8x10 First shot

[sdwfx]

Hi, just want to share my excitement at finally shooting 8x10.

I've been hesitating to make the jump from 5x7 for a lot of reasons, not to mention the cost.

But finally put down the gavel and get me a "cheap" B&J.

The camera came with a Gundlach Radar Anastigmat f/4.5 and one 8x10 film holder. As complete as this camera is, it is obvious that at one time, this is a user. Both front and back extension are present and in good shape. The standard focusing gears are quite heavy to turn, need to see what I can do about it (advice welcome).



And thanks to Robert Zeichner, who generously offered a pack of Kodak Plus-X in respond to my WTB ad here, I was able to test this camera over the weekend:



I just want to say that even though I'm not a newbie when it comes to LF, composing with a 8x10 ground glass is a new and wonderful experience for me

Another question: what would you guys recommend if I'm to get a wood tripod for this camera?

[jeroldharter]

Ries wood tripods are the best. Berlebach are good and less expensive. Both are currently in production. You can also find older Zone VI wooden tripods which are heavy and solid.

[Armin Seeholzer]

Congrats on the B&J and now you also can come into the group of red bellows group in facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=121802762979

Cheers Armin

[Steven Barall]

That's a really beautiful photograph. I would love to see more. Thank you very much.

[jp]

Nice photo!

I've got a B&J 8x10 also, like that, but stripped of gray paint and polyurethaned. I like it enough I have recently purchased and not yet received a gray 8x10 B&J rembrandt as well.


You are lucky to get the front extension piece as well. I don't really consider the rear extension to be an extension piece, as it folds upwards and protects the groundglass. There should be a little metal latch that keeps it that way in storage/transport.

As far as the focusing, make sure the focusing isn't locked. I think there is a lever for tightening the position of the rear standard. Also squirt a little lithium grease (spray can, not cardboard tube) into the gears that go along the track. Prior lubricants might be gummed up on the aluminum track too, and that might need some cleaning.

[Steve M Hostetter]

hello,

a good reason for a stiff focus on this camera type is do to a tight fitting standard which is good...especially if you intend to use big heavy glass down the road

stephen

[ComicDom1]

Congrats on shooting your 8x10. I hope to shoot mine soon. I have a Century No. 2 and I also bought a Cambo Legend.

Jason