8x10 cameras: Sinar Vs Ritter or Canham

[Gary L. Quay]

Howdy folks,
I have finally thrown in the towel. I'm selling my Deardorff, my Calumet C-1 and my Kodak Commercial, all 8x10 cameras, and will buy 1 camera that can use both in the field and in the studio. What I am looking for is precision. I'm tired of loose standards, lack of tilt and swing, and parts that don't line up anymore. I have my eye on a used Sinar F2 8x10 from Lens and Repro in NY. I also am considering a Ritter or Canham camera, both of which cost about $2000.00 more than the Sinar. I shoot primarily in the field, and sometimes hike miles to reach a location. I'd really like to support a craftsman like Canham or Richard Ritter, but I don't know enough about them. I like the levels and scales built into the Sinar, which would offer me some of the precision I'm looking for. I need a well-built 8x10 that can withstand years of long treks and won't break my shoulders carrying it in the F64 backpack my wife bought me this Christmas. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
--Gary

[Ken Lee]

Which Sinar ?

[Gem Singer]

Hey Gary,

I'm preparing to sell my 8x10 Canham Traditional.

The camera is in pristine condition. Very lightly used.

Contact me if you are interested.

[Walter Calahan]

The Sinar is probably the most precise. But for field work, used while backpacking, I prefer my traditional lightweight Canham.

[John Bowen]

I need a well-built 8x10 that can withstand years of long treks and won't break my shoulders carrying it in the F64 backpack my wife bought me this Christmas. Any thoughts?
--Gary

Gary,

I know the Ritter will fill this requirement. I own one of the first 8x10s Richard produced. The camera weighs something like 6.5 lbs and has every movement known to man... with the exception of rear rise. I realized many benefits from the purchase of my ritter. Due to it's light weight, I was able to put both my tripod and tripod head on diets. This further lightened my load.....considerably.

I should also let you know that the 8x10 was my second Ritter camera. I purchased Richard's 1st 7x17 camera and just loved the lightweight design.

My prior camera was a Zone VI 8x10. I keep it as a back-up, but it has done nothing but collect dust since I purchased the Ritter. I've been shooting 8x10 for a little over 5 years now.

I would advise you to contact Richard and see if anyone in your area has one they would be willing to let you demo.

I can't speak for the Canham because I've neverr used one.

PS 100% of my 8x10 photograpy is field work. I don't think I have ever photographed anything indoors with an 8x10.

[Mark Woods]

The 8x10 Sinar is a beast, I own one and bought a Deardorff for field work and haven't looked back. Working in the studio is another matter entirely....

[Bruce Barlow]

I own both a Sinar Norma 8x10 and a Richard Ritter 8x10. The Ritter got me actually using 8x10 because it is so light and portable. No, no front levels like Norma, but I have one of those hot-shoe levels that serves me well when in need. Norma is now relegated to being my 5x7 camera (reducing back), and I find I make more 8x10s than 5x7s, even though I love 5x7 more than 8x10. Go figger.

In the end, you can't lose, but if you want to lighten your load, go with Richard.

[Frank Petronio]

I don't know what a Ritter 8x10 goes for but I imagine it's North of $2000 and the waiting period to get one is months and months, unless you're very lucky and you find one of the few used ones.

So why not get the 8x10 Sinar F (or a Norma, nicer camera but maybe a tad heavier (idk)). Bust your ass for the $1000 savings or decide you can rationalize investing in a Ritter. You can take a couple of months or years, but you can probably unload the Sinar for about what you paid for it, which makes it a nicer savings plan -- higher interest -- than the bank ;-)

The problem is going from your older wooden cameras to a Sinar may spoil you from it's the rigidity and ease of use. I think a solid camera is much easier to use, so going to something lighter that is still solid means spending a lot more money on a Ritter -- Arca -- Ebony. There is no inexpensive or pain-free alternative for a camera that does it all.

Anyone got some Ritter pictures and general info? It's just pornography to me but I like to look. They seem like great cameras. What size tripod and head did you manage to get it down to? If someone says they've used an 8x10 on a 2-series CF Gitzo I'll laugh and want to see some photos.

[fuegocito]

Howdy folks,
What I am looking for is precision.......I shoot primarily in the field, and sometimes hike miles to reach a location...... I like the levels and scales built into the Sinar, which would offer me some of the precision I'm looking for. I need a well-built 8x10 that can withstand years of long treks and won't break my shoulders carrying it...
--Gary

Hi Gary,

I think you are describing two very different design philosophy here...The Ritter is build with one thing and one thing only in mind, lightness and sturdiness, OK that is two. The Sinar is primary build for in studio use, even if it can be packed into the field, it's certainly not at its best going for miles into the wood. You need both:-)

The camera porn is for Frank:-)

Rob

[Richard M. Coda]

Any reason Arca was not included in the mix?