Chamonix or Canham DLC

[Andrew Moxom]

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?

[david b]

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.

[Andrew Moxom]

David, 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.

[df cardwell]

Were I buying new, today, a Canham in a heartbeat. It WORKS so well.

[BradS]

Yeah. Canham. Without any reservations what-so-ever. No question.

[Barry S]

...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.

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.

[donbga]

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?

Chamonix!

[coriana6jp]

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]

A Chamonix has been ordered. :-)

[eclarke]

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?

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