"Pretty broke" + 8x10 = Very brokeOriginally Posted by AutumnJazz
In real terms "broke" is independent of format, but still...
A Calumet CC-400 can be had for about $100 these days, give or take. Not the slickest rig, but it worked for the mighty Ansel. What do you ultimately want? Many fine images have been made using humble 4x5 equipment.
The first platinum photographs I ever saw were 4x5, made by Paul Strand. It doesn't get much better.
But I understand the seduction of 8x10. Oh boy, do I!
There's an example of a potential 4 x 5 monorail student bargain on fleaBay now (did not link, it's against the rules). Calumet (by Cambo) N series I think, plus two Caltar II Ns, a 90mm and a 210mm, plus some odds and ends. Currently at ~$220.00. I am sure there are plenty more listings out there for the thrifty student.
Sure. A Philips Explorer, or an Argentum 8x10, plus a 305 G-Claron or a 300 Geronar, would do it easily, though obviously not at the OP's budget. Harder to find, but potentially within budget, would be one of the early versions of Peter Gowland's Pocket View in 8x10 size, plus the G-Claron or Geronar.
The Bender 8x10 is 6.5 lbs and pretty cheap if you can find one.
Jon
my black and white photos of the Mendocino Coast: jonshiu.zenfolio.com
True, but as a former 8x10 shooter(who converted down to 5x7 and 4x5(nothing like doubling your already purchased film supply :P!), I'd say this:
"Pretty broke" + 8x10 = DESTITUTE SOON
If I was broke(thankfully not), I'd be shooting digital and MF film for the more important shots, or an occasional 4x5.
Save your shekels OP, keep shooting 4x5 and get a good drum scan made on your best negatives/chromes. A good scan will knock your socks off!
just MY £.02
-Dan
Hmm, maybe it's not for you right now, then.
It's expensive, even if you're a world-class cheapskate.
But if you really want to get into it, it's best not to think about it too much; just dive right in, damn the torpedoes.
or you could shoot paper negs and save huge $$ that way. but yeah, after you get the gear, film will be the big money sucking hole.
notch codes ? I only use one film...
My total outlay for 8x10, including 5 reasonable film holders and a couple of lenses, plus 300 sheets X-ray film, is currently under $500. And yes, the camera is well under 8 lbs.
Of course the camera came in a box with every glued joint coming undone, the bellows had to be fixed, and it won't take modern film-holders without an adapter. Took me a couple of weeks to put all that together.
I would go with a 5x7 camera. It is a significant increase in size compared to 4x5. Many good and cheap lenses will cover this format. Film is half price compared to 8x10.
You can contact print or print with an enlarger. 5x7 enlargers are smaller than 8x10 enlargers and less expensive too. 5x7 is easy to scan. You could easily get 5x7 xray films.
The only inconvenient is the availability of color film but you can still cut 8x10 sheets film if necessary. Color film is very expensive anyway.
Go for it!
"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority"---EB White
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