8x10 vs 4x5 keep/sell/wait/ the merry go round continues

[dimento]

So,

I'm back with this dilemma again. I currently have a 4x5 field camera and a super cheap monorail with 90,135, 150, 180mm lenses. I also have a Cambo/Calumet C1 in really nice condition.
A short while back, due to being 'between jobs', I sold my 300mm lens and 5 8x10 filmholders.

I am trying to decide to decide whether it's worth keeping the 8x10, with a view to gradually getting back into the format. I've sat down with a notepad and made out a pro's/cons list but I can't decide.

I shoot a mix of film/moving image work (no clients for this yet, but plenty featured work) portraits (digital, 6x6, 6x7, 4x5 & very occasionally 8x10)
I have a few projects in mind that I feel the 8x10 would be perfect for, I have used fairly recently for this project www.soundportraits.net

But, I keep going to-and-fro between wanting to just concentrate on 4x5 where the cost is substantially lower and there is still a visual 'signature', or using both formats, but using the 8x10 more selectively.
I'm still 'between jobs' as my teaching contract was terminated last Summer due to cutbacks & commissions are thin on the ground.

8x10 film costs €115 for 50 sheets Fomapan, that's about $164

I know I probably have too much lens coverage in 4x5; 135 and 150 are very close after all, as is 180. and I'm left with the short-term problem of re-acquiring holders and a 300mm lens.

Words of wisdom appreciated....

I have a mini-project set up for my hometown using 4x5 or 8x10 during an arts festival and a few other short-term projects in mind, and have been trying to convince myself that maybe I could crowd-fund these projects.

Thanks, D

[Drew Bedo]

Think very carefully about what you really want to do.

I have regrets about nearly every camera and lens that I have sold off or traded away in the past thirty years.

[dimento]

Think very carefully about what you really want to do.

I have regrets about nearly every camera and lens that I have sold off or traded away in the past thirty years.

Yes, know that feeling.

[jcoldslabs]

Eliminating a format from your arsenal altogether can be a tough decision. I sympathize. In the last year I've sold off many cameras and lenses and have no regrets, but I still have all the formats I want to shoot covered by other gear. However, if you give up 8x10 for now there is no reason you can't get back into it at a later date.

Good luck!

Jonathan

[axs810]

If you have two 4x5 cameras why not just sell the field camera (guessing you would get at least $600 or more) then buy a 300mm lens and some 8x10 holders?

[dimento]

Eliminating a format from your arsenal altogether can be a tough decision. I sympathize. In the last year I've sold off many cameras and lenses and have no regrets, but I still have all the formats I want to shoot covered by other gear. However, if you give up 8x10 for now there is no reason you can't get back into it at a later date.

Good luck!

Jonathan

thanks Jonathan, it's the worry of how long it will take to get back in.

[dimento]

If you have two 4x5 cameras why not just sell the field camera (guessing you would get at least $600 or more) then buy a 300mm lens and some 8x10 holders?

I use the 4x5 field quite a lot and I shoot a lot of colour with it, something I definitely can't afford in 8x10, but yes, I could sell something. I have another field camera I've been trying to sell for a few weeks and I could probably sell one of the lenses. Cheers, D

[axs810]

But if you have two 4x5 cameras I don't see why you can't just sell the more expensive one and still shoot color with your "cheap monorail"...I mean you got the glass and I would doubt a monorail will lack any movements you need.


Just a thought

[Ari]

Sell your field camera, one of the 135mm or 150mm, and get a part-time job for your 8x10 habit.

[dimento]

Sell your field camera, one of the 135mm or 150mm, and get a part-time job for your 8x10 habit.

If only it were that simple, I do have an 'extra' 4x5 field (A Toyo) I've been trying to sell for weeks, jobs are not easy to come by in this economy