Chamonix 810V Review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ต.ค. 2023
- I take a look at the Chamonix 810V large format camera.
Thanks to Chamonix Cameras.
www.chamonixviewcamera.com
Music by : upbeat.io
See more of my work here:
www.toddkorol.com
/ toddkorol
Ben Horne review: • Chamonix Alpinist X 8x... - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Thank you for the great review, Todd! Looks like this camera has a lot of nice features. I have the Chamonix 45N2, and I love it!! I started off with an Intrepid 4x5, and all I can say is that the camera served its purpose. It got me into large format photography. Having the Chamonix now is quite a nice upgrade. Thank you for doing that you do. 👍🏽🎞️📷
Thank you for watching!
I really Enjoyed your review! I too have a Chamonix 810 and love it dearly! A very well built camera and truly a joy to use as well as to look at!
Yes I could see this camera lasting a long, long time.
Excellent video, thank you for making!
You bet. Thanks for watching. More coming.
I have used this model for some years now all without any issues or problems. Great quality and a beautifully made camera.
Good to know it's passing the test of time.
I have a Chamonix 4x5, which I think is wonderful for all the reasons you outlined. I have always enjoyed your videos - no matter what the subject matter. You present with warmth and intelligence so what's not to like.
Chamonix are really making amazing cameras. Thank you for your support.
Very good comments in your video. I decided for the Chamonix 45H1, which I use in parallel with 5x7 and 4x10 backs. Extremely flexible and still acceptable size for hikings
A friend has one of those, very nice.
once again todd, a great review, really enjoy your work. zen billings
Thanks so much for continuing to watch. 🙂
Great video TODD, I have the Chamonix 45F2, These are by FAR the best LF cameras on the MARKET, nothing but QUALITY! You are a BRAVE man shooting that thing in such windy conditions, lololol.
Thanks, it was heavy gusts for sure, it was a crap shoot to see if that wind photo would turn out ;-)
Great review! Whenever I see 8x10 cameras, I feel the urge to buy another one 😂… I have a 4x5 Chamonix and its absolutely amazing, I can imagine, the 8x10 is just the same!
Thanks. They sure have their manufacturing down, the build quality was flawless. 8x10 as you know is so great, nothing like it. I wanted to do some portraits but just ran out of time, crazy summer.
I couldn’t agree more! I own the 8x10 Alpinist and it is a work of art. It is by far the best field box camera I’ve ever owned. Cheers!
Yeah I can’t wait to try one out as well, it looks fabulous!
Todd, thanks for the review. Well done. I have an 8x10, and also shoot 5x7 (Chamonix). I think you were spot on. I think Chamonix makes solid cameras.
Thanks, yes they are lovely.
Your videos are my favorite and you inspire me to get out and shoot my rollei and 4x5. I'm guessing you've been busy lately, but I really hope you still plan on posting regularly. Your audience misses you
Thanks, yes very busy but I hav just been away and working on a new video right now with the Rollei from a pretty special place. Will be out before Christmas😉
I’ve been wanting to upgrade to an 810V from my Cambo 8x10 monorail for a while… wish I could afford it now! Thanks for the in depth video. I second more LF content in the future 👍
The Combo is a great camera, but certainly hard to take out into the field and pack around. Thanks for watching.
I loved your review. Currently, I have a Wista Rosewood 4x5, a Chamonix 45F-2, a Linhof Super Color ST 4x5 monorail (my best camera), and a Zone VI 8x10. I purchased all cameras new. In 2024, thanks to your review, I hope to add a Chamonix 57FS-2 to this lineup.
Wow that’s a great lineup. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
Great review. Phenomenal camera. My first delve into 8x10 was an intrepid Mk3 and I couldn't lock it down when using movements for portraiture. Already had a 45F2, so bought the 810V and couldn't be happier. As a novice, I didn't know about the notch in 8x10 film holders and was inserting the holder 180 degrees from it's intended, but that was my fault.
If you can't lock a large format camera down it's pretty much useless.
Awesome, my H1 is on the way.
I’m sure you’ll love it. ✌️
I love my Chamonix 45 N2. I have the latest Intrepid 8x10 and it does the job. 8x10 is an outlier for me and not something I use a lot, so it's hard to justify the extra money for me. If 8x10 was my main format I'd get a Chamonix Alpinist X for sure. Thanks for the review. 👍👍
That Alpinist X looks amazing as well!
