thinking about cheap and simple 8x10

Well, as 1st - there is no need to rush with answers - *that* 8x10 is

something like my next year (or two years?) project ;-))<br><br>

When I bought my Sinar some 6-7 months ago I was just thinking of buying

Bender's 8x10 kit, but my "teacher"* have told me that for my job I need

more robust and complex camera. Well, he was right - the F which I bought is

just perfect for combination of "in-studio" and "on-location" shots. But now

I'm thinking (again) of buying and/or building something for "larger" contact

prints. The enlarger isn't problem, dust is - I have both of them, but the main

goal are contacts. I don't believe I will have time and nerves to build camera,

already existing one seams to be matching for me.<br><br>

Now, when Jason asked about cheap lens for 8x10 might be a good time to

ask for cheap 8x10 camera:<br>

I would like my camera to hold "international" film holder (double

sided?),<br>

I would like my camera to have some at least front movements (shift and tilt

will probably be enough),<br>

sure, I would like my camera to be "not heavy"... don't have to be the lightest

possible.<br><br>

What will you suggest? I'm thinking of buying it on a second hand market

unless I found somewhere some extra money to buy new... (Tachihara? have

anyone some good link about that camera?)<br>

Well, that is all for (new) beginning of planing ;-))<br><br>

<i>*that "teacher" is one of finest photo-equipment seller in my town... he

<b>is</b> teacher at university (academy of visual arts), he is photographer

and did help me a lot in buying (not just from him) my equipment - sad that I

didn't managed to study at his school.</i><br><br>

Oh, yes: what I would like to shoot with it are just landscapes. No

architecture, no reportages, maybe some day some portraits... macro (or

better to say some details in nature) is also in my mind... Everything just

B&W, probably not 8x10 but 18x24(cm!)...<br><br>

Tnx, Janko.

I don't exactly understand the last line of your message, but assuming you're looking for an inexpensive 8x10 camera look at the older brands that haven't acquired cult status but that are nevertheless very usable cameras, especially for landscape where you don't need extensive movements. Agfa/Ansco, Burke & James, Century Universal, Kodak 2D (I think that's the model, the wood one not the metal), and Korona come to mind. You should be able to buy one of these for $500 or less in good condition. Tachihara 8x10s are lovely cameras but not real inexpensive except when compared to other new 8x10s like Wisner ($1,200 for the double extension, $1,800 for the triple) and are surprisingly heavy considering the fact that Tachihara made it's reputation with a very light 4x5 camera. Still, if you're thinking in the mid thousand dollar range the Tachihara is certainly worth considering.

In my opinion the best solution is the Calumet 8x10. The main negative for this choice is the weight - it is heavy. (also ugly but so what?)

 

On the positive side it has an excellent range of movements, a very long extension, it will last forever, it can be easily rebuilt and it is CHEAP. OK, it is VERY heavy.

What is your definition of cheap??? I have seen used 8x10 Sinar F2

format change kits and complete cameras go for $800-$1500 on Ebay.

Thats no bad considering the retail for that stuff is in the $5000+

rang

"cheap" will be enything cheaper than new Tachihara. So, under 1000 USD.

Well, Bender on some lens is under 1000, but I have to take some tools,

glue... time and knowlage... and I'm afraid I don't have those too much.<br>

The best will be something under 500... I'm just looking for possibilites, time

for buying will come later.<br><br>

Janko.

well, I saw a couple of nice looking Kodak Master 8x10's go for under $1000 (around 700 to 800+) on ebay a week or two ago, that would have been a steal.. you may never have bought another 8x10 after getting that (see Micahel Smith) - prices on these seem to vary wildly. Another one went with two great Kodak lenses (including a WF EKtar 250) for 1600.00 which was possibly an even better deal...

 

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/kodak/masterview.html

 

and there are also beasties like this that come up all the time (and sometimes the toyo studio 8x10's):

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2925335347&category=15248

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2921533348&category=15248

 

but you are going to do a bit of lugging around with that sucker

 

Every now and then there is a cute Fatif 8x10 monorail that is for sale - with unique 1960's/1970's Italian design (and also unique round or oval lensboards...). They go for a fair price - I'm always tempted just by the look of them

I bought a used Deardorff with front swings that was heavily-used for $1100 and refinished it. Perhaps a pretty good rule of thumb is to get something that will appreciate in (well, at least hold) its value. Fortunately this camera has original pinhole-free bellows, which is something to take into consideration as well. Replacing a bellows on an 8x10 can easily add $200-300 in hidden costs. Anyway, I guess my point is that you can purchase a top-notch quality camera for less dough if you don't mind a couple weeks work.

How about a new Shin-Hao? look at my posting at

http://www.f32.net/cgi-local/discus/discus.cgi

 

HZX810-IIAT

CAMERA TYPE Field Camera

MATERIAL USED Wood:Teak Metal:Titanium

FORMAT International standard 8x10inch

 

MOVEMENTS

FRONT: Rise 60mm, Fall 30mm, Shift

50mm+50mm, Swing 20°+20°, Base tilt front 55°,

Back 30°, Center tilt 30°+30°

 

BACK: Rise 80mm, Swing 16°+16°, Base tilt front 90°, Back 40°, Center tilt 15°+15°

 

 

BELLOWS DRAW: 115-820mm

WEIGHT DIMENSIONS: 6kg/31.5 (h) x31.5 (w) x11.5 (I) cm

I would have to post my vote for a Calumet C-1. As the above poster noted, it is HEAVY, about 18 pounds without lens and film holder. However, it does have a great set of movements, about 32-34" of bellows, and it is sturdy. Doesn't move around a lot in the wind, since it is indeed built like a battle tank. Best of luck,

Janko, you've got lots of good advice, heres one more 8x10 to consider: The Agfa Universal. I've been playing around with the 5x7 version and I'm really impressed by it. I've seen 8x10 versions go pretty cheaply and while not as convenient as the Deardorff or Masterview its still a very nice camera. Cheers!