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Thread: Recommendations For Affordable Lightweight 8x10 Field Camera

  1. #1

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    Recommendations For Affordable Lightweight 8x10 Field Camera

    I've been trying to decide whether or not to shoot 8x10. I have some ambulatory issues so I'll only be shooting a few yards from my vehicle. I'll probably use a cart with large wheels or may try to find an affordable motorized electric trike with a small pull-behind cart.

    I currently have a Toyo 810G which is a fantastic camera but completely impractical for me outside of a studio situation with it permanently on a tripod and dolly. I'd like to keep the Toyo for still life images but finances won't allow it so I'll surely have to sell it to fund purchase of a much lighter weight camera.

    I really like my Chamonix 45N-1 (focus screen replaced) and would love the 8x10 version. However, funds are extremely tight so that's not financially practical for me.

    Finally to the question: What affordable alternatives are there to the latest Chamonix 8x10 that don't lose movements nor decrease rigidity nor gain weight?

    EDIT: I should have been more thorough. I want interchangeable bellows so I can use a bag bellows and also lenses up to 600mm focused to 20 feet or so. I realize this makes it even more difficult.
    Last edited by Old-N-Feeble; 18-Dec-2014 at 11:08.

  2. #2
    Kirk Gittings's Avatar
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    Re: Recommendations For Affordable Lightweight 8x10 Field Camera

    I feel your pain but that's a pretty tall order!
    Thanks,
    Kirk

    at age 73:
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep"

  3. #3

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    Re: Recommendations For Affordable Lightweight 8x10 Field Camera

    Their aren't. I suggest reading the other threads on lightweight 8x10's but there's no such thing as good, light, cheap, and rigid.



    The 8x10 I built does everything from 90mm to 800mm w/o bag bellows. Yeah, I can't do much rise with the 90mm but I use my 4x5 when in need.
    What lenses to you need a bag bellows for?

  4. #4

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    Re: Recommendations For Affordable Lightweight 8x10 Field Camera

    Take a look at a Gowland monorail, or a Century Universal, or a Nagaoka.
    "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

  5. #5

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    Re: Recommendations For Affordable Lightweight 8x10 Field Camera

    What about that new $1800 8x10 offering from Eastern Europe. Has anyone had their hands on one? That's more than I can spend at the moment even if I sell the Toyo but maybe I can find a way if it's a good candidate.

    The Century Universal might work... I'll investigate it.

    I edited my original post.

  6. #6

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    Re: Recommendations For Affordable Lightweight 8x10 Field Camera

    You ain't gonna find one at any price that's all that much lighter. You might look at the RITTER 6.4#, then figure how to dismantle your 810G so you can use it in the field (by the car).
    Last edited by Bill_1856; 18-Dec-2014 at 11:23. Reason: added data
    Wilhelm (Sarasota)

  7. #7

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    Re: Recommendations For Affordable Lightweight 8x10 Field Camera

    I can dismantle the 810G. It's just very heavy and clumsy outside a studio setting. I'm much better off mounting a field camera to a tripod then unfolding it. The 810G weighs approximately 22 pounds including rail and tripod block. I realize that doesn't seem like a lot of weight but as clumsy as I've become plus some weakness in my left arm it's better that I go the lightweight field camera route.

  8. #8

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    Re: Recommendations For Affordable Lightweight 8x10 Field Camera

    Quote Originally Posted by Old-N-Feeble View Post
    I can dismantle the 810G. It's just very heavy and clumsy outside a studio setting. I'm much better off mounting a field camera to a tripod then unfolding it. The 810G weighs approximately 22 pounds including rail and tripod block. I realize that doesn't seem like a lot of weight but as clumsy as I've become plus some weakness in my left arm it's better that I go the lightweight field camera route.
    Mein Gott -- I had no idea that it was THAT heavy!
    I can sympathize with the "old and feeble" mantra -- nearly 80 and a heart bypass and stroke. Giving up the Kodak 5x7 2D soon.
    Wilhelm (Sarasota)

  9. #9

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    Re: Recommendations For Affordable Lightweight 8x10 Field Camera

    Yeah, the Toyo G, GX, Robos, etc. are fabulously sturdy and versatile but heavy monsters for certain.

  10. #10

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    Re: Recommendations For Affordable Lightweight 8x10 Field Camera

    Take a look at Shen Hao...

    RR

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