Love my chamonix 810v. Originally I wanted a canham 810, but he’s not making them anymore, or at least he hasn’t for a long while, something about sourcing parts. So I bought the chamonix, and after playing with a friends Canham, I’m glad I got the chamonix. I see pros and cons to each system. But the setup time and focus mechanism on canham is a lot to remember to do, can be a little confusing, it also doesn’t seem quite as sturdy. I think I prefer the simplicity of the chamonix. Anyway, cheers! Always looking for more large format content!
My thoughts exactly.
I agree. Chamonix is a great camera. I have the 810V and the 11x14. Some times I'll look longingly at a 12x20 but I'm having a hard time justifying it to myself. Anyway, it's well built with controls that lock into place easily so you can set up the shot without an excess of fiddling. The 8x10 has become my favorite camera and that's saying a lot since I have a lot of other really nice cameras.
I feel the same way.
Thanks for this review and for undertaking to review a number of 8x10 options. I currently enjoy using my 4x5 Chamonix and would be quite comfortable in moving “up” to their 8x10 offering on that basis but I have questions about the pros and cons of the two options. The cons to 8x10 for me at least, are increased film cost, increased costs relative to lenses and film holders, uncertainty about film developing options,(I currently use a Stearman Tank or Patterson tank) and film scanning ( I currently dSLR scan my 4x5 negatives). The pros are perhaps less clear beyond the obvious addition resolution and enlargement opportunities 8x10 brings. Thanks again Todd and greetings from PEI!
I develop my negatives in a Jobo Pro tank thank works great, doesn't not take up much space. I scan my negative pretty easy on a light table and digital camera. But for me, what 8x10 provides is the "look", how the background goes out of focus, the whole spacial quality. It can't be replicated.
@@toddkorolphoto thanks very much for taking the time to answer some of my questions.
The kind of review I like and trust. Yes sir. Thanks Todd.
That's very kind, thanks.
The new Fasquel 8x10 camera is the best on the market. Made perfectly to order in France.
They look stunning! I have been chatting with them, I can’t wait to see one in person.
I would love to see what you make of the Gibellini
Yes need to find someone out West here who has one, they looks pretty cool.
A great video. Next time you
Should talk about the lenses
You use!
Sure will do, although this was really about how the camera worked and how it was built.
Very thoughtful review, Todd! Though I've considered other 8x10 cameras over the years, I just cannot part with my 8x10 'Dorff. I bought it brand new in the early 80's at a price that would make LF photographers cry nowadays. I figure that with the money I save by not buying a new camera I can buy more film! 😀
Yes absolutely great call, the Deardorff is a classic. Like I said, I love them, but finding a really good used one is hard, and expensive. Keep it!
Loved the review, if I had a way to print 8x10, I wouldn't hesitate buying one. Somehow, scanning an 8x10 sheet of film just destroys the concept to me (yes I know Ben Horne scans his, whoop de do). Thanks, always enjoy and look forward to any video you do.
I actually just make contact prints from a lot of my negatives, just like Weston did. Contact prints from big negatives are really, really nice.
I would want a handle too. But, the rear standard would need to be designed for that additional load to keep the top of the frame from flexing. And the hinges would be under additional stress... Interesting challenge.
Yes that's what I thought, and I think if they make the rear standard larger then that all starts adding weight as well. Balancing act.
@@toddkorolphoto I just looked at a Phillips 8x10 and it has a leather handle that connects to the top corners. That's smart because then the force on the top of the rear standard is just compression. It also looks like perhaps a heavier hinge than the Chamonix.
Interesting, I will check that out.@@TomRaneyMaker
Hi Todd
What is the minimum length lens you can use before the camera bed becomes an in-image issue?
My brain isn’t up to trying to work it from first principles, or even if there’s an inverse square rule when comparing it to 4x5… perhaps something I couldn’t live without (sliding rear standard) on a 4x5 is a non issue for 8x10?
Related, I really chuckled at “using a wide angle, it’s 210mm”…
You can use a 150mm lens comfortably on this camera. Probably a 120mm as well.
