Thanks Nicko, perfectly timed video. I’ve been shooting / developing 35mm for a few years, now thinking of jumping medium format and going straight for 4x5, so I’ve got both extremes, been researching for a while now. Thanks so much for sharing your experience!

@NicosPhotographyShow

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I have been meaning to make a video about the pros and cons of shooting LF. Maybe I need to push it up.

Hi Nicos! I really like your channel here. I am deciding between two Chamonix 4x5 cameras. The 45H-1 and the 45F-2. I will be using the camera mainly for landscapes and sometimes old buildings and maybe a portrait or two. I don't use too many lenses. I like 90, 150, 210, and maybe a 360 or something slightly shorter. The F2 is collapsible and the 45H-1 isn't but you can keep a lens on it and put it in a backpack. What in your opinion is the better camera to buy? The F2 has longer bellows (395mm). The 45H-1 is 350mm. I think I want the 45H-1 because I like that you don't have to set it up each time and I can keep a lens on it if I want to. I know I can't go wrong with either camera but I am very new at 4x5 so I respect your opinion on this. Thank you!!! David

Can you do a video on how to store your wooden large format cameras? I know for most cameras it's usually a cool dry place, but I'm not sure if the wood requires some moisture to not dry out and crack.

For me light weight easy to hike in with is super important. I shoot the Chamonix F1 for that purpose the updated F2 would be even better. I noticed something this year I shot 75 sheets of film. Out of those 75 only three were in the Portrait mode all others were landscape. So now that I have a 8x10 enlarger this coming spring I will get the landscape only Chamonix 8x10 Alpinist.

I’m very interested is large format for my still life and landscape photography. I am usually shooting my sl66 for this and macro still life.

@NicosPhotographyShow

4 жыл бұрын

Large format is awesome.

good video, but one point, the 30 degrees tilt that is reffered to, mainly in linhof technika's, is BED tilt, and is, as I understand, is for moving the bed away from the med (15 deg.)\extra wide(30 Deg.) lenses' field of view, to get full subject coverage; and the focus on a 65/58/47 mm lens is by a focus track inside the body{5x7"}, or in 4x5" case, a focusing lensboard, like a bellows set. the AXIS tilt/swing is what you use for photography .composition/convergence/ selective focus adjustments.

great video, thanx

@NicosPhotographyShow

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I think you still can purchase brand new Toyo 45A II. I got mine from a Japanese dealer found on eBay and bought it in Jan this year.

@NicosPhotographyShow

5 жыл бұрын

Its available at stores like B&H new, its a great camera. Used one a week ago and fell in love.

What about compact 4x5 options? So far the only one I know is the Travelwide, and that one isn't really available to purchase.

@NicosPhotographyShow

5 жыл бұрын

Globuscope, Travelwide, Cameradactyl OG and Malefic.

I have been a Calumet 4x5 (C-401) and 8x10 (C-1) user for decades Plus the Calumet CAMBO 5x7. But they all stay inside since I bought the INTREPID 4x5 and 8x10s.The 8x10 weighs less than all three of them. When your 74 weight means alot!

@NicosPhotographyShow

4 жыл бұрын

The Intrepid is a great option as a lightweight camera.

I now use a old Graflex 4x5 I was looking at the Gibellini Proxima. What is your thoughts? How does it compare to the Intrepid??

@NicosPhotographyShow

3 жыл бұрын

I havent used any Gibellini products but so far the Intrepid seems widely more popular. Im a fan of some legacy cameras as they tend to be a great value.

Thank you for your video. I am considering buying a LF camera, with one of my main reasons for the purchase being that I wish to shoot panoramas using a film holder, either 6x12 or 6x17. I really like the looks of the Chamonix. Do you know if it will accept the Dayi film holder, from BH Camera? I'm not experienced with the film holders, but I like the concept of being able to focus through the ground glass that this particular film holder has. Thanks from Canada.

@tomasspasiuk2429

3 жыл бұрын

Hey I have no answer- but am in the same boat, interested in panoramas- how did ur findings go? Thanks from canada

@fbraakman

3 жыл бұрын

@@tomasspasiuk2429 Hi Tomas, I did buy the Chamonix and I really like it. The model I got is the H1, the non folding model. To be able to use a 6x17 panorama film holder, you need to replace the standard back and replace it with the 5 x 7 back, which the H-1 will take. I haven't gone this route, but I may go with a 6 x 12 film holder. I shoot with a Fujica 6 x 9 which I like a lot.

Can the CHAMONIX accept a 6X9 film back? Are there any ground glass plates with format size guides on them to frame for different film sizes?

@NicosPhotographyShow

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, you can use 6x9 backs and the ground glass has markings for 6x6, 6x7, 6x9 and 6x12.

