If I were in the market for a wood field 8x10, I'd check out:
https://www.badgergraphic.com/store/...t_detail&p=925
in addition to a Wehman, a Kodak Masterview, a Zone VI, a Wisner. If possible, see if someone fairly local has any of those cameras so that you could get a look at one.
“You often feel tired, not because you've done too much, but because you've done too little of what sparks a light in you.”
― Alexander Den Heijer, Nothing You Don't Already Know
Deardorff.
If not Deardorff then a Century Universal.
If you'll be working out of a car, then an Agfa/Ansco Universal model(make sure it is a Universal!) Should work nicely for you, especially if it is varnished and has the brass furniture.
I've been using a "beater" dorff for the last 12 years and couldn't be happier!
"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority"---EB White
My 0.05 cents..since I only own one 8*10 and it is still my first one..
I am quite happy with my metal Toyo Field 810M. It is very sturdy, excelent build quality. Has all the movements I need, but this sturdiness comes with a price; weight. Folds quite compact
My model as a double extension and a moderate bellow draw (around 650mm), the 810MII has triple extension and longer bellows.
Best,
Cor
Ok, so for now I'm definitely leaning toward a Deardorff V8. Regarding another camera that I've seen, what are your opinions on Tachihara cameras (8x10 in this case)? Quality, bang for your buck, accessibility to parts and accessories? Give me the rundown please. Thanks!
Can you tell me more about the Century Universal? Why exactly do you recommend it and how does it compare to Deardorff? Thanks.Deardorff.
If not Deardorff then a Century Universal.
Originally Posted by Fragomeni
Like a '55 Chevy Bel-Air parked next to a Toyota Tercel. They'll both get you to town.
That's a good one. I have a beater Dorff for know but at some point want a Ritter for the weight savings. Cameras are like cars everyone thinks theirs is the best.
The Century Universal opens up like a Graphic. It has full movements, although the range of some is rather limited. If I remember correctly, the bellows draw is about
30". Deardorffs are more fashionable, so the Century Universaql price may be much better. Again, though, condition is most important.
+1 for the Wehman lightweight!
I purchased my triple extension Tachihara 810HD in 1992 and have tried working it to death ever since. In that time it has accumulated a few honourable scars but it still looks beautiful enough to attract comment including a genuine ITAH.
The Tachihara has never failed technically and I have never run out camera movements in field, landscape or portrait work. If I was doing still life/close-up/table top work maybe a monorail would be better. If I was an architecture specialist I'd want a bag bellows that the Tachi' does not have.
I've used a Deardorff but the Tachihara is lighter, cheaper, just as capable, and more beautiful. The Deardorff is more robust, heavier, and is a more prestigious article.
Photography:first utterance. Sir John Herschel, 14 March 1839 at the Royal Society. "...Photography or the application of the Chemical rays of light to the purpose of pictorial representation,..".
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