Really enjoyed the review. However, after spending two years jumping back and forth between two cameras, I'm still a little undecided between the 810V and the Arca Swiss misura. While I understand that the wood and carbon fiber would be great during the Canadian Winters, but my uses might benefit from the movements and the rigidity of the rail.
In the meantime, I have to be extra diligent shooting with the Intrepid.
Hard to beat an Arca Swiss, those are great.
Great video as usual. What about a 8x10 Ritter?
I have only seen pictures of a Ritter, they do look nice, would love to try one out one day.
Awesome video Todd. How do you rate this against the Canham you reviewed a few years back please? Does it have a convertible ground glass from portrait to landscape orientation or is it stuck in portrait like some of Chamonix's other 8x10 models?
I like this camera a lot. Both great cameras, but I do like this a wee bit better. Yes back goes horizontal or vertical. Thanks
I would be curious to hear your take on the Sinar Norma 8x10.
I had a 4x5 Norma, that was my very first camera into the large format world. I loved it, just hard to travel with.
@@toddkorolphoto the Norma 8x10 is about 7kg and very sturdy. I think that’s the true format that gave this reputation to this camera.
great review, it's my dream 8x10 camera besides Canham. i've used Chamonix N2 and it's great camera. If you have to choose one, which one do you prefer a Chamonix or Canham?
They are both great cameras and you really can't go wrong. I personally would probably choose this one, it's a little easier to set up and focus. The Canham you need a day or two to get back into how everything works.
Great review Todd! Been using my 810v for 1.5 years and it is indeed a fantastic camera, incredibly well made, and fairly light weight. It's not perfect and I've had a couple issues with mine and also have a ist of items I'd like to see added or improved. Curious why you are considering this camera over your Canham?
I find the Canham focus and adjustment finicky especially when you have not used it for awhile. It always take a day or two to get back into the groove with that, and I generally don't have that time. Would like to set it up and just know how to focus quickly. It's a matter of speed when I haven't used a camera for awhile.
@@toddkorolphoto Good to know. I was initially considering the Canham, but decided against it simply because I could not get over the tactile feel of the flat knobs!
Very interesting review. I use Chamonix 4x5 myself and I can confirm the great quality of workmanship.
I hope that one day my skills will allow me to use the full potential of this camera.
Is one of your lenses a Sironar N in the video?
Yes, my 240mm is a Rodenstock.
Great review Tod. My buddy has the same Chamonix 8x10 and he really likes it. I have a Deardorff that I picked up last year and it is in great shape: new bellows, no light leaks, and I don't mind the weight, although I don't consider it to be that heavy. As you I shoot Alberta countryside and out of the back of the truck. I only have one lens, a Nikkor 300 mm f9, that has sufficient coverage, equivalent to a 150 mm on the 4x5. I find this is sufficient for now. Just curious, do you have an 8x10 enlarger? I have to do contact prints with my 8x10 negatives, which limits the size of the prints. But you can't beat the clarity of an 8x10 negative. I also struggle a bit with the development of the 8x10 negs. I used to have Jobo that I could develop the 8x10 negs but that broke down on me and I am relegated to using the Stearman Press 8x10 development tray.
I still love the Deardorffs, just getting harder to find really nice ones that don't cost an arm and a leg. I do have an 8x10 enlarger, it's a beast to work with. A Job certainly is the way to develop 8x10 negatives, very consistent.
I have been after one for along time . How hard is it to develop the film? What size do you recommend to start off with? Do I start with an 8 x 10?
Yes they are great, but if you are just starting out in large format I would try a 4x5 before jumping into 8x10, and learning how a large format camera works and if you like the process. You just need a couple of trays to develop film.
Todd, what was the max front rise used in the making of any of the architectural photographs you were seen setting up for in this video? I know the 810V has a max front rise of 3.97” (101mm). Just interested to see if you pushed the front standard to its limit. Great informative video! Cheers
I did use max front rise, front standard: rise 101mm, fall 45mm; shift 50mm on each side, tilt 30 degrees, but some of my lenses ran out of image circle at max rise.