What do you think about the Linhof Technika Kardan? I have the chance to get one under 150€, however w/o a lens.

@NicosPhotographyShow

5 жыл бұрын

For that price you cant go too wrong. But its not a small or light camera. Linhof is amazing gear, you wont have many problems.

@parratt-world

5 жыл бұрын

I have 3 Linhof 4x5 Technikas: one is a Technika III and the other two are Technika V. I took one to Linhof in Germany for an overhaul. It's superb, and now indistinguishable from a new Master Technika for less than a third of the new Technika price.

I'm new to large format, and bought an Intrepid 4x5 version 3 to get started. And I don't like it all that much. The price and weight are good, but I've had problems with it, like a screw on one side pulling through, the screw knob on the lens board being hard to attach, and just in general things not operating smoothly at all. It gets very frustrating dealing with all that while also trying to learn how to use 4x5 in general. I'm now saving up for a Chamonix, and wish I would have just gone with one of those from the start.

@toulcaz31

5 жыл бұрын

Chamonix is a huge step-up compared to Intrepid in terms of quality from my own experience.

@NicosPhotographyShow

5 жыл бұрын

Im sorry to hear, the quality out of a Chamonix is a one time buy. They do have issues but its a really small percentage. Intrepid as a entry level (price wise) camera it has some benefits but some other issues. Hope you stick with 4x5, its awesome.

And speaking of Chamonix cameras, I was just at their website (www.chamonixviewcamera.com) checking things out, and I discovered you can now buy directly from them on that site. Also, they have a notice about the seller on Ebay, which I've seen before and figured I'd use. It reads: "Important Notice: The eBay store that sells Chamonix cameras is run by a local dealer in Beijing, China, who is not authorized by the Chamonix View Camera Company to sell its products overseas." In the past it was confusing about how to a actually buy one of their cameras, but it looks like now you can just do it like any other e-commerce.

@NicosPhotographyShow

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, the way they sell is quite strange. I work hand in hand with the Instagram and Facebook branches.

Do you loan cameras for use during your workshops? Now I might plan a vacation around that in a couple years.

@NicosPhotographyShow

5 жыл бұрын

All my workshops are gear included. So all my gear gets used during such classes. One of the reasons I have as much gear as I do.

@CertainExposures

5 жыл бұрын

Nicos Photography Show wow genius 🤯

@NicosPhotographyShow

5 жыл бұрын

I think its a great way to learn and see things all together.

Shen Hao is as well built as Chamonix, it´s cheaper and walnut wood looks really, really nice.

What film back do you recommend for the Chamonix 45F2?

@NicosPhotographyShow

3 жыл бұрын

You mean film holders or medium format backs? 4x5 film holders are all pretty decent. I like the Chamonix ones but Fidelity, Lisco or Toyo do great. As for medium format the Horseman are really nice from 6x12 to 6x7.

@digito2300

3 жыл бұрын

@@NicosPhotographyShow Yes, all of them! thank you. Do you have any videos on the Chamonix ones? There is not much information on them besides photos.

How do you feel about the Toyo 45A II ?

@NicosPhotographyShow

4 жыл бұрын

Its a great camera. Just beware of bellow pinholes.

Chamonix C45F-2 or Intrepid MK 4 ?

@NicosPhotographyShow

5 жыл бұрын

Very different cameras, for the money I suggest Chamonix as its a camera that you will most likely never need to upgrade.

Cool 😎

I understand the video is more oriented towards folding cameras but I would not discount the value for money a Sinar F/F2 camera could offer. On a 6 inch rail, those pack pretty nicely too. It's a bit heavier but you get great movements control and a super sturdy camera as a trade-off. An the quantity of parts available to replace any piece is just humongous.

@NicosPhotographyShow

5 жыл бұрын

True. Or the Linhof Technikardan. Its been on my list for a lifetime now.

@toulcaz31

5 жыл бұрын

@@NicosPhotographyShow Linhof is very nice but usually more expensive and much less parts available.

@NicosPhotographyShow

5 жыл бұрын

But its a beautiful machine and it sort of folds into a small package. Let me dream Nico!

@toulcaz31

5 жыл бұрын

@@NicosPhotographyShow weight of the 4x5 (3.5kg) is the same as the Sinar F2 (3.6kg with regular rail)...

I guess you discount Chroma as not a field camera though I own two. It does nearly everything that my monorail does, and weights tons less. You talk about middle range cameras that run $1.000-$3,599 for a Canham. For someone wanting to move up to a field camera. Keep in mind they are learning still, and Intrepid/Chrima are good steps to take. Later they can move up.

“It doesn’t mean the Shen Hao won’t work for you.. it doesn’t work for a lot of people”. That’s one hell of an endorsement, brother.

