Chamonix View Camera is a specialized manufacturer of handcrafted large-format field and view cameras founded in 2003 by a photographer and mountaineer, operating out of a workshop in Haining, Zhejiang Province, China

Key Overview & Philosophy

• Design Purpose: Built by photographers for landscape and outdoor field use, prioritizing a balance of extreme light weight, mechanical rigidity, and classic aesthetics.
• Materials: Uses a composite blend of aged/cured teak or cherry wood paired with modern high-tech elements like carbon fibre, aluminium, and stainless steel (such as wood/carbon fibre heat-pressed composites for beds and focusing modules).
• Engineering: Features smooth screw-focus mechanisms and stainless-steel focus tracks on ball bearings, omitting non-essential or overly complex movements to keep profiles slim.

Formats & Models

• Range: Builds roughly 18 different models spanning standard and panoramic/large sizes from 4x5 up to 20x24, including unusual sizes like 5x8, 6.5x8.5, 7x17, 8x20, and 12x20.
• Popular 4x5 Models: The 45F-2 and 45N-2 series are widely recognized favourites, with lightweight field builds (the 45F-2 weighs roughly 1.6 kg / 3.5 lbs) making them popular for hiking and mountain travel.
• Larger Formats: Offers rugged field models like the 810V "Alpinist" for 8x10 photography.

Accessories

• Custom carbon fibre lens boards (Linhof-style), carbon fibre ground glass protectors, universal and bag bellows, extension accessories for macro/long-focal-length work, and dedicated film/wet plate holders