I am somewhat disturbed by Anders comments. On one hand, if he's completely correct, he has done a good deed for any potential Fotoman buyer. On the other hand, the comments also read like someone who thought they had a business deal and then found out that they didn't (for whatever reason) and now has sour grapes.
The fact that his comments are one sided and unsubstantiated, and that he refuses further coment lead me to question the circumstances. The fact that the website looks like a piece of crap is nothing new for a Chinese site and shouldn't be taken out of context. I don't know why people have even bothered to comment about that because it's meaningless.
As a potential DMax buyer I would like to hear from someone who has a more impartial experience in dealing with the (new) Chinese Fotoman operation. Anyone out there?
In frankness I am bothered of part of your reply. It appear to question my person and integrity. My post is one of integrity, truthfulness and honesty. Having been a member on LuLa for many years, those are what I believe most here should know of my person, along with that I am someone who am direct and am not afraid to speak or write on such basis. What I obvious decline to comment on are the further details of my Fotoman experience since already what I have written should be classified by any standards. As such I do hope I have made a favor to any potential Fotoman buyer.
Photography is my hobby. My profession and background is as a structural engineer and architect (I am educated, licensed and chartered in both fields). Accordingly I do understand about coming up with concepts and ideas, about tolerances and not mere the tolerance each pieces is fabricated to but also the assembly and importantly the design.
Sour grapes? As stated I believe in integrity. Likewise I do appreciate integrity and certain statue, including in making business and in setting up a business. I also appreciate when a product is well made from all aspects, which for digital include the important digital tolerances which are required to be stricter than film. If it is not, we will not get good pictures on technical side, and will get frustration. On a camera with plane or planes of movement the precise tolerances required for digital is more difficult to make. More so when you have many adapters and when not designed for digital in mind... This is why I believe in Alpa products. All others use sliding rails per what I know. Alpa use slider bearings which are more precise, but also put more requirements on fabrication, design and quality control. Sure, Cambo and Arca may be suffice precise, because they are designed and fabricated for high resolution backs, and with adequate quality control. I do know Charley was on vacation at time for fabrication of Dmax... a very critical time for quality control of a contracted factory... As I stated in above he developed it using a 6MP digital back...
I had a Fotoman 617 which per my understanding was from old stock from when Fotoman China had their foreign partners. It worked. It was a brick which if proper designed could have weighted alot less. Nevertheless it worked. Viewfinder (the better Fotoman) was crap. It did require rolling the film manually and stretching it for each shot with the spools. Nevertheless I would recommend a used newer Linhof. I have not used one. I looked at a Linhof 612 viewfinder and the clear vision was impressive, as was preciseness in its quality.
Dont get me wrong, I do enjoy Chinese products. After all I am married to Chinese and have no reason to bash. I also like China and working with Chinese. The other year I had five camera systems; Mamiya 645 for Leaf digital back, Mamiya 7, Leica M8, Fotoman 617 and Shen-Hao 4x5. All are sold or upgraded, except my Shen-Hao TFC45 II-B. The reason? Having now given up film I simply like the camera. It may not be as precise as an Ebony, but alot cheaper, more pleasing color of wood, and adequate precise for 4x5 -- and a sheer joy to use. Simply a keeper that I will not sell. It is itching adapting a 6x9 Shen Hao for my new Leaf back... simply Shen-Hao is such joy to use. Well... there we go... tolerances would be a problem.
At current I much enjoy Rolleiflex Hy6 and Leaf AFi-II 12. Why? Design, preciseness and accurate tolerances, coupled with top notch image quality and lenses (I am content with two lenses, and actually have learnt that less is more for my photography
).
Above just to inform more of who I am.
As for your question of others having experience with Fotoman China, there are old users of Fotoman. You may also look at Fotoman China or old international website and review "their international dealers". There are (were) per memory one or two well known ones (if they still carry Fotoman). Perhaps ask them if they carry Dmax, also look at other dealers international and not in your area to see what dealers they are... Do also question what is your main aim with buying a tech camera. I am saving for an Alpa for a reason: quality and tolerances, because I am want to get sharp and in focus images, including when shifting and using fall and rise. Simple.
And yes, I am mere trying to be helpful, and with integrity, directness and truth.
Best regards,
Anders