Chamonix 45H-1Overview

[@MARKLINMAN1]

Chamonix makes AMAZING cameras at a very affordable price. NICE review here, i LOVE the fact that it has a HANDLE, I don't think the F2 has a handle, NOT from the pics i see on their site.

[@andyvan5692]

at 7:14, like in the linhof technika cameras, this feature is called a 'triple extension' as the focus is done by the track ( in reality the 'optical bench' as is sometimes refered to as), the infinity stop for the standard is on the other track, and the "macro" rail is on the third track.

[@frontstandard1488]

Wow only one comment in 9 months. I am considering this camera strongly. Like you, the idea of not having to set it up and having a lens installed is very appealing. It allows me to do quick stuff in dodgy areas without worrying. The extension is enough for me, a 210 or 240 is longest, but I use 125 or 150/80 mostly, and a 90 for roll film. I guess the 45f2 is the popular one and this is one of the more outlier models. I love the look of it. And having it just almost set up is a big selling point.

[@andyvan5692]

one tip, Arca Swiss call this asymmetric tilt a "micro-metric Orbix control"; but Chamonix gives you a dashed line on the GG to show you where the pivot is, so you can align your objects that you are focussing on to.

[@andyvan5692]

one tip, if you don't already know lomography makes an instant back, the lomograflok back, which takes instax wide film, great for testing exposure, etc, this WILL fit on the international back, just need to have enough space in the ground glass frame to fit the focus spacer. also a there and back again back is usefull (allows 6x6,6x7,6x9, 6x12 sizes of 120 film to be used in this camera, saving money, and giving a 'taste' of a film stock, and a chance to know it before laying down the real money on sheet film); toyo, Sinar, and others make them, well worth checking out, esp. while learning the format.

[@andyvan5692]

fyi, in addition to my earlier comment, at 7:14 this "triple extension" , from research is quite literally the max the camera can take, aka a "triple extension camera" can only extend far enough for a 3x normal focal length for the format (3x150 or 450mm lens), excluding, of coarse the wide and TELE lenses (who's infinity distance is NOT at focal length); it is just the standard lens designs we are discussing here.

[@AlejandroGonzalez-AGS]

Great camera…I have one. Get a Shen Hao 6x12 adapter to use 120 film! The build quality is incredible…Be safe. Cheers..

[@matthewu2520]

Great review!

[@davehanner360]

Thank you!

[@lionycorozo8939]

Hi Dave thanks for your video. I just bought a 45h1. It is my first large format camera. A question. What is the size of the Lens Boards that I need for the 45h-1?

[@davehanner360]

Welcome to large format! It uses the very common Linhoff style boards. They measure 96mm x 99mm but are just commonly referred to as Linhoff compatible boards. Easy to find on eBay or can even be 3D printed. Thanks for watching and I am sure you will enjoy the H-1!

[@PictureSizeDoesMatter]

Hi, what are the dimensions i.e. when it's in the bag? I have on coming and am looking for a case to hold it and other equipment. Great video.

[@davehanner360]

Hey thanks for watching! The soft case which the camera comes with measures 9.5 inches tall by 9.5 inches wide by 6 inches deep. Those are outside measurements.

[@PictureSizeDoesMatter]

Thank you very much.@@davehanner360

[@eduardocheca6080]

How do you like the focusing with this camera? I have heard that it is a bit uncomfortable to focus.

[@davehanner360]

Thanks for watching! It’s really the same as any other large format camera. Focusing any of them is not that comfortable if you have to bend or hunch over to see the ground glass. If they are right at eye level then it is more comfortable. Chamonix sells an add on reflex viewer with some magnification that would make it nicer I’m sure but I haven’t tried one.

[@darrylroberts5235]

Hi, will you please tell me exactly what plate that is?

[@davehanner360]

It’s just a generic 70mm long Arca Swiss compatible quick release plate. I bought a pack of 3/8”-16 plate screws and drilled out the plate so it would go through. I then could attach it with both the 1/4”-20 screw that came with the plate and the 3/8” one.

[@andyvan5692]

the extra expense is due to the fact it is a neic`e camera system, aka it is literally an architecture (wide-angle) camera, like the Ebony RSW45 it can only take wide angle to std focal length lenses, hence the 'neic`e' pricetag as not everyone into LF will want this restricted set of features, so to make money, the makers need to charge a little more.