Just ordered a Chamonix 45N-2 after not shooting 4x5 for 8 years and this was such a useful video to help me decide on this camera. Appreciate all of the info!

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Matt, you will enjoy it, so small and light but solid and very well made. Love your videos as well, keep it going!

@mattdayphoto

3 жыл бұрын

@@toddkorolphoto Thank you, Todd! I’ve been watching several of your other videos, really enjoying them. Looking forward to more!

@BenMargolius

3 жыл бұрын

What made you decide to go with the N-2 over the F-2 Matt? Just got your book btw and loving it

I have just bought a Chamonix H-1, and love it absolutely.

I just purchased my first view camera, the 45F2. Haven’t even unpacked it and very nervous about it all. Looking forward to the pleasures of large format film. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and love of photography.

Great job! Very thorough and informative.

it's an honor to me being the first one writing a comment :-) I owned one year ago, I owned it for about 5 years but what always was a challenge was to set up the front standard, it also was to weak for beeing in a perfect 90° angle and that was the reason to sell it for getting a Linhof Technika V. The video you made on it is fantastic and contains so much information I wish I have hade before selling mine. Many thanks for sharing it and congratulation for thes awesome photographs.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Once you have the front standard set up which really takes 30 seconds you’re ready to roll. Not sure what it was like back then, but with the marks he now has on the front standard it’s really easy to lock it into 90 degrees to the back. I’ve had no issues. And this is not a studio camera it’s a wonderful little light travel camera. I really like it. Thanks for watching and glad you liked the photos. Have a great day.

Excellent video. You talk so well I don't need closed captions. Love the hat.

I bought the Chamonix H-1 last year and I love this camera. It is a non-folding camera, which I definitely wanted since it allows me to leave a lens attached while in the bag, and I don't have to take it down every time I put it in the bag. You can lock the front and rear standards so that they don't move, I have shot with a 65 mm lens, and a 400 mm T Fujinon, and it has a leather strap to carry it, as well as the carrying bag. It is also very sturdy and light weight like your N-2. Fantastic camera and brand.

Thank you for the great review. I’ve been curious about this model.

@toddkorolphoto

Жыл бұрын

It’s great. I love it.

Fabulous photos! So lovely!

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

Hey Todd - Another wonderful tutorial! You're so right about Hugo. He's super nice to work with. I had purchased the Chamonix 45F2 right when the pandemic started in China, as well as the lockdown, plus it was the Chinese New Year. Hugo couldn't have been anymore helpful with communicating to me about the delay with delivery. When the camera did arrive, Hugo included, a custom made film holder, which was a surprise! The camera is a gem. So light weight & super easy to setup/backdown. I primarily use it for portraits with my 210mm Nikkor F5/6 lens. The camera is extremely well built with solid parts. The wood finish is beautiful. Whenever I take the camera out in the field, it does draw a crowd, which can be....well you know! Chamonix have been kind enough to feature some of my images on their IG page. I would highly recommend Chamonix Camera's to anyone looking to update there LF camera or thinking about getting into LF!

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I think I received my camera within a week of ordering it, packed great, really good to work with.

Chamonix makes some wonderful cameras and holders. Looking forward to seeing some video's with this camera. Thanks for the review

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

They really do have it down, thanks.

Hi Todd, Glad to see we share the same camera and nearly the same tripod. No doubt you'll enjoy it in your future shoots.

@cloudsilver1

3 жыл бұрын

What tripod is this if I may ask?

Great review and excellent shots.

@toddkorolphoto

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Hi Todd. Nice overview video. I just received my 45F-2 and haven't even shot with it yet. Really looking forward to it.

The perfect review I was hoping for before purchasing. Thanks for your content Todd (from the UK :) )

@toddkorolphoto

9 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!!

Initially I was scared of the price but having used the 45N-1 for a while now I can’t believe that it’s so cheap. Absolutely the best built camera I’ve ever used. Makes the Intrepid feel like a toy. Great review and the only cons I could think of you mentioned as well.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

💯! The Intrepid can’t even compare. With the price of film and the time it takes to take a photo, you really need something precise and you will not loose any photos. Worth every penny.

@stevjohnson6557

2 жыл бұрын

Dude, the intrepid is a toy. It's made from plywood.

my f-2 should arrive end of this month. that video made me so much more excited!

@jaymathews356

3 жыл бұрын

You're going to love it!

