Should I take the wallet out for a 8x10 Burke and James field camera ?

[chopsteeks]

Run into a vintage Burke and James 8x10 field camera. Asking price is $100.00. Bellows looks great, has the 8x10 ground glass. No lens board though. Is this an ok buy ?

Any advice on what else to inspect with this camera as I have very little knowledge of this model.

Thanks.

[Brian Ellis]

Either the seller is ignorant or there are some problems with the camera. B&J cameras weren't the best made but an 8x10 field in good shape should sell for much more than $100, I'd guess $600 at a minimum.

[Alan Gales]

If it's in good shape it's a steal like Brian says.

[cdholden]

Check the corners and folds in the bellows to look for pinholes. Take it in a darkroom and run a bright flashlight all around, pointing out, to find the holes easier.
Make sure everything locks down tight as it should, and everything moves as it should.

[Ari]

Buy! Buy!
Why don't I ever find deals like this?
If you can try before you buy, that would be preferable.
It's only $100, but still, it's $100.

[ic-racer]

Could be an excellent deal. However, keep your wallet out. Your first batch of film is likely to cost as much as the camera

[MIke Sherck]

That's a very good price for a working 8x10 B&J. If the bellows aren't falling apart, that is! (Hint: they make duct tape in red... that's held my 5x7 B&J's bellows together for the past couple of years. I'll get around to making a new bellows one of these decades...)

Oh, and lens boards for this camera are very easy to make.

Mike

[evan clarke]

More than the camera..and holders!

[IanG]

If you don't want it at $100 then someone else will I would except potsge to the UK would add rather a lot.

Lens boards are easy to make, in fact I'm about to make some later today for a LF reflex camera.

Ian

[John Kasaian]

If you want to shoot 8x10 and the camera is in good condition, it sounds like a heck of a deal. Does it come with any film holders?