Todd, due to the fact that this camera has ample front rise, you never had to use front tilt to get everything in focus from front to back on any of the architectural shots you took? Thank you for this info! Cheers
The KB Canham was a nice 8x10 for sure although it looks like a little lighter construction than the Chamonix. Nice shot of the graffiti under the under pass.
Thanks, they are almost the same, Canham weights 146 grams more. Canham is a touch more fussy to use.
Take a look at chamonix alpinst X model. Only 2890 grams for a 810 camera.
They look like an amazing camera, would love to try one out.@@tangjinbh4fdj970
Hi Todd, thanks for this. Do you put this above Keith Canham's camera that you reviewed positively a year ago? Stephen Smith, Frames Magazine
Not in build quality, the two are very similar, which is very good build quality. I like Keith's cameras a lot, as I said in that video, the focus and moving the bed on the Canham camera is a little finicky and if you haven't used it in awhile, it's not intuitive.
This camera has one focus knob, so it's more intuitive and therefore quicker. Although to change lens focal lengths you have to unscrew the front lens bed and move it on the Chamonix, the Canham just slides.
Given the choice, I would probably use the Chamonix as it's a bit easier to use and also has a rear bail for the back which I now love.
But both, very good solid cameras, you really can't go wrong with either.
@@toddkorolphoto Thanks for the quick response. Yes, I know the rear bail from my Sinar. It is indeed a great help in keeping everything stable. They are rare in field cameras. I contacted Keith a while ago and he is planning another series of 8x10s in the near future.
@@stephensmith8325 they are very well made. Will last a lifetime as well if properly cared for. Cheers
Great video Todd. Just wondering your shot of the American Hotel, I notice the sky is a bit darker on the top edge, did you do it in post? Thank you.
The sky was pretty blue, I actually under exposed another sheet from my initial exposure, and then yes, I brought the sky down a bit in post as well. When I "scan" my images they are pretty flat, then I work on them in PS.
Thanks for the info. @@toddkorolphoto
I asked this on a LF forum! Using new Leica M11 Monochrom vs 8x10!. It would be interesting..
If you've seen my other videos you know I am a huge Leica fan and user of over 30 years. The new M11 Mono is fantastic! For me, it's about how the 8x10 can throw the background more out of focus by the fall off of depth of field. I am interested more in the "Look" of an 8x10 image, not just actual quality of image sharpness.
I have it's prototype from Phillips, this one has more features
The Phillips are really nice, I think this one is done better as well.
I don't know if ground glass locking has been improved for new models. Those little latches loosen in use and I've had the ground glass frame fall out a few times.
Focus lock is a much needed addition. I have a 4x5" and an 11x14" that don't have it and it makes photography challenging sometimes. Especially with heavier optics.
Good to know. Will have to check.
Yes I wish my 4x5 had a focus lock. Much needed.
Would love to know how you compare this to your canham 810
They are both very very good cameras. The Canham can be a little trickier to focus and lock, it can also be difficult to fold. I love the usability of the Chamonix, the focus is also great, it’s faster. The Canham is easier to set up for a different lens, the Chamonix you have to unscrew the front standard and move it. Both are built incredibly well and will give you years of service. Pretty much the same weight and size.
Thanks Todd, appreciate the feedback. I love both companies, great gear but very different approaches
Wish I had your debvelopment / enlarging rooms ... that takes money. Did you review the camera's made in FRANCE yet Todd ? The french cameras are FASQUEL I believe.
You can still get inexpensive enlarging equipment and darkroom supplies. I have not see the Fasquel & Co 8x10 camera yet, I would really like to. They look beautifully made as well, one day for sure!
Thank you very much for your video. It was as all your videos very interesting! However, I get dazzled by the bright white area around your pictures which make your photos darker to look at. With a grey area around instead it would be easier for me to look at your fine photos. Kind regards from Sweden.
I'll try that. But to be honest, the photos are pretty ordinary, this video was all about the build and usability of the camera.
Thanks for trying! I always look forward to your videos! Kind regards! @@toddkorolphoto
I shoot 4x5 but really wanna try 8x10 ❤
8x10 is dangerous, it's so great to shoot with.
