which kit for upgrading to 8X10 OR field camera

[Thalmees]

Hi all
Appreciating any contribution in this dilemma.
I have a F2 Sinar 4X5 and would like to upgrade to 8X10 for landscape photography& contact printing(one of my lenses can cover 8X10 format). I was about to buy a new field camera but changed my mind due to stability and precision I'll miss with field camera compared to the upgraded Sinar F2. Concerning weight(practicality in the field) and availability only(Regardless price), I faced with different choices:
1- Used Sinar 8X10 P2/P conversion kit(need I think BEARER P2). Can be found on e-bay.
2- Used Sinar 8X10 F2 rear standard. Rarely found on e-bay.
3- Used Sinar 8X10 P camera complete. Can be found on e-bay.
4- Used Sinar 8X10 F2 camera complete. Rarely found on e-bay.
5- Going back to Field camera(NEW) like Shen-Hao or Tachihara cameras.
I found the prices of these choices to be about the same(specially the easily available items).
My question is: Which choice you'll go with ?
Another question(sorry being long): how can Sinar 8X10 P2/P conversion kit be fitted on Sinar 4X5 F2 without BEARER P2 ?
Thanks again for help.

[Pete Roody]

For landscapes, a field camera would be better than a Sinar monorail. However, the value of used Sinar 8x10's has dropped so I think you could source one for less than a new Shen-Hao or Tachi. A used Deardorff would also be a good choice since prices have dropped on these cameras also.

[Thalmees]

hi Pete,
thanks too much.
so you are favoring field camera for the task.
There are two problems; on for me & the other for the field cameras.
The one related to me is; that I'll not use the camera for landscape 100%. Actually it'll be roughly 75% landscape and 25% for other types of photography(indoor). So I still in need to freedom of movements that provided by Sinar camera.
the problem with field cameras(according to what I've read) is that those cameras can not retain the position of standards movements as proper.
These two points what made my decision little difficult.

For landscapes, a field camera would be better than a Sinar monorail. However, the value of used Sinar 8x10's has dropped so I think you could source one for less than a new Shen-Hao or Tachi. A used Deardorff would also be a good choice since prices have dropped on these cameras also.

True.
Thank again Pete
.

[Brian Ellis]

hi Pete,
thanks too much.
so you are favoring field camera for the task.
There are two problems; on for me & the other for the field cameras.
The one related to me is; that I'll not use the camera for landscape 100%. Actually it'll be roughly 75% landscape and 25% for other types of photography(indoor). So I still in need to freedom of movements that provided by Sinar camera.
the problem with field cameras(according to what I've read) is that those cameras can not retain the position of standards movements as proper.
These two points what made my decision little difficult.

True.
Thank again Pete
.

What kind of "indoor" photography are you planning to do? I've owned two Tachiharas, two Deardorffs, and various other field cameras. All were perfectly adequate for indoor photography, at least the kind I did which was interior architecture.

I don't know what you mean when you say you've read that "those cameras can not retain the position of standards movements as proper." Could you elaborate on this a little?

[Thalmees]

What kind of "indoor" photography are you planning to do? I've owned two Tachiharas, two Deardorffs, and various other field cameras. All were perfectly adequate for indoor photography, at least the kind I did which was interior architecture.

I don't know what you mean when you say you've read that "those cameras can not retain the position of standards movements as proper." Could you elaborate on this a little?

Hi Brian
Thanks for being in this discussion. Still life, compositions, interior of old buildings and table top are just examples. I’m totally devoted toward your opinion. Most subjects can be photographed by both(Field & View Cameras) equally according to the subject demand.
I was talking solely about my personal impression after critical readings here & there. I do not mean to irritate any field camera owner or expert at all. And that opinion could be affected too much by subjectivity.
One time I fallen in love with a beautiful Tachihara(dark red with silver knobs) for certain period of time, but did not continue to be engaged in a real relation(at least up to now). One genuine reason is the significantly higher price, of course.
I did not use field cameras, but tested my 4X5 Sinar F2 stability in the field several times, under extreme situations of wind, and could not imagine the situation with a woody light weight field cameras.
That’s not every thing, the extra weight of monorails can severely limit our enthusiasm in many situations, but I think the photographer can manage(not every time) to keep outdoor kit as small as possible.
Thanks again.

[bbauer]

It's been a while since I've had one, but if I remember correctly, an 8x10 frame on a 4x5 rear standard doesn't allow much in the way of movements, and a 4x5 front standard pretty much requires you to rack it all the way up just to get it centered with the rear. 8x10 standards--both front and rear--are fairly scarce but they can be found with some patience.

there's also some type of F-series variant rear standard that has virtually no movements in exchange for being comparatively inexpensive.

And if you're going to put something together from individual components, be sure to get the right size bellows, since the metering and non-metering backs are sized differently.

[Mark Woods]

I have a Sinar P in all its configurations. I bought a Deardorff for 8x10. It's a lot lighter and has plenty of movement for everything I've done so far. If I know I'll need more, I get the Sinar out in either 5x7 or 4x5. I have an adapter for the Sinar lens boards to work on the Dorff. Most of my good Sinar lenses are on DB boards so not adaptable.

[Frank Petronio]

I think buying a complete, used, Sinar 8x10 makes the most sense because you can supplement it with parts from your current 4x5 set. Buying complete cameras is usually a better value, and you can always resell any unwanted left over parts once you get your system set-up. Robert Fisher has a good deal on a Sinar 8x10P right here today.

If you are able to manage the extra weight and bulk you'll have a much more solid and versatile system than any wooden camera, and probably for a lot less money.

It's hard to fly with an 8x10 without baggage overages unless you have an ultralight system. And I wouldn't try backpacking with an 8x10. But other than that, why do you really need a lighter camera that compromises movements and stability?

[Daniel Unkefer]

I'd buy a P Conversion kit, then you'll have an 8x10 SINAR Combination. You can use the other F2 parts to further soup-up the camera (compendium shade etc) and you can sell any parts you find you can't use.

I've always been glad I had a solid monorail in the field, that is, once I have it deployed. Especially if there is alot of wind going on.

[tim o'brien]

I'd buy a P Conversion kit, then you'll have an 8x10 SINAR Combination. You can use the other F2 parts to further soup-up the camera (compendium shade etc) and you can sell any parts you find you can't use.

I've always been glad I had a solid monorail in the field, that is, once I have it deployed. Especially if there is alot of wind going on.

So it's your contention that a solid monorail is more stable than my Deardorff V-8 on top of a Bogen 3036? In the wind?

Why?

tim in san jose