8x10 dual purpose Suggestions

[Corran]

Sure you can blow 4-5 grand on a new Chamonix and a bunch of lenses, but why? You'll get the same images with a nice user camera. My Wista 8x10 cost me about $800, though that was a deal. And it's light. A lens or two of your choice from the many options, and a few film holders, you could be into it under $2k. The above suggested Kodak Century Universal is another good suggestion, a real sleeper. Had one and sold it, kind of miss it sometimes.

But the Chamonix is certainly pretty, so, if that happens to be important to you, go for it.

If it were me I'd budget another $400-500 on a good carbon fiber tripod and leveling head.

[Alan Gales]

Bryan, you stole that Wista! What a deal!

For $400 to $500 you could also buy a used Ries tripod and head. If I remember correctly I paid $350 for my used Ries J200 with double tilt head. My buddy, Harold, owns a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod with Gitzo pan/tilt head. His was free since his wife bought it for him brand spanking new as a birthday present. I wouldn't trade my Ries for it but he wouldn't trade me either. I will admit the thing is feather light.

[Corran]

True! It's a bit rough around the edges though. Whatever, it makes images.

Those Ries tripods sure are pretty. I hike for long distances though so weight for me is paramount.

[Lachlan 717]

I'd suggest looking at the lens kit first, and then the box they'll be put in front of.

I'd go with the aforementioned G Claron 240mm, G Claron 355mm and add the Nikkor 450mm for the longer end. All for under $2k.

Add a new Shen Hao FCL810A and you'll still have enough for the extras. Film holders, loupe, dark,cloth etc.

[Alan Gales]

True! It's a bit rough around the edges though. Whatever, it makes images.

Those Ries tripods sure are pretty. I hike for long distances though so weight for me is paramount.

They are pretty but I like them especially for the leg locks. The long spikes are nice too off road. I also really like the Ries heads with their large platforms.

I don't hike long distances due to a bad back so I can take the extra weight for now. One day I may have to go carbon fiber though.

[Vaughn]

So many responses ignored the original post. They guy is not terribly concerned about weight. Portability concerns about sharp, angular parts are probably more important.

At 61 years old, I carry a pound a year (8x10)...but in the future I might need to cut that down to 12 ounces per year!

[Alan Gales]

At 61 years old, I carry a pound a year (8x10)...but in the future I might need to cut that down to 12 ounces per year!

Do what you need to do, Vaughn, as long as you keep making those wonderful b&w landscape images! I really like your photographs!

[jasonphoto01]

Any recommendations on places to purchase? Other than craigslist and ebay

[axs810]

After 30 days of being registered on the forums you'll have access to the B/S/T section of the forum

[StoneNYC]

Whoops!