A dream 8x10" LF camera setup for environmental portraiture

[r.e.]

It's interesting to see that Avedon used a 8x10 Deardorff outside but a Sinar P in the studio.

If you're referring to the American West series, one has to wonder whether the use of a Deardorff was part of the show. He knew that he was being photographed photographing for an eventual book. Maybe, just maybe, using an iconic American wooden camera was part of the schtick

[Frank Petronio]

Yeah I imagine he did, since he traveled with a ton of gear and several assistants. He had assistants loading the camera so he didn't have to worry about shaking anything.

[Greg Y]

I've got both, Chamonix & Deardorff (albeit in 5x7) and focusing with the Deardorff is way faster.....(doesn't matter for lanscapes)....but I always default to the Deardorff for portraits.

[r.e.]

I suspect that Avedon would have used his Sinar or a Linhof were it not for the nature of the shoot. Curious now about whether he used a wooden or metal tripod. I don't have the American West book handy (my copy is currently in a small village in rural Newfoundland). Perhaps others do.

[Greg Y]

I have the "Avedon at Work" book kicking around here somewhere.....Metal tripod, big one....maybe a Majestic ....if my memory serves me right.

[r.e.]

I have the "Avedon at Work" book kicking around here somewhere.....Metal tripod, big one....maybe a Majestic ....if my memory serves me right.

Would be interesting, but not the book about the American West project.

[Thom Bennett]

I use a Deardorff but, if I had to do it all over again, I'd get a Kodak Master. Very similar to the Deardorff's as far as movements but its a metal camera and not prissy at all. I like the quick setup of the folding cameras. I like Fuji lenses FWIW.

[richard brown]

If you don't necessarily want a folder but rather a very sturdy monorail.... might I make a suggestion. I posted my Fatif 8x10 camera here... and was asking $700. Since there are members here that seem to know you and like you and I would love to encourage another photographer you can have the Fatif for $500US plus shipping and paypal. Comes with a recessed board, longer rail,great condition and serious weight. But sliding in a holder makes no difference when this baby is tied down. Plus it looks impressive to your portrait subjects.
If you want it check the search function or i will try and bump it.... but either way have fun with the portraits. I am planning a few over the winter.
All the best with your pursuits.
Richard

[Armin Seeholzer]

My Burke & James is it for me, I can really use long lenses with it!

Cheers Armin

[Nicole BM]

Wow, thank you all very much for such a quick reply! Nice to see familiar faces!

My old Hasseblad 501cm with the one and only 80mm lens has been my baby for many years and ultimately I'd like to have a similar end result using the 8x10" - with probably an old uncoated lens.

I keep my gear simple: one camera, one lens, natural light. Hoping to achieve the same in LF - except all the other stuff that comes with the one LF camera and one lens