Chamonix 5x8 view cameras are primarily designed for outdoor landscape use. However, this format is used by photographers for portraiture, still life compositions, or any subject that might be rendered in other formats, such as 4x5, 5x7, etc. The view cameras are made with teak combined with high density carbon fiber. The carbon fiber material is used for the camera's base plate to ensure the stability and rigidity of the camera.
The Chamonix 5x8 view camera was developed for two reasons:
- In many parts of the world, the supply of 5x7 film is limited while 8x10 film is easy to find. Photographers can easily cut one sheet of 8x10 film in half to get two sheets of 5x8 film.
- The more important reason: The 5x8 rectangle is more appealing aesthetically, especially when viewed horizontally. It is only one inch longer than the 5x7 format, but because it approaches the golden mean, the image area on the ground glass is much more satisfying. Its physical dimensions and weight are only slightly more than that of the 5x7 view camera, but the 5x8 contact prints or enlargements are very attractive.
For this unique 5x8 format,
Chamonix makes two types: horizontal only and convertible. The convertible view camera's back can be changed from landscape to portrait view. The former has a weight of only 2050 g and the latter has a weight of 2840 g. The horizontal only model uses Linhof-type lens boards while the convertible model uses Sinar-type lens board so that a wider range of lenses can be used.
In every stage of construction
Chamonix 5x8 view cameras are totally handmade and all wood parts are coated by hand. For 40 days, 12 coats of clear varnish are carefully applied to the wood. The wood polishing and painting job requires a total of 90 days.
The metal parts of the Chamonix 5x8 are anodized aluminum with black finish.
58N3 horizontal camera tech data:
- weight: 2,050 gram
- bellows draw: 50mm min, 435mm max without extension board and 600mm with extension board
- rear standard swing: 10° left and 10° right
- rear standard tilt: 30°
- rear standard forward: 70mm
- front rise: 56mm, front fall: 37mm
- front standard shift: 35mm left and 35mm right
- folded size: 293mm x 205mm x 100mm