@magnusa.5599

3 жыл бұрын

i couldn‘t sleep last night bc my cat puked (rather noisy) next to my bad. so i listened to the large format podcast with you as a guest and while listening that little youtube ❤️ popped up... made me giggle.

Thank you!

Damn you! .... Now I want one. Nice review. Well done. Thank you.

@toddkorolphoto

2 жыл бұрын

You won’t regret it!😉

Thank you Todd!1

Awesome & Thanks :)

I just ordered the same camera a few days ago. Can’t wait.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

You won’t be disappointed. Love mine.

Ansel Adams wants his Open Road hat back! Great video and I am getting one based on you review. Thanks!

@toddkorolphoto

5 ай бұрын

Actually he sent me a note saying he loved how I was using it 😉🍻

I shoot with the C45F-2 and it's really a pleasure to operate it. It does the medium justice and makes shooting simply a fun experience. Great product Chamonix!

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Yes indeed!!

@markf7739

2 жыл бұрын

I just put my name on a wait list for the Chamonix 45F2. It will be up to 4 months but I think it will be worth the wait, thank you for the video Todd!

I just got a chamonix f-2 and it is by far the best investment I’ve made for my photography and my back. I used to carry around my heavy monorail with me everywhere.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Yes way better!!

Great video! I’m looking to upgrade from my old Intrepid MkII, and the Chamonix looks great.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

You won’t regret it.

Looks lovely indeed... I agree that a stop focus and a handle would make the camera nicer to work with...

I was leaning towards this camera, my Sinar Norma just isn't for me and backpacking, it's great for tabletop and studio. Your review influenced me to purchase this. Thank you VERY MUCH.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Well it’s an honest review. The camera is wonderful. Perfect for backpacking that’s for sure. You’ll love it.

Hey Todd, Great review. Have you ever reviewed the WISTA FIELD DX 4x5, SCHNEIDER Symmar-S 210/5,6 125th Anniversary large format camera and if not could you please?

Thanks for the great video! I have this camera, and I like it a lot as well. I only have a few issues with it. You mentioned the missing lock on the focusing knob. I understand there's a tightening screw somewhere (maybe on a bottom, I haven't checked yet); with this, you can make the mechanism a bit stickier, so it's less prone to lose adjustment. For me this was mostly only a problem when the camera was steeply pointed downwards. A second issue for me is that I like to set up the back so it's exactly perpendicular to the base; the dots on the steel sides of the back standard don't offer a very precise way of doing this. I used a thin permanent marker to add some marks that make this a bit easier. And finally, be careful with the spirit levels! On my copy, most of them were just a little bit off, which was very annoying until I realized what was going on. I solved the problem by leveling the camera carefully using an external spirit level, then using the same permanent marker to indicate the desired position of the bubbles.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Good points, I actually checked my levels on the camera with a good level from my workshop, and they were all accurate.

i want one!! what is the widest lens that can be fitted? great channel!

As always a verry fine review and ditto photographs Todd. Your colleague Mike Basher also uses the Chamonix 45 N2 and I love his photographs taken with it.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I will check Mike’s work out. Cheers

@tikkafoxer

3 жыл бұрын

@@toddkorolphoto Yes, you"ll do that, he has a youtube channel from which I know him, his photographs are verry senere.

Todd, Thanks so much for such a very good review. Could I please ask what was that type of viewing dark cloth you were using at 2:19in the video? Thanks so much for getting back to me Stuart.

@toddkorolphoto

4 ай бұрын

viewcamerastore.com/collections/black-friday-weekend-sale/products/4x5-btzs-focus-hood-dark-cloth

Hi Todd. Just found your channel and love it. I’ve had my H1 about 6 months and love it as well. I really love the snow covered mountain shot. Where did you create that photo? I’m doing my best to get up to speed on all your videos. Thanks for the hard work it takes to create them.

@toddkorolphoto

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. That was on the road from Lake Louise to Jasper. Lovely place. Thanks for watching!!

Really fancied one but just could not stretch my budget. Went for a horseman 45 in the end. Hopefully I will be able to save for a chamonix next year. Another great video, loved the images :)

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

A Horseman is a great 4x5 as well, no worries there, I love those. Thanks.

I'm not a professional I own a d850 and a d700 and I love them both but I'm itching bad for something different. My question is what would the total tally be for this rig with a nice 135mm. I've never shot film before.

Hey Todd nice overview thanks. Just received my N2. Quick question on the N2 sitting on the Benro Gear head. Does it pair up without intereference and all knobs can be operated . Especially the top most one ?