@buskman3286

26 күн бұрын

I had the opposite experience and went with the Shen Hao. ;)

I am slowly getting inclined towards a 4x5 field camera. I have been doing some research now. Watch all your upload whenever it comes. Also watched your review of intrepid Mk4 camera. I am trying to figure out how I can justify a price difference of around $750/- between intrepid and Chamonix. Can you help me, rather help your viewers, by doing a comparative review. Thanks.

@NicosPhotographyShow

4 жыл бұрын

To be honest both are great cameras, the Intrepid is good for the price. The Chamonix you will never regret or change. Its more about what the budget is, what you will be shooting and your experience with such cameras.

@shamikchoudhury5924

4 жыл бұрын

@@NicosPhotographyShow Thanks a lot for you reply.I am not a professional. But I do serious photography. I invest lot of my hard earned money for that. I do not get back anything. So, I guess to start with I will go for less expensive one with one lens to get a knack of the large format photography.

@NicosPhotographyShow

4 жыл бұрын

@@shamikchoudhury5924 go for it. Just take your time to learn slowly and enjoy the process. Large format is awesome but sometimes frustrating.

I realize you have a global picture and you do a good job of bringing it together but I think there are two LF camera makers you didn't mention (nor have I recalled you ever mentioning them) that are exceptional and can be gotten at a reasonable price. First, Richard Ritter LF Camera's are made in the USA are wonderful not only for their functionality but reasonably priced as well. Check them out at lg4mat.net. As for used camera's one you don't often hear about are Wisner. I think they were made from the late 80's to early 2000. Well made, long bellows, and good movements for front and rear standards. IMO they perform better than most camera's out there new or used.

@NicosPhotographyShow

5 жыл бұрын

True, I think I did cover Ritters cameras in my current LF manufacturers a while back. I have never used or seen one in person, but I have heard his work is really good.

@MichaelWellman1955

5 жыл бұрын

@@NicosPhotographyShow I just ordered an 8x20 from him. If you're interested I'll give you a shout when I get it and give you my thoughts on it.

@NicosPhotographyShow

5 жыл бұрын

That would be awesome. Also awesome format too!

Hmm, so you need to go through instagram or facebook for purchase? That's a non-starter for me, personally.

@NicosPhotographyShow

3 жыл бұрын

They have different channels for different sellers. You can use the website too.

What about the lenses? I'm on a budget here. I have about 1500e for a camera and lens. Is 150mm too tight for landscape? Is 135mm too wide for portraits?

@NicosPhotographyShow

5 жыл бұрын

You might want to watch this. kzread.info/dash/bejne/qoypp6WAYKy5kco.html

@luca_hc_gruber

5 жыл бұрын

135mm is amazing for full body portraits and anything a bit tighter. Did a series this year and I'm so happy with the pictures

honestly I kind of hate my Shen Hao and regret buying it, so I would not recommend.

@Zeoklis

4 жыл бұрын

but Shen Hao has one of the best costumer services I've ever experienced and they send me new parts without any questions

@NicosPhotographyShow

4 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear that, I have only touched a few, didnt seem too bad, but I guess all cameras can "fail" somehow.

@NicosPhotographyShow

4 жыл бұрын

That is good to know, a brand is only as good as there customer service is.

I just ordered Shen Hao FCT57-b. Thats 5x7 format at only 2.4kg. Seems to have more movement then I need. Its not foldable but I think i prefer the non folding layout. Sad there is no color film in 5x7, cus i think outwise its the perfect format. Great video btw!

@NicosPhotographyShow

4 жыл бұрын

Congrats! Check Keith Canham from Canham cameras, he is placing an order for 5x7 color right now.

@jonassubvert

4 жыл бұрын

Nicos Photography Show Wow I will do that, thank you!

A 5x7 would be preferable. The movements are not that important

@NicosPhotographyShow

3 жыл бұрын

The Chamonix 5x7 has plenty of movements too, I currently use a Sinar P2 5x7 and its great until you try to move it anywhere.

no cameras? just a talking head

@NicosPhotographyShow

4 жыл бұрын

My talking head. But yeah, this series is to answer peoples questions, not too show of gear. Any camera you would like to see? I have over 500 videos, maybe I have showed it before.

@nickfanzo

4 жыл бұрын

It’s a q and a video.

@thgftiigghjfryyhgjiyreg8945

4 жыл бұрын

as an idoit. you would think that title would show some cameras not a ugly head? but thats idoits thinking... so stupid

@thgftiigghjfryyhgjiyreg8945

4 жыл бұрын

@@nickfanzo as the title says. q an head

@NicosPhotographyShow

4 жыл бұрын

Love you!