New Shen-Hao 4x5 Lightweight Photos

[frednewman]

We have a pre-production Shen-Hao PTB 4X5 Light Weight and you can see photos of it here.

Final production model should be available in about 45~60 days and should be substantially the same. Most likely additions are bubble levels and indents.

Camera weights 3 lbs. (1.3kg) and feels very sturdy. Bellows draw is 375mm. Workmanship is excellent. We are now taking pre-orders. Cost is $695USD plus shipping.

Fred Newman

[Anupam Basu]

That's a very detailed knockoff of the Chamonix. Only the Chamonix uses carbon fibre for the base instead of wood. Being 'inspired' by a design and taking it further I can understand because there are only so many ways to make a view camera, but this seems to be ShenHao's most blatant copy to date.

[cblurton]

That's a very detailed knockoff of the Chamonix. ... this seems to be ShenHao's most blatant copy to date.

And the Chamonix is a Phillips knockoff?

[Jeff Bannow]

And so it goes ...

I do prefer the look of the Chamonix, and am glad I spent the extra $100 for it. However, the wood bottom should be stable enough in 4x5.

[philbed]

Looks like a Chamonix without the spirit level !!! Sorry Fred but not very glamour.

[Willie Jan]

What I dislike at my current shen hao 4x5 is that the back is hung onto two metal clips.
Does this version contain a better mechanism when inserting a sheet holder?
I see that is has changed from the pics.

[bobwysiwyg]

Will either of these cameras permit folding with the lens board in place?

[Jeff Bannow]

My Chamonix will - but only with my pinhole board in place!

I haven't really found a lens small enough to fit yet, so I would say not on the Cham.

[Andrew Moxom]

Looks like an interesting design for Shen Hao.. A knock off of a knock off :-) Imitation is the best flattery right. At anyrate, this seems like a steal for a camera like this. I wonder if some of the parts are identical as well??

[Nick Zentena]

Could somebody tell me how that's not a FCL? Use small words for my sake please.