@toddkorolphoto

Жыл бұрын

Yes all knobs operate freely, works well. The top one is close but no problem moving it.

Great camera and review Todd...I just purchased not long ago the 45-H1 very similar and even a bit lighter I think. I can’t wait to get the Graflox adapter and mount my Fuji GFX 50R! Cheers and be safe..

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

I have been eyeing that up as well.

@AlejandroGonzalez-AGS

2 жыл бұрын

On second view…the 45H-1 has the two items you are missing I believe, able to secure hold focus with a second brake type front knob and a top handle - very practical. What I really like on this model is the linear focus (steel rails) mechanism and able to pack in the bag provided with the front standard up and a moderate lens (size) attached! An incredibly beautiful and well made view camera. Cheers..

Hello Mr. Todd. I would like to share my view a bit. For the purpose you mentioned in the video, travel light, then the camera could be a good choice. However for a little more money, and little more of a weight, a Canham DLC45 is perhaps not a bad choice in my idea. I know you own a Canham8x10woodfield. I have a 4x5/5x7woodfield and a DLC45 one. I have taken the DLC45 with me many countries, and it is still as close as its condition as I first got it. It’s really tough, light, easy to set up, precision, and can take 72mm-450mm with my standard bellow ( just a little rough with the 72mm for rise/fall/shift, but I could get by ). I just wish to share my experience so others may find it useful. I hope everyone gets to try out many cameras before decide to buy one that one feels most comfortable with. Note: as we are LF photographers, I found that a precision tool is really important for our practice. That’s why companies like Linhof, Arca Swiss, Sinar ask such a higher price for their products. Many who new to LF somehow forget to count this factor into their investments before buying one camera for themselves. I wish whoever is new here for LF, please don’t forget to put that into an account before making a decision to buy one camera. Thank you. Happy shooting everyone.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I agree the DLC45 is a wonderful camera as well. I had a serious look at that camera, but I wanted to stay away from metal as I work in the cold weather and winter a lot. The metal just draws the heat out of my hands. Also I find people react to wood cameras better. But Canham makes terrific cameras.

@newerakingdom7691

3 жыл бұрын

@@toddkorolphoto I hear you! Winter in Canada is real! I was living for a year in Welland, and St, Cathrines ON. 20 years ago. I experience snow and the cold weather for the first time in my life cuz I am from Thailand which is hot all year round. A normal day waking up in winter morning there was already -10’C, and -25’C- -35’C for a stormy day. I felt it to my bone hahaha, but I love it. The wood field is best for that kind of weather. I have been in Las Vegas since I left Canada. The metal camera works well for me here. Thank you for your video works, I enjoy watching them.

Hi Todd, very interesting review ! I just bought a Linhof Master Technika Classic so I won't buy another one but your reviews are very interesting, thank you very much for sharing your experience on the field ! One question, what is your backpack when you're mountaineering with a 4X5'' camera? And what is the tripod head you're using ( That I suppose to be a good balance between weight and precision)? As usual, thanks for your amazing videos, all the best from Madrid ! I just saw that the head is a geared Benro one.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, the Master is a fantastic camera you will love it. Yes it's a small Benro inexpensive head but does the job very well for these 4x5 and light 5x7 cameras. The backpack I use is an old Lowepro Photo Trekker. It has the right combination of space and wight and comfort for my system. Thanks for watching.

I shot with an intrepid for a year to see if I would like shooting large format. I loved it so much that I bought an F2 which I am looking forward to receiving.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I think the F2 is a much better camera. Good choice.

Nice camera, but I prefer my Wista 45 field. Sure more expensive, but foldable, well build and reliable. Thanks for your reviews !

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Wista’s are great! Love them.

What roll film holder is that? Looks very neat!

@toddkorolphoto

2 жыл бұрын

That one is a Linhof back for the 4x5, but there are a lot of different ones out there and they will all work the same way.

Good to see you back Todd. Why not spending a bit more and getting the F with rear asymmetric tilt making the camera yaw free?

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Also a great camera, for me this was a little lighter, smaller and cheaper, plus I actually really liked the look of this. And I am not fussed about the asymmetric tilt because of what I shoot, which is a lot of people, I get the moves of what I want very quickly.

Certainly a camera I would love to own and try out sometime!

@toddkorolphoto

6 күн бұрын

It's lovely!

@tgchism

5 күн бұрын

@@toddkorolphoto What lens would you suggest for it to start with?

