I agree that it is entirely possible to put together an 8x10 kit for under $1,000 but it would be close. I've seen old 8x10s on ebay for under $500.00, if they are in working order or not would be the biggest issue. If you are a wood worker or have a friend who is, old woodies are pretty basic. The bellows and all those odd bits of hardware are probably the most expensive or complicated components to fix/repair. A Bender 8x10 kit would probably be your best bet unless you knew of an old 8x10 personally and could either inspect it yourself or have someone who knows something about lf inspect it--- and maybe shoot a few sheets in it as well. Other expensive components would be the lens and the tripod. Fortunately, there are plenty of old 12" and 14" Commercial Ektars out there, as well as wollensaks, tessars, and ilex paragons that will give you good to excellent performance in the $250-350 price range. Your can get barrel lenses even cheaper, but unless you have them mounted in a shutter you might not enjoy using one. Assuming your lens has a working shutter, a CLA by a highly recommended shutter repair shop would probably be in order but not you could probably put that off for awhile. You can use your light meter from your 35mm SLR if you have one, make your own dark cloth, and use inexpensive trays for developing and an inexpensive 8x agfa loupe for focusing too, that leaves a tripod and double cut film holders, both of which are available used. Get the sturdiest tripod you can find/afford! For holders, used wooden ones are availabe costing about $35-40 for two or three. Test them for light leaks by loading them with 8x10 enlarging paper and leaving them out in a brightly lit room. Return any that leak light to the place you bought them for a replacement (new liscos are about $120 for two new so going used offers a substantial savings if the used holders are usable)For cheap film, chemicals and paper get in touch with Freestyle Sales. Arista film and paper is good stuff and about as cheap as you'll find, they also have NACCO chemicals which are popular with high schools. They are very economical and are easy to mix liquids. I think freestyle also has good prices on Lee filters you might want to keep in mind for the future. Lets see , what did I leave out? A safe light? Try GE Guide night lights, two for about a buck at the drugstore. If you can get a good deal on the tripod and lens I think you'll be in the under $1000 price but it'll be close. Of course it will also be a heck of a lot of fun! GO FOR IT!
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