carstenw
Active member
I am slowly moving towards my camera purchase, having already picked up the following lenses: Schneider 90mm f/5,6 Super-Angulon MC, Linhof Select, Schneider 135mm f/3,8 Xenar, Schneider 210mm f/5,6 APO-Symmar.
I was planning towards a Chamonix 45N-1, now 45N-2 (which now comes with the Universal Bellows as standard, as well as a way of quickly removing the Fresnel), but last weekend, I had a short demonstration of a Linhof Master Technika, and was extremely impressed by the cleverness of the design, and the large variety of movements possible with a camera which at first glance would appear to have almost none. Some gymnastics is required for large movements, but smaller movements should be as easy on this camera as on most regular field cameras. The MT I saw was in great shape, for 1500 Euro, compared to the roughly 580 Euro for a 45N-1, or 640 Euro for the 45N-2. On the other hand, the Chamonix cameras would instantly lose value, whereas the MT would maintain value for some time, so if I wanted to leave 4x5 photography, the MT makes at least as much sense as the Chamonix.
Then there is the Ebony faction here, who strongly recommend various Ebony models. There are too many for me to get a good overview of, but I am looking for something which folded is no larger than the MT, i.e. 180x180x110mm. The price is a concern, so I would only consider Ebony models in the same neighbourhood as the MT, i.e. 1500 Euro. They could be used, of course, but not beat up.
My use will generally be for fairly straight photography, initially in cemetaries, later also of mechanical details on trains and so on, but no big plans for architectural work. Hence I just need a modicum of movements, but want to leave the door open a bit for later.
I have put together the following table comparing the Chamonix and the MT, and am wondering what Ebony might come in the right price and size range second-hand. In general, space is more of a concern than weight, although I wouldn't want anything much heavier than the MT.
Comments?
P.S. "bellows" in the table means limited only by the bellows.
I was planning towards a Chamonix 45N-1, now 45N-2 (which now comes with the Universal Bellows as standard, as well as a way of quickly removing the Fresnel), but last weekend, I had a short demonstration of a Linhof Master Technika, and was extremely impressed by the cleverness of the design, and the large variety of movements possible with a camera which at first glance would appear to have almost none. Some gymnastics is required for large movements, but smaller movements should be as easy on this camera as on most regular field cameras. The MT I saw was in great shape, for 1500 Euro, compared to the roughly 580 Euro for a 45N-1, or 640 Euro for the 45N-2. On the other hand, the Chamonix cameras would instantly lose value, whereas the MT would maintain value for some time, so if I wanted to leave 4x5 photography, the MT makes at least as much sense as the Chamonix.
Then there is the Ebony faction here, who strongly recommend various Ebony models. There are too many for me to get a good overview of, but I am looking for something which folded is no larger than the MT, i.e. 180x180x110mm. The price is a concern, so I would only consider Ebony models in the same neighbourhood as the MT, i.e. 1500 Euro. They could be used, of course, but not beat up.
My use will generally be for fairly straight photography, initially in cemetaries, later also of mechanical details on trains and so on, but no big plans for architectural work. Hence I just need a modicum of movements, but want to leave the door open a bit for later.
I have put together the following table comparing the Chamonix and the MT, and am wondering what Ebony might come in the right price and size range second-hand. In general, space is more of a concern than weight, although I wouldn't want anything much heavier than the MT.
Comments?
P.S. "bellows" in the table means limited only by the bellows.
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