@toddkorolphoto

3 күн бұрын

@@tgchism I would start out with a regular 150mm lens, and learn it from there.

Hey i have a question, on my 45F-2 i can only insert my CHAMONIX Plastic holders from the left side and then i can remove the dark slide, is this NORMAL? I am NOT sure if i was supposed to be able to put the film holder from either side, i mean i can put it on thru the right side but the dark slide will NOT come out, basically the little red safety lock isn't depressed. Thanks in advance.

@toddkorolphoto

Жыл бұрын

I apologize I am not certain I understand. The back can be taken off and put on so you can insert the holder on the left side, or the back can be rotated so you can insert the holder from the right, if I understand you correctly.

A beautiful tool! And very good photos… How do you rate the stability of the front standard? Is it suited for heavier lenses or will it start to wobble and swing then?

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

No the front locks down. My 90mm F/4.5 Nikkor is pretty heavy and it has zero issues.

@SD_Alias

3 жыл бұрын

@@toddkorolphoto thank you. Sounds good...

Hi. Thanks for the video. I just ordered an F2. Can't wait to get it. May I ask what type of tripod it is that you use? It looks sturdy, a nice size and packable. I am looking for something just like that. Thanks.

@toddkorolphoto

Жыл бұрын

I use the Traveler series of tripod from Gitzo. Works very well for this size of camera.

@GregoryRusso

Жыл бұрын

@@toddkorolphoto thanks. I had bought a systematic ser 3 and i was way to big. I think I'll try the traveler next.

My Linhof MT weighs more, but may be more sturdy. The Linhof bellows extension is about 430mm, but no lens at 400mm to take advantage of the extra extension over the Chamonix 350mm (my longest lens is a 300mm Nikon M). I also have a Wista field camera but it doesn't have as much bellows draw. I think the Chamonix is a good compromise for an all around 4x5 and although I don't need it, it is a tempting buy.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Pretty much longest lens I use is a 210 so this works perfect for me, it's a lovely camera.

Hey Todd. I was wondering if you could do a recommendation video. I'm looking to get my first 4x5 for outdoors. Tossing up between Linhof master technika, chanonix or a toyo field. Would love your thoughts!

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

You can't really go wrong with any of those, the Linhof will be the heaviest, the Toyo is also a really nice camera, I had one of those as well. I personally really like the Chamonix, it is light sturdy, build very well and very easy to use. I also like it because I have to deal with colder weather for 5 months of the year and the wood does not get as cold to work with. Right now the Chamonix is my number one choice.

@issiport5978

3 жыл бұрын

@@toddkorolphoto thanks Todd!

Lovely video! What is the name of the tripod and the tripod head? Looks great!

@darrylroberts5235

3 жыл бұрын

The head is Benro GD3WH

Hi Todd, Hope you are well. Would you go out with a Sinar P2 to take landscape photos? Regards: Tamas

@toddkorolphoto

Жыл бұрын

That’s a lot of weight to haul around and set up. I don’t think I would. But I’ve seen people do it.

@tamassanta6819

Жыл бұрын

@@toddkorolphoto Thanks for your answer.

Slams fist on table SOLD!

@baileyjr36

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the informative video

Hi, Todd! What tripod you use? I see that it's gitzo... what kind of gitzo, the head? Does the camera base stand firmly on this tripod? What are your favorite lenses for portraits and landscapes? (which you mostly use yourself) I would be glad for your advices.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Hi I use a Gitzo GT1545T, and that's a Benro geared head. I tend to use a 150mm lens the most and I use a 120mm as well. But that's what works for me. Thanks for watching.

Thanks so much for putting this together, Todd. Would you say that this camera is more well-suited for on-the-go than a Linhof Technika? More generally, when would you go for one or the other?

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Well they're both great, I really got this one because of the size factor and I wanted to travel with it, but I've found it can do anything, I think this will turn into my main 4x5 camera.

@antoinedombois

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Kevin, I have got them both but the Linhof Technika is tricky to use with wide angle lenses under 90mm. It's built like a tank and so is the weight. The Chamonix is lighter and well suited for outdoors.

@kevinjylam

3 жыл бұрын

@@toddkorolphoto thanks! Looking forward to seeing more :)

@kevinjylam

3 жыл бұрын

@@antoinedombois massive thanks for your input! Very helpful to hear another opinion.

Another great video. That Benro gear head is easy to use with a 4x5 camera?

