oh so new it hurts...help... 10x8 madness

**newboybobby** · 9-Aug-2010, 14:08

Evening all..

I'm a snapper by trade up north in sunny scotland and am now diving in to large format for the first time...previously a 35mm/120mm boy.

I'm looking for some expert advice on what, when, where and how.....maybe why?

Bascially I want to shoot a portraits project on 8x10 or 10x8? (which is it?)....B/W...basic old school....outdoors...insitu portraits...i think..

I need a hardy 10x8 plate camera that is easy to use in the field and will with stand some serious use and abuse....outside...in rail, hail, snow, sea spray etc etc.
I also need a standard portrait lens for 10x8 to go with it....is that 300mm or 210mm....?

I've no idea really...of brand, style, make , model etc etc....as i said I'm so new it hurts. I've been all over t'internet to find a wealth of conflicting advice...so far i've worked out that i think i need a 10x8 field camera...with either of the above lenses..and some plates..or dark slides sorry...oh and a big tripod....some 10x8 film...some nuns nickers....a big wallet....strong shoulders....er....help

So answers on a post card please...

Thanks very much for all or any help!

Best wishes

Rob

**Lachlan 717** · 9-Aug-2010, 14:32

Rob,

You'll find 300mm lenses that cover 8x10 easily and (relatively) cheap. In terms of their "magnification", they're roughly a normal lens.

On the other hand, 210mm for 8x10 are much harder to find, and will tend to be much more expensive. It is also a wide angle lens for 8x10.

Either lens will be large if you get it in f5.6 guise.

Why 8x10? It's a great format, but it is big. And the range of products (including range of films) seems not to be as wide.

Have you considered 4x5?

**Steve Hamley** · 9-Aug-2010, 15:26

So you're going to shoot portraits outside in rain, hail, snow, and sea spray? When you find subjects that hold up and look good in these conditions, then worry about the gear!

More seriously, the lens and shutter is more of an issue than the camera. Field cameras can be easily wiped down, cleaned, lubed, etc after exposure to the elements, coated glass and delicate shutter parts are another story.

For your conditions as stated, I'd look at a Wehman 8x10. Bruce said the last time he got back from a western trip his was really dirty so he hosed it off with a garden hose.

http://www.wehmancamera.com/camera.html

Cheers, Steve

**Tobias Key** · 9-Aug-2010, 15:41

I'm by no means a large format expert but I think you could buy a 4 man tent big enough to stand up in a shoot for about £200. You could pitch that in 20 mins set up your camera inside it and then shoot. I think that would be a lot easier than finding a weather proof 10x8.