Metal Field 8x10 Cameras?

[Andre Noble]

I may save up and in a few year's time make a quixotic investment into 8x10 so I can look real sophisticated pondering a shot on a huge 8x10 with an equally hug e darkcloth draped around my shoulder (and because I think a 150mm lens and 8x10 film would produce some real authoritative photos as well).

Anyway, I got all excited about the Canham 8x10 because I know they make an awes ome 4x5. But then browsing the archives on this site, I learned it's basically a wooden camera with some stylish aluminum parts. Unfortunately, this does not s uit my generation-X sensibilty at the cost of a few grand.

So my question is this: What are the current production metal body field 8x10's out there? I am already aware of the 8x10 Toyo M.

Thanks for the input. Andre

[adam friedberg]

the toyo, the arca f and the hoffman are it

[Michael Kadillak]

I came to the same consensus and opted for a metal 8x10 Kodak Master.

Having said that and since the Kodak went out of production in the 60's, I would take a look at the Hoffman metal 8x10 and the Wehman camera that looks like a hybrid, but I think is listed in this web site.

[Kerry L. Thalmann]

In ultralight 8x10 monorails, there's also the Toho and Gowland. These are both much lighter than any of the others already mentioned here. I use the 4x5 Toho and love it for hiking and backpacking, but have no experience with the 8x10 To ho.

According to the data sheet I have, the 8x10 Toho comes with a two piece rail. One piece is 340mm in length, the other is 460mm. If you only use wide to norma l lenses, you can just use a single rail. For longer lenses, it comes with a fi tting to connect the two pieces together for a maximum extension of 750mm. The weight with the 340mm rail is 3kg, with the 460mm rail, it's 3.1kg, with both ra ils and the connecting fitting, it's 3.4kg. The only lighter 8x10 I know of is the Phillips Explorer (a wooden horizontal only model). Toho has recently updat ed their web site to include descriptions of some of their cameras in English (i n addition to the Japanese language descriptions), as well as pictures and specs . The direct link for the 8x10 Toho is:

http://www.toho-machine.co.jp/FC-810.htm

Also, I bought my 4x5 Toho from Badger Graphic and I see they have the 8x10 Toho on sale for $2095.

The Tohos are unique cameras - very light and compact for field use, but with fu ll monorail movements on both front and rear standards. They are not for everyb ody, but if you're looking for a metal camera that's light enough to use in the field, they're worth a look.

Kerry

[neil poulsen]

If you don't mind purchasing used, and if funds are an issue, consider the Calumet C series. (C1 or C3. Did they make a C2? Not sure.) Anyway, I got one of these that's in great shape for $575. At 19 lbs, it weighs a lot. But, it's very well built. And, the weight is on a par with the Toyo M 8x10. I understand that the green models are a special alloy that weigh less. You can also find 5x7 and 4x5 reduction backs on EBay and in Shutterbug ads. Deardorff lens boards work on this camera. I got a Deardorff 6x6 to 4x4 reduction lens board so that the combination of lenses and boards don't take up so much room.

[Andre Noble]

Michael, Neil, and Adam, thanks for your input. The Arca Swiss has potential. Kerry, I checked out the 8x10 Toho on the site you recommended. It's cute, and seemingly clever, light, not too unreasonably expensive. But I wonder if based on your honest experience with the 4x5 version, could you venture a guess as to the 8x10 Toho's mechanical stability? Andre

[Sal Santamaura]

Andre, do yourself a favor and at least consider the Phillips Compact II. It's not all metal, but the unique design and sandwich construction result in a camera that's incredibly rigid and weighs only 7.8 lb. It'll handle any 150mm lens you put on it, and you'll have enough energy left to make pictures after carrying it to your shooting location. I'm completely satisfied with mine.

[N Dhananjay]

I would urge you to also look at the Wehman closely - it is a very interesting design and works great in the field. DJ

[wm mitchell]

Does Phillips have website? BILL

[Andre Noble]

Thank you all for your input. I may just first upgrade my Toyo monorail to 8x10 (or 5x7), and see how I like that.

Wood is nice, but I'm very partial to metal and will definitely be looking at that wonderful looking toy, the Toho 8x10, in the future.

Kerry, you must be a true pioneer to have gotten the Toho 4x5. I considered it ever so briefly before I got the Toyo 45AII. I liked your extensive review of the Toho I read today on your site. Now if you and brother Bob could just get along...:>) Anyway, perhaps by the time I am ready to buy, you will have by then a review of the 8x10 Toho as well. I'm going to email Robert White to see if he is selling them. Toys, toys, toys!!

Andre