Deardorf 8x10

So what is so special about the Deardorf 8x10? Its not a particularly light camera, there is no bail back, its not the longest extending 8x10. Yet the prices on the big auction side can start at 3K and go up from there, and this is for a used camera not in premium condition. As I see it, this is all hype. If I was going to spend that type of money on an 8x10 there are better choices at the same prices, such as the Ritter and the Canham, and these are new. Can someone enlighten me on this?

Why are they so expensive? Cachet. Slowly repeat these words. Deardorf. Leica. Hasselblad. Rollei. Got it? :p

I have a Leica M3 from my days when I used to do 35mm. From experience I know that Leica is no hype. Have never owned Hasselblad or Rollei but have also heard and read about their fine technical qualities. Large format is different. The camera is really a dumb box. As long as it is sufficiently rigid and provides a rich menu of movements it could be almost anything. Your response confirms my suspicions: hype.

<p>I was thinking a bit about a couple of old Burke & James "Grover" view cameras I used to own. One an 8x10, the other a 5x7. I bought both (at different times) for cheap. I now see them running in the hundreds of dollars. Old Kodak Centuries for astronomical costs. Wista, Linhoff, and Arca-Swiss costing more than the car I am driving... :confused:

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<p>In reality, there is really little one can do with a $10K A-S that I could not do with that crude Grover. I still have a Toyo-View, but also a couple projects in the LOC HABS Collection that were shot with a Busch Pressman D. I will grant that craftsmanship is something to be considered. We must also think about the limited market for LF cameras in the overall community--and the steadily declining supply of worthwhile "vintage" boxes.

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<p>That car I was talking about? It's a 2010 Ford Escape. It will take me to the same places as a Porsche or Rolls Royce. It is all about the cachet and impression. Yes, my 4x5 Toyo 45GII (purchased for pennies on the dollar as a insurance company sell-off, Katrina salvage) is a beauty compared to that old Grover. It has not been out of its big damned case in 4 years. The Busch leaves the house on a regular basis--with its Nikkor W 150mm lens!

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<p>Someone told me long ago to buy camera bodies cheap--and invest my capital in glass. It took me 30 years to get that idea in my head--as the best and most exclusive is what I had to have to impress others. Now the point is in the image. Some days I wish I had those B&J boxes back! :) </p>

<p>I was thinking a bit about a couple of old Burke & James "Grover" view cameras I used to own. One an 8x10, the other a 5x7. I bought both (at different times) for cheap. I now see them running in the hundreds of dollars. Old Kodak Centuries for astronomical costs. Wista, Linhoff, and Arca-Swiss costing more than the car I am driving... :confused:

</p>

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<p>In reality, there is really little one can do with a $10K A-S that I could not do with that crude Grover. I still have a Toyo-View, but also a couple projects in the LOC HABS Collection that were shot with a Busch Pressman D. I will grant that craftsmanship is something to be considered. We must also think about the limited market for LF cameras in the overall community--and the steadily declining supply of worthwhile "vintage" boxes.

</p>

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

<p>That car I was talking about? It's a 2010 Ford Escape. It will take me to the same places as a Porsche or Rolls Royce. It is all about the cachet and impression. Yes, my 4x5 Toyo 45GII (purchased for pennies on the dollar as a insurance company sell-off, Katrina salvage) is a beauty compared to that old Grover. It has not been out of its big damned case in 4 years. The Busch leaves the house on a regular basis--with its Nikkor W 150mm lens!

</p>

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

<p>Someone told me long ago to buy camera bodies cheap--and invest my capital in glass. It took me 30 years to get that idea in my head--as the best and most exclusive is what I had to have to impress others. Now the point is in the image. Some days I wish I had those B&J boxes back! :) </p>

 

I can understand someone spending 4.2K on a new Canham 8x10 or 3K on a new Ritter 8x10, but not those same prices on used cameras when the new ones are technologically improved in several important areas. Several months ago I saw in one of the two major NY photo retailers, a used 11x14 Canham in mint condition for 4.5K, essentially the same price as a new 8x10. I was tempted to clean out my resources to buy it but 11x14 is just too large of a large format for me to handle either in the field or processing the negs.

Having owned a number of 8x10 cameras I'll stay with the Deardorff. Canham would be my second choice. We're talking field cameras, not metal work and commercial stuff such as Sinar. I enjoy the Deardorffs in 5x7 and 8x10 both.

The Deardorffs work and keep on working. They are familiar and well built. Newer stuff is very good as well.

There are many reasons Deardorff cameras command high prices. They are a solid tool that keeps on working. My first was built in 1926. My latest in 1950. Both still tight and work well in the field or studio. If you are not sure, buy a Deardorff and and know you won't lose much if you decide to sell it. Used Sinar and other gear has lost so much it is almost worthless on the used market. Used Deardorffs hold their value.

 

To quote one excellent Large Format photographer & Pt/Pd priinter Tillman Crane: "You can never own too many Deardorffs".

http://www.tillmancrane.com/

 

Reality is that almost any camera that shoots the size film you like will do the job. When I first started with 8x10 I got a Kodak Master View because a friend whose work I admire used one. I hated the thing and nearly gave up on 8x10 because of it. Got rid of it and use a friends Deardorff - and loved it. Both are good cameras and both will do the job. One was a pain in the ass for ME, the other was comfortable. It is simple as that.

 

If you like something else, use it.

So what is so special about the Deardorf 8x10? Its not a particularly light camera, there is no bail back, its not the longest extending 8x10. Yet the prices on the big auction side can start at 3K and go up from there, and this is for a used camera not in premium condition. As I see it, this is all hype. If I was going to spend that type of money on an 8x10 there are better choices at the same prices, such as the Ritter and the Canham, and these are new. Can someone enlighten me on this?

 

luis_rives .. from what i remember they were used for field reconnaissance for the army. they are solid and built for speed, and to last.