Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 38

Thread: Choosing an 8x10 field camera

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    New Jersey, USA
    Posts
    267

    Choosing an 8x10 field camera

    I know I haven't been active here in a while, but I'm a senior in high school, and between my classes, college applications (and acceptances, thankfully), AP classes, and EMT school, I don't have much time to surf the 'net. It appears I'll be going to RIT. And, as a graduation gift, my parents are going to buy me a field camera. I currently shoot with a Cambo 810N, which I love, but will be impossible to bring with me to school. Unless I choose to sleep on top of the box...

    As much as I love Wisner's cameras, and think he's a great guy, $3000 is too much for a graduation gift. I've been looking at some of the cheaper alternatives, in the $2000 and under range, and it seems like a Wista or the like is the only option in the new market.

    I have nothing wrong with a used camera, but it would have to be in good condition. My main concern is strength and flexibility with lenses and movements. I know Wisner is the only one (at least that I've seen) with an interchangeable bellows, but the TF is much too expensive for me.

    And so...let the onslaught begin. Opinions, please?

  2. #2

    Choosing an 8x10 field camera

    Although I have no experience with it, I've read posts by people who are happy with the Shen-Hao 8x10. (I have the 4x5. It's an excellent camera at an astoundingly low price. It doesn't have the cachet of an Ebony, and may not be as precise an instrument, but those things don't show up in my photographs.)

    If you're willing to go for used, 2 grand will buy you a very nice Deardorff plus some film holders and perhaps even a cheap lens.

  3. #3
    Ted Harris's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2000
    Location
    New Hampshire
    Posts
    3,465

    Choosing an 8x10 field camera

    $2000 is a respectable sum. It should put in range of a used Canham or Phillips or a Wisner if you want one bu8t I'd go for the former two.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Feb 2000
    Location
    Reykjavík, Iceland
    Posts
    452

    Choosing an 8x10 field camera

    The Tachihara 8x10 is probably as much of a camera as you can have for 1300 $ new!
    I can only recommend it!

    http://www.adorama.com/VW810FC.html

  5. #5
    Octogenarian
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Frisco, Texas
    Posts
    3,532

    Choosing an 8x10 field camera

    Hi Jason,

    Congratulations on your acceptance to RIT. Lots of luck with your career as a professional photographer. You certainly deserve a new camera, and $3000 may sound like a lot of money now, but consider it to be a long- time career investment.

    For an 8X10 camera that will fill the bill for both comercial and personal fine art photography, in your price range, consider the Canham 8X10's. The all metal JMC 8X10, or the lightweight wood and metal Traditional 8X10's are excellent choices.

    Both Canham 8X10 models fold compactly and are easy to transport. As for price, the JMC is under $3000, new. The Traditional is just over $3000, new. Good previously owned ones are difficult to find. However, a new 8X10 Canham is a good investment. Service from Keith Canham is outstanding and resale value is high. Good luck with whichever camera you end up choosing.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Orange, CA
    Posts
    973

    Choosing an 8x10 field camera


  7. #7
    multiplex
    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    local
    Posts
    5,358

    Choosing an 8x10 field camera

    hi jason -
    good luck next year & good luck dealing with a bad case of senioritis

    i am not sure if it is in your $-range,
    but shen-hao sounds like a pretty good deal.

    - john

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Jul 1999
    Location
    Paris suburbs, France
    Posts
    124

    Choosing an 8x10 field camera

    I second Gudmundur with a vote for the Tachihara 8x10 : nothing more than that you really need in field, but all that you need. The 70 mm front rise and 40 mm fall are easily expanded with some tilt. The double bed, priced at 1300 $, is limited to 550 mm extension, but this is enough to accomodate a 450 mm if you don't shoot close up.
    Very well built, light, and a clear screen. Really better built than that you may imagine considering the price tag.
    D.C.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Dec 2000
    Location
    Tonopah, Nevada, USA
    Posts
    6,334

    Choosing an 8x10 field camera

    Wehman, WEHMAN, WEHMAN!

  10. #10

    Choosing an 8x10 field camera

    The really obvious advantage of the Tachihara over the Wehman (apart from a cool $500) is the Wehman's limited movements - if you intend shooting architecture, I am pretty certain that you will find the limited rise of the Wehman seriously compromising. As a "landscape only" camera, it's tough to beat. I suspect that as you have been using a monorail, your subject choice has not been compromised by the camera - you will need to consider this carefully when moving to a field camera - they all have design compromises.

Similar Threads

  1. The best 8x10 field camera?
    By Sid Morvan in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 76
    Last Post: 16-Apr-2008, 13:26
  2. How do I get my 8X10 field camera and gear out into the field
    By steve Barth in forum Location & Travel
    Replies: 33
    Last Post: 30-Dec-2006, 09:16
  3. where to buy a used 8x10 field camera
    By jonathan smith in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 20-Apr-2006, 02:23
  4. 8x10 Field Camera
    By Jack Rosa in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 22-Sep-2001, 11:51
  5. New 8x10 Field Camera?
    By Michael Kadillak in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 12-Jan-2001, 21:22

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •