v11 deardorff or chamoix 16x20 camera?

[phillip2446]

hi
right now i am shooting on an 8x10 dorff.
in the next few months, i plan on going to the next level to 11x14 or 16x20.
i can't decide if i go with a dorff v11 field camera or go with the chamoix 16x10 which allows me to shoot 11x14 as well
i shoot portraits in studio and on location but want to take it to the next level.
any pros or cons for either.
take out the money factor because i don't want that to be a issue right now
it will be later but for now. just the camera.

thanks

phil

[David Lobato]

I don't know for sure but a V11 should take your V8 lens boards with current lenses. I have a Deardorff V8 and an 11x14 Empire State and wish the lens boards were common sizes. My 8x10 lenses cover 11x14 and it would be much more convenient if they could swap that easy.

[AuditorOne]

I haven't owned it very long but I absolutely love working with my V8 so if I were in your shoes I wouldn't hesitate to buy the V11. I have no idea whether or not the Chamoix is a good camera or not but the Deardorffs are works of art in addition to being great cameras.

[JosephBurke]

Does this mean that the original poster has either of the two, V-11 or the 16x20, available to him or her? The V-11's aren't too common and I have no idea on the 16x20.

[Joe Smigiel]

Do you like 11x14 prints? Do you like 16x20 prints? Which, if any, is your print size preference? That's what I would base the decision on.

Personally, I don't care for 16x20s, but I do like 11x14s. That's why I have an 11x14 camera and don't want anything bigger. (Well, 14x17 is a nice size too.)

[Tin Can]

I am right now moving to 11X14 for studio portraits, but all I can think about is how I will modify my camera to 14X17.

We are always in a size war.

[BILL3075]

In my opinion, better to go with a 14x17 & add a 11x14 reducing back.

I am right now moving to 11X14 for studio portraits, but all I can think about is how I will modify my camera to 14X17.

We are always in a size war.

[Vaughn]

That's the answer -- a 16x20 with reducing backs for the studio, and the 11x14 for field work!

[Jim Fitzgerald]

I built what I consider a Century studio/field camera. It is my 14x17 and I would go with this size over 16x20 due to the availability of x-ray film which is wonderful for portraits BTW. My camera folds and is designed to go out in the field and it fits on my Century Studio stand. Now I do have the 11x14 8A and a dedicated 11x14 field camera as well so no need for reducing backs.

[Tin Can]

I have 8x10 Ansco Studio. A Levy Process camera converted to 11X14, which will soon have 14X17 extension back and B&J front extension to get me to 50" of bellows and movements. Not pretty, but not ugly and I only have $300.00 in both cameras, with stands and improvement. My RD 19" was a very good deal, with a big Nu-Arc vacuum frame. Total spent $500.00.

btw, I don't use regular holders, too expensive.

X-Ray puts me in business for cheap.

Gotta go, my 4X5 student is here.

I built what I consider a Century studio/field camera. It is my 14x17 and I would go with this size over 16x20 due to the availability of x-ray film which is wonderful for portraits BTW. My camera folds and is designed to go out in the field and it fits on my Century Studio stand. Now I do have the 11x14 8A and a dedicated 11x14 field camera as well so no need for reducing backs.