Hey Alan, I know this is an older video, but in case you do see this, I am wondering if the back has the option to use a graflok attachment much like a roll film holder, or a Lomograflok Instax back?
Gorgeous Camera!! I got a Omega View 4x5 that is in pretty rough shape and the last time I took it out the images came out with real bad contrast and images weren't that sharp. I think the bellows had light leaks or something, So I've been looking into getting back into large format either pinhole or one of the gems.
nice video, you are wondering about the wide lenses and seeing the camera rail, in linhof 4*5 cameras (which I am somewhat familiar with ) they use a tilt down bed (~90 mm focal range) and for the ultra_wide angle lenses (
Hello Allan, Whats your thoughts in a SHEN HAO TZ45-IIA vs the SHEN HAO HZX 45-IIA, is there such a difference between them? I am thinking on buying one of them but it seems that the SHEN HAO HZX45-IIA cover more bases... Congrats for your work and great images that inspire some of us to try the large format type.
+Nuno Bartolomeu Thanks! I've never used the TZ model, but from what I understand it's quite a bit lighter. That would make it a good choice for use in the field. However, I do believe it sacrifices some of the camera movements available on the HZX model. In the end you've got to decided what's more important...weight of the camera vs. the full range of movements. For my use, I think I actually probably should have purchased the TZ, but I'm pretty happy with what I've got.
ps, you DO have fall, it is colloquialy termed indirect rise, that is what the rear tilt on the back standard is for, you lower the camera 'optical bench' {camera base in this case} , with the ball head on the tripod, apply the front tilt & rear tilt, using the bubble levels to 'square up' the camera, then you have fall, a lot more than what just the front standard offers.
Shen Hao HZX-IIa on the way. I just wonder if it has Graflok back cos i would like to try a 6x12 back . Does SHEN HAO 6x12 6x9 6x6 back fit into HZX-IIa ? Thank you
Now that you have an Intrepid 4x5 MkII, will you consider getting rid of this camera? Just checking because I want to know how much you like it. I am thinking in buying a Shen Hao.
OK. I got around to watching the whole thing. What a sweet little camera. You're going to sacrifice this for a plywood piece of crap to save, what? A pound and a half? You're smarter than that.
Hi Allan, sorry for may google english. Great video and good picture behind you, but you are a little out of focus, like Robin Williams in "Deconstructing Harry," pardon the joke, jjj
Hey Alan, can you review the 4x5 Intrepid Camera? I want to get into large format, and I've just seen those in the internet but they do not have a properly review. Of course, it is cheap, but I want to invest in something like that and then if I like it, maybe I'll buy a camera like the one you just reviewed. By the way, nice review.
Alan, at 3:00 you say you would not use the 3/8" thread socket that you thought the 1/4" thread socket was better. You must have been confuzzled. LOL! The 3/8" thread socket is MUCH stronger!
hi, it's not only stronger, but allows you to mount the camera direct to the tripod head attachment screw(which is 3/4") giving a lot of extra stability esp. in low shots and for shots where head movement is not required, and all for only the cost of a mount plate with that size screw affixed.
Hi Alan, I found your channel while researching for my first large format 4x5 field camera. I'm interested in getting something high quality (hence my aversion towards the Intrepid 4x5 which I've tried before), durable, and that'll last me a lifetime as you said. Do you think the Shen Hao HZX45-IIA is better than other examples in its class? What other alternatives should I look at?
Just bought a Shen Hao TZ45 IIC and I think it's beautiful but I have issue with it not having axis tilt can I possibly flip the front standard around and get axis tilt?
Interesting question. If I needed all of the movements, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Shen Hao again. However, most of my work involves hiking with my gear so weight is becoming more important to me as time goes by. I've actually just purchased a new 4x5 from Intrepid Camera. It sacrifices some of the movements and convenience of the Shen Hao, but it's also about 1/3 of the weight!
Hi - Love your work, thanks for your reply to this. I'd never heard of intrepid but have now just ordered one! I've been looking for a lightweight 4x5 and was on the fence about the Shen Hao or a Tachihara, the weight thing kept stopping me. This looks perfect though! And I get to support a UK company too which is great (my home country). Look forward to Christmas! :) Keep sharing new videos, always enjoy your style and presentation.
I'm sorry. Just my humble opinion. But you're switching from a really nice camera to a piece of junk. To save what? A pound or two? I just bought a new camera that's two pounds heavier because it's a better camera.
Are saying the real nice camera in the DSLR? I hope not.. The Shen Hao will out last DSLR decade over the DSLR. Plus, the optics available on field camera will smoke anything that's available for DSLR.
Due to the good presentation of the Shen Hao HZX (I think I actually fell quite in love with it), I'm now not quite sure, whichcamera's "the best" for me. So far I've seriously considered the Chamonix F1 justlike Fang Deng. I love the rear movements of the Shen Hao, the way it locks inthe standarts and it looks more durable. On the other hand, the F1 has all thefront movements, that I like (axis tilt and shift though that could be achieved by swinging the camera and both standarts) and is considerably lighter.I'd like to use the camera in the field (backpacking/hiking so weight is anissue) but also for architecture and portrait. The plus weight of the Shen Haois only 4 percent, when carrying 40-50 pounds. Is the Shen Hao worth the extraweight?
+Fang Deng Most important thing to look at is what movements you want on the camera. I would like most of the fancy movements on the back of this camera to be on the front, like centre tilt and shift, but can do with limited movements on the back. I've had both a Chamonix and a Shen Hao and, although they are very similar, I think the controls on a Shen Hao are a little more precise, but those of the Chamonix (045N-2) feel a little more robust. The whole camera just feels like it will hold up in regular use a bit better.
Hi, I got a Chamonix 45F1. I would say it is lighter (1.5kg), smaller, has more movements on the front standard, less on the rear standard and possibly a bit more bellows extension (can focus reasonably close with a 300mm lens, even without the extension board). Also the wood on the rear standard is thinner allowing for more movements with wider lenses (I still got some movements with 75mm lens and standard bellows). The disadvantage of the Chamonix is that the standards don't lock down so rigidly (no real locks just screws). You have to be more considerate to align the standards in parallel and it is easier to accidentially move the standard when working on the lens). The ground glass that comes with the Chamonix is not great (bright, but grainy - difficult to focus). I replaced it with a Sinar ground glass, which makes focusing much easier.
+Fang Deng I've never actually shot a Chamonix, but I've got a friend who shoots one. From seeing his it looks to be slightly more robust than the Shen Hao. As someone mentioned before me, just make sure the camera that you're thinking about getting has all the movements you want.
+Fang Deng I once owned the 45F1. Wonderful camera, get it... its worth the extra money and a lot cheaper than other brands floating around whether it be used or new. I was hesitant about the "Made in China" stigma but overall I was very much pleased.
