Chamonix 45 N-2 4x5 camera review.

[@mattdayphoto]

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]

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]

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

[@BenMargolius]

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

[@rogerhyland8283]

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.

[@fangxusun1723]

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

[@martin-f5482]

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]

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.

[@BryanBirks]

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]

💯! 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]

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

[@fbraakman]

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.

[@jaymathews356]

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]

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

[@magnusa.5599]

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

[@jaymathews356]

You're going to love it!

[@magnusa.5599]

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.

[@johnrome5827]

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

[@antoinedombois]

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]

What tripod is this if I may ask?

[@ceritat625]

Fabulous photos! So lovely!

[@toddkorolphoto]

Thank you very much!

[@hitthestreetsphoto1253]

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

[@toddkorolphoto]

It’s great. I love it.

[@MichaelWellman1955]

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

[@toddkorolphoto]

They really do have it down, thanks.

[@alanescalante1]

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]

Yes way better!!

[@burneshollyman2621]

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

[@toddkorolphoto]

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

[@anewcareerinanewtown]

Great review and excellent shots.

[@toddkorolphoto]

Thank you!

[@Tids_]

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

[@toddkorolphoto]

Thanks for watching!!

[@nelsonfoote7641]

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

[@toddkorolphoto]

You won’t be disappointed. Love mine.

[@idletimeproductions4956]

Great job! Very thorough and informative.

[@tonyparatore888]

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

[@kurteatonphotography]

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

[@ChrisMarxen]

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]

Yes indeed!!

[@markf7739]

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!

[@darrylroberts5235]

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]

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

[@newerakingdom7691]

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]

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]

@@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.

[@tikkafoxer]

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]

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

[@tikkafoxer]

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

[@tgchism]

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

[@toddkorolphoto]

It's lovely!

[@tgchism]

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

[@toddkorolphoto]

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

[@Gaasserocker]

Thank you!

[@shawnmiller4440]

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

[@toddkorolphoto]

You won’t regret it.

[@stanmorgan4628]

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

[@toddkorolphoto]

You won’t regret it!😉

[@yunipena]

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]

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

[@kzed0]

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]

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

[@stuartwalker121]

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]

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

[@ejm922]

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

[@randolphwillis8168]

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?

[@james5553]

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]

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

[@carlhem4463]

Thank you Todd!1

[@steveh1273]

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]

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

[@AlejandroGonzalez-AGS]

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]

I have been eyeing that up as well.

[@AlejandroGonzalez-AGS]

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..

[@julkesjanssen]

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

[@darrylroberts5235]

The head is Benro GD3WH

[@GregoryRusso]

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]

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

[@GregoryRusso]

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

[@daveh6177]

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]

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

[@TheLefse]

What roll film holder is that? Looks very neat!

[@toddkorolphoto]

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.

[@rajkumarkrishna5849]

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]

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

[@toulcaz31]

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]

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.

[@sudosden3567]

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

[@toddkorolphoto]

Wista’s are great! Love them.

[@SD_Alias]

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]

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

[@SD_Alias]

@@toddkorolphoto thank you. Sounds good...

[@rjleal]

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

[@toddkorolphoto]

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

[@rjleal]

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

[@toddkorolphoto]

@@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]

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

[@carlosenriquez2092]

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.

[@tamassanta6819]

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

[@toddkorolphoto]

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]

@@toddkorolphoto Thanks for your answer.

[@haderimouve3499]

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]

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.

[@kevinjylam]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@kevinjylam]

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

[@sgroadie6367]

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

[@toddkorolphoto]

Thanks, it's a Stetson.

[@issiport5978]

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]

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]

@@toddkorolphoto thanks Todd!

[@MARKLINMAN1]

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

[@toddkorolphoto]

Hi sorry, order one of what?

[@MARKLINMAN1]

@@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.

[@huanliu1449]

Hi Todd, can you talk about your tripod? thanks

[@toddkorolphoto]

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 .

[@dynax60]

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]

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.

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@baileyjr36]

Slams fist on table SOLD!

[@baileyjr36]

Thanks for the informative video

[@BillMcCarroll]

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]

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.

[@chevy2die]

What is that dark hood you have?

[@toddkorolphoto]

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

[@MARKLINMAN1]

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]

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.

[@henrymc5733]

Why did you choose the N2 over the F2?

[@toddkorolphoto]

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

[@ellisvener5337]

How does it compare to the Canham DLC?

[@toddkorolphoto]

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

[@ellisvener5337]

@@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]

@@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.

[@danielemilazzo432]

Is that a stratoliner or open road?

[@toddkorolphoto]

The Stratoliner, I love it ;-)

[@bernardkelly235]

Is that teak or cherry?

[@toddkorolphoto]

Cherry

[@bernardkelly235]

@@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?

[@hassanatapour2258]

Where would you buy this?

[@toddkorolphoto]

www.chamonixviewcamera.com/cameras

[@hassanatapour2258]

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

[@chrisloomis1489]

Better than an EBONY SW45 Ti ?????

[@toddkorolphoto]

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

[@lensman5762]

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]

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

[@AtlantaTerry]

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]

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