@@toddkorolphoto true.. i have been shooting linhof 4x5; and thinking should i get 8x10 or should i change my 4x5 to chamonix.. (i am also nature landscape photographer 😅 )
The Linhof is a great camera, if it's working for you use it. I love the feel of these wood Chamonix cameras, and they are easy and quick to set up and use.@@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY
i love linhof; only down size is weight compared to chamonix 🥲
@@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY yes for sure, much more weight.
Would love you to try out the Gibellini AG810 and GP810 too, they look so solid too, cheers.
Yeah, they look like fast sports cars!
Todd, at 10:41, one would think this is too heavy, or awkward to use a handle, esp. with it 'assembled', folded up?, perhaps, on the way to the tripod, but, for eg. K.B. Canham cameras, and some others, use a wool lined bag which has the handle on it, encouraging users to pack it up, to protect the ground_glass first, then carry it, perhaps a better option?, and considering how expensive the camera, film, and esp. lenses (in a copal 3 shutter) are, a wise move.
Also I have more commonly seen youtubers use a 'garden cart' to transport these behemoths, so all their kit arrives at the shoot safely, other than in a pelican case, of coarse; as you would have to be one of those "scottish log throwers" to man handle a thing like this in a 'ready to shoot condition' for any extended period.
Yes that's an idea, some kind of bag with a handle to carry the camera. I always have a ground glass protector I slide on. As you can see in the landscape I work in, a garden cart would not be practical for what I do. ;-)
$4195. Gotta pay to play!
Ain't that the truth.
great review, PS: at 5:19 it is said al-pin-est ! not al-penis like you pronounced it (assuming this was unintentional )- just how I heard it on the video.
My lazy Canadian accent....But you are correct.
I found your take on this first review very confusing, to be honest. You already have/had a KB Canham 8x10 wood field camera, which has more front standard movements, including separate front axis and base tilt, and the Canham only weighs 1/10th of a pound more than the Chamonix 810V. Then to say at the end you want to try out a metal Gibellini 8x10 after just having used metal cameras in Canada as a negative judgment criteria is further confusing. I appreciate you taking us along on your reviews of 8x10s, but I found this first review somewhat puzzling.
Hi Gregg yes had a Canham. The Canham camera is a great camera, but it does have a few drawbacks in the usability department. In the end, the whole focus and locking down the focus I find very finicky on the camera. If you do not use it often enough, it is like learning to use the camera all over again, plus folding it and closing it was always a bit of an issue as well. In the end, I am willing to give up on a bit more movements for a camera that is more user friendly. Also, I love the bail back, which the Canham does not have.The weight is essentially the same.
In terms of trying out the metal Gibellini, that is solely just to create a series of videos that I can show users what these cameras are like and their usability. (A series of current 8x10 cameras people could look at) Also as I said in my video, there are not a lot of videos where you can see these cameras close up and see the details.
As for myself, the more I have used large format the more I now really have a handle on the type of camera I need for my photography.
Just trying to help the community out there and show people what these cameras are like, and their actual usability. Given the choice right now, I find the Chamonix an easier camera to use. But both are great cameras.
@@toddkorolphoto all valid points for your workflow. As an owner of two Canhams, I'll confirm that they are more demanding on the setup and breakdown process than most cameras, but then you get the added flexibility of more movements. If your workflow as a PhotoJournalist demands quicker setup of the camera, then perhaps it's not the camera that fits best. Good luck with the series.
OK, my first exact words were "Oh lawd Todd, I hate you so much right now!"...... what . a . camera! Are you going to have a "Sod it!" moment and treat yourself?
I just might! ;-)
Huzzah!!!!!
Using that box ,bellows, lens and sheet film and saying expensive film? Requiring a meter for bright cloudy day in Alberta. I understand Winter light! Why use 8x10? Arnold Newman wrote, he had to move to 35mm, for Editorial work, as magazines, would no longer pay for 4x5 film! Sure larger film, may be better .I've done very large prints with 6x7, 120 Rolleiflex. Not for a magazine page, even double truck. Prints on a wall. I liked review but nothing, not money, favors would get me, to go near one of those! Brief Applause Todd!
Yes for sure, 99% of my assignments are on digital of course. A lot of personal work on film.
Ah, If you're going to be taken seriously you might consider having some experience. In this case, large format photography. Before the 30s mark you have lost your creditability. Pop quiz...why?