Newbie help!

[Goins3rd]

I am an experienced Nikon 35mm and mamiya MF amateur. Should I buy the following on ebay to start in LF, or something else. I don't much care about the weight differences.
Thanks,
see: 8x10 View Camera (Horseman monorail.) Ebay on sale!:

[John Kasaian]

How passionate are you about 8x10?

[Goins3rd]

I have never shot LF, but I finally learned that I am a "contemplative photographer."

Digital taught me that lesson.

Thanks,

[Randy Redford]

It really depends on what you intend on shooting, and how much money you want to spend to get into large format. It looks to be a great price for the equipment, but you should expect the price to rise to around $1000.00 before the bidding is up. On top of that, you have to figure in the costs of the filmholders, film and lenses. If you are just going to shoot BW, the film is relatively inexpensive. If you are looking at chromes, expect to pay about $400.00 for 50 sheets of provia. Also, in my experience, 8x10 is relatively difficult to travel with (air) due to the size and weight restrictions, unless you are willing to check the camera.

[Randy Redford]

Also, unless you are going to develop yourself, you should anticipate between $5 and $7 a sheet for development.

[Goins3rd]

Thanks men!
I have considered the additional costs. I already own a Pentax spotmeter, Pentax loupe, Manfrotto tripod head, Berlebach tripod, Lowepro bag, etc. A fairly strong back!

I was considering a Canham 8x10 standard camera w/Fujinon 300mm C to start. I can use my Nikon F100 w/50 mm lens to help with exposure. The 300mm C (Fuji) and the nikon 50mm use the same size filters (52mm), so I get some help there.

The real question is price, monorail vs. field camera. Can you help?

Thanks

[Randy Redford]

If you are going to be doing lots of field shooting, then a field camera is obviously better, unless you want to do a fair amount of architectural shooting in which case this camera would serve you well. I did lots of field shooting with a TK45 for several years and had no problems, but that is a hybrid field/monorail. The biggest problem you will have with this camera in the field is transportation. Unless you want to break the camera down, you will have to transport it in a large box type case, where the camera remains on the rail and hangs upside down. The advantage with such a case is that the lense remains attached and you have room to store your filmholders.

All in all, the current price is a steal to get into large format. This would work as a limited field camera (don't plan on extensive hiking with it, but great for shooting within a few hundred yards from the car), a great studio or architectural camera.

[Ron Marshall]

What subjects do you like to shoot? Answer that and then you can better determine what camera, and perhaps format, will best suit your needs.

8x10 camera and lenses usually are heavier than 4x5, and unless you intend to print very large or contact print, don't offer much of an advantage.

[Goins3rd]

Thanks for your advice on 4x5 vs. 8x10. I have a Mamiya 7 II (6x7) and a Mamiya 645 (6x4.5) and have had excellent results. I shoot mostly Velvia and Ilford Delta 100 off my monopod. The 4x5 is closer in size to my MF, and the 8x10 B&W contact prints are really fabulous. I have some Cibachromes of my MF work in 11x14 and everybody raves. My choices in subject are landscape and architectural, close to home. I have done some good portraits in 35mm...at least the subjects thought so.

I am inclined to go for this one, and see. Maybe LF is not for me.

Thanks,

[Randy Redford]

Given what you shoot, I would agree that, given the price, this is not a bad way to get into LF. As for lenses and film holders, check with Jim at Midwest Photo (mpex.com) and he can set you up. Good luck on the auction.