||||||||||||||
| Tilt : 11 degree backwards, forwards limited by bellow | |||||||||||||||||||
| weight | Canadian Maple: 42.5 pound/19.3 kg | ||||||||||||||||||
| Dark Walnut : Not available | |||||||||||||||||||
Current price list, subject to change without notice.
2024 Horizontal: $6,315
2024 Convertible: $6,805
International EMS shipping: $560
2024 Convertible: $6,805
International EMS shipping: $560
Update* Hmm. I wonder if I could get a 14x17 camera with 11x14 and 7x17 Reducing backs? Then I would have the 7x17 for panoramic work, the 11x14 for portraits and the 14x17 for making extra large platinum prints.
