Who wants a Chamonix 5x7?

[Tom Hoskinson]

I hope this does not draw the wrath of the administrators, but it occured to me that there is a pretty big group who likes 5x7, and the only way to find out what the interest is to ask: If you could buy a Chamonix 5x7, with its light weight and decent price, what is your interest level?

I could pay somewhere in the $2 grand area, as long as it would handle fairly short lenses with movement, say 110mm or maybe 90mm, and horizontal/vertical would be a must. Their 5x8 only does horizontal. My longest lens would be 360mm, and that would be rare. Mostly 240mm.

anybody? I have no clue as to how to set up a counting thingy on this site.

I'm not interested at any price close to $2K (even if the hardware is gold plated). Also, I already have a 5x7 Deardorff and a 5x7 back for my 8x10 Wehman.

[rmann]

At $2000 - why not a Canham 5x7? Made in USA and backed up with outstanding service.

[Akalai]

Scales of economy.

It would appear to me the Chamonix cameras are built in batches. More 4x5 orders, than say 5x7 (and in turn 8x10), mean in comparison larger batches and lower per unit costs. It is also much easier to maintain and manage manufacture and parts by building on a, even scaled down, assembly line.

Hugo Zhang has also previously mentioned that the Chamonix camera was designed and built in such a way to keep prices low and be an entry level camera, albeit a high quality one at a very fair price.

...from this link, post #12:

"Before 45N-1 model was born, Chamonix had mainly been an ULF camera maker. About two years ago, local photgraphers from Chinese LF forum asked Chamonix to make an entry level 45 camera for them. Most of them were first time LF users and wanted an affortable camera. Hass designed one and told them the factory cost and most of the first batch was sold out within 48 hours through the Chinese LF forum...

They posted their findings here <LFF> and Chamonix had more orders.

Chamonix could raise the price, but they decided not to because they were not losing money on the 45N-1 model due to the healthy demand. It's a nice way for people to get to know Chamonix too."

Think it sums things up.

[Akalai]

There is also quite a good review of the Chamonix 5x8 for those interested, along with well taken and detailed pics, at this site;

http://www.vasina.net/?p=94

[poutnik]

There is no problem ordering a 5x7 camera. Actually I think they would manufacture camera in any size you specify. You only have to settle the price and then wait until they make it. It would be easier to order a 5x7 camera, because more people are likely to order a similar one. And btw. a 5x8 camera has some considerable advantages, is only 1"x1" larger than a Shen Hao FCL 57A, is actually lighter than this Shen, has longer bellows. For more info you can follow the link in previous post.

Thanks Akalai for mentioning this link and considering the review useful.

[Nick Zentena]

And btw. a 5x8 camera has some considerable advantages, is only 1"x1" larger than a Shen Hao FCL 57A,

If it's only horizontal then why is it bigger all around? The FCL can flip the back to verticle can't it? The 5x8 Chamonix should be smaller not bigger.

[BradS]

I'll stay with the Canham traditional wood field. Fantastic camera, made in the USA and comes with great customer service.

[Ole]

I can't really see why I would want a Chamonix 5x7" - when I already have a Gandolfi 7x5".

[poutnik]

If it's only horizontal then why is it bigger all around? The FCL can flip the back to verticle can't it? The 5x8 Chamonix should be smaller not bigger.

I have the reversible back model - therefore it being larger in both dimensions. I can not comment on the horizontal only one.

And to be exact, I don't care for US customer service when I am across the ocean anyway. For me the customer service in both cases is the same. Actually communicating with Hugo is very good. In the first package I got, the factory forgot to include the holders, and there was only the camera. It took only 1 single email to Hugo and less than 2 weeks of waiting for me and both holders arrived with apologies for the delay.

Right now I'm waiting for a 4x5 reduction back for the camera...

[butterflydream]

I bought Canham 4x10 ($3,100) after comparison with Chamonix 4x10 ($2,500), and then I bought 5x7 back+bellows kit ($1,375) later as well. Changing between two format backs and bellows is very easy and quick. Chamonix 5x8 now on ebay is $2,300 incl. two film holders.

I'm happy and I think I made right decision for my case.

Now I'm suppressing myself from purchasing 4x5 back for Canham and leave my Arca Swiss 4x5 at home.