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah works great with this and my 5x7. Inexpensive and so far so good. I’ve had it since before Christmas.

@rjleal

3 жыл бұрын

@@toddkorolphoto Thanks for your reply, I'm thinking to buy one. Cheers from Portugal.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

@@rjleal great can’t tell you how much my wife and I love Portugal one of the first places we are coming back to when we can travel again. Stay safe.

@rjleal

3 жыл бұрын

@@toddkorolphoto Glad to hear that. I hope you can back soon and enjoy all the good things from our beautiful country. Stay safe.

Great review Todd, I think I’ll stick with one LF camera, otherwise I’ll be constantly questioning which to take. How did you plan to take film on a world trip. I’d love to take my 4x5 on a trip to Europe this year but am afraid I’ll get caught by the security scanners who might refuse to hand check the film.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

I've found them to be pretty good when I travel, and unless it's the new super scanners, film is fine going through x-ray machines.

Hi Todd, can you talk about your tripod? thanks

@toddkorolphoto

2 жыл бұрын

I use two different tripods, both are made by Gitzo. The smaller one is the Traveler GT0545T and the larger one that I use with my 8x10 is a little older and not made anymore, but this is the tripod that replaced it. The GT3543LS .

What is that dark hood you have?

@toddkorolphoto

2 жыл бұрын

viewcamerastore.com/collections/black-friday-weekend-sale/products/4x5-btzs-focus-hood-dark-cloth

Nice video. Btw, love the hat. What is it?

@toddkorolphoto

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, it's a Stetson.

Why did you choose the N2 over the F2?

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

A little smaller, lighter and cheaper, and it did everything I needed it to.

Where can one order these? Nice review by the way. Thanks in advance.

@toddkorolphoto

Жыл бұрын

Hi sorry, order one of what?

@MARKLINMAN1

Жыл бұрын

@@toddkorolphoto The Chamonix, thanks i found a 45-F2 from a gentlemen who only used it 2 times and i snatched it up. Love your channel, VERY VERY EDUCATIONAL and informative.

Is that a stratoliner or open road?

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

The Stratoliner, I love it ;-)

How does it compare to the Canham DLC?

@toddkorolphoto

Жыл бұрын

Canham is a great camera, this is made out of wood, Canham metal.

@ellisvener5337

Жыл бұрын

@@toddkorolphoto The DLC is an all metal camera. It functions more and is nearly as versatile as a monorail view camera like an Arca-Swiss FC or Linhof TK45s than wood and metal field camera it was is lighter, more rigid, and faster to set up than any of those. A unique feature was you didn’t need to swap out the bellows for either wide angle bellows or extra long bellows - the bellows were flexible enough and the design was smart enough you could use the standard bellows and flat lens boards for lens from 58mm to 720mm lenses. I loved using mine. I also put in decades of use with Arca-Swiss F line and Sinar C and P cameras.

@toddkorolphoto

Жыл бұрын

@@ellisvener5337 yes it is a great camera. The only downside is it gets super cold in the winter and retains that cold that kills my fingers.

Where would you buy this?

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

www.chamonixviewcamera.com/cameras

@hassanatapour2258

3 жыл бұрын

@@toddkorolphoto Thank you much appreciated your channel and your reply.

Is that teak or cherry?

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Cherry

@bernardkelly235

3 жыл бұрын

@@toddkorolphoto Thanks. Trying to decide. (Or trying not to.) Yours looks really fetching. I think Matt Day has the cherry version, too. Antoine Dombois, however, appears to have the teak version. (Must ask.) For comparison, I have an old Japanese 4x5 field camera made of cherry wood and it has aged rather well. -- Looking forward to your Stampede photos this year. What camera(s) are you planning to use?

Better than an EBONY SW45 Ti ?????

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Well, dollar for dollar yes I would take the Chamonix. The Ebonys are way too much money for what you get.

They seem to be well made. As a purist though, I am not quite sure about mixing carbon fiber, hard anodised aluminium, and good varnished wood, but that is just me. I think that I stick to my Wista DX Field.

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

I've been on the hunt for a good used wood tri-pod.

Oh really? A carry bag? My 4x5" Chamonix 45F-2 came with a wrap. For improvements, I would like to have zero detents for each of the lens movements. I use Luland lens boards. USD $14 from eBay seller "luland66". Terry Thomas... the photographer Atlanta, Georgia USA

@toddkorolphoto

3 жыл бұрын

Wrap is better. I’ll check out those boards see what they’